"Ensure Flow of Energy and Commerce": India Urges Dialogue Between US And Iran

The war between Iran and the U.S. has broken out again, with U.S. President Donald Trump claiming the temporary deal meant to prevent the war with Tehran is essentially dead. Senior Iranian official Ali Akbar Velayati hit back at Washington for its attempts to stir up instability in the Gulf and warned the U.S. of a response if it persists in provoking Iran.

The appeal followed renewed worries about a wider regional war, which have intensified concerns about shipping and international trade routes in the region, as well as maritime security.

India Raises Concern Over Escalating Situation

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) in a statement on Wednesday said that the ongoing incidents such as attacks related to commercial shipping in international waterways could pose a risk to regional peace and stability.

"India is deeply concerned over the recent attacks and escalation of tensions in West Asia, which have followed fresh targeting of commercial shipping transiting international waterways in the region," the MEA said.

"These developments risk undermining regional peace, security and stability."

The government added that if the fighting spreads, it could have "wide-ranging implications for the region and the world's economy.

MEA Calls for De-escalation and Protection of Civilians

India had asked all those affected by the conflict to refrain from taking any further military action and ensure the safety of civilians. It also highlighted the importance of ensuring continuous energy supply and business activities, especially on major international shipping lanes.

"India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians as well as the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and commerce," the MEA said.

The world would benefit from stability in West Asia as it is important for the stability of global trade, maritime security and energy markets, India has been saying for years.

Diplomacy Remains the Only Way Forward

The MEA restated that the most effective way to address the crisis and its potential further escalation is through dialogue.

"We urge the parties to return to dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict," it said.

India has been strongly calling for diplomatic solution to regional conflicts and highlighted the need to protect international shipping lanes and the global energy supply chains.

Trump Signals More Military Action Against Iran

India's response came just hours after the United States President, Donald Trump, said that "additional measures" against Iran would be in store if the U.S. "fails to act decisively and aggressively".

Trump said on the sidelines of the NATO summit in the Turkish capital of Ankara that the U.S. has conducted overnight strikes on Iranian targets and that further strikes could be possible.

"We hit them very hard last night. We'll probably hit them hard again tonight," Trump said.

Trump insisted the strikes were in response to an Iranian attack on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, where he said Tehran was launching drones and missiles against commercial vessels. He also reiterated previous warnings of strikes against civilian targets in Iran, such as power plants and desalination plants, as well as the strategically important oil-export terminal at Kharg Island.

The new developments have raised fears over the stability of the region, and there has been concern that if the conflict continues it could have a negative impact on global energy markets and international trade.