Iran will welcome any peace initiative by India to normalize tensions with US

Iran will welcome any peace initiative by India aimed at de-escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington after retaliatory attacks from both sides, said Iranian envoy to New Delhi. Ali Chegeni, Iranian Ambassador to India, said that India plays “very good role” in maintaining peace in the world, adding India belongs to the region.

“We welcome all initiatives from all countries, especially India as a good friend for us, to not allow escalation (of tensions)," said Chegeni after condolence meeting at Iran’s Embassy in New Delhi.

India calls for calm and restraint

After Iran’s top military leader Gen Qassem Soleimani was killed by the US forces, India called for calm and restraint over the prevailing situation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, said that the latest escalation in the US-Iran relations has alarmed the world and it is vital that the situation does not escalate further.

“Peace, stability, and security in this region is of utmost importance to India... India has consistently advocated restraint and continues to do so,” said the ministry.

Meanwhile, the latest attack on US bases by Iran has further escalated the tension in the region. Just before Soleimani was buried in Kerman, Iran launched more than a dozen ballistic missiles against US military and coalition forces in Iraq. The US has not revealed the number of casualties yet but Iran’s local media reports claim that around 80 people have been killed in the attacks.

Read: 'Shocked, Saddened': Ashok Gehlot After Ukrainian Plane Crashes In Iran Killing Over 170

Read: India Issues Advisory To Avoid Travel To Iraq Amid US-Iran Tensions

'Bases already on high alert'

However, the Pentagon said that the bases were already on high alert due to Iran’s indication to attack US forces in the region. “As we evaluate the situation and our response, we will take all necessary measures to protect and defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the region,” said Pentagon in a statement.

Hours after the attack, Chief of Staff of Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Bagheri warned the US that Tehran will react with “stronger, more crushing, and broader” response if it tries any new “evil act”. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that Tehran took “proportionate measures” in self-defence under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

Read: High-stakes Decision Looms For Trump In Showdown With Iran

Read: Warren: Americans Don't Want War With Iran

(With inputs from agencies)