Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian called for an “immediate cessation” of what he described as US-Israeli aggression, seeking an end to the war and wider regional conflict. He also urged the BRICS bloc of major emerging economies to play an independent role in halting aggression against Iran.
Pezeshkian Calls for Ceasefire, BRICS Involvement
Pezeshkian spoke with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi by phone on Saturday, according to a post by Iran’s embassy in India on X.
During the conversation with Modi, Pezeshkian requested guarantees to prevent a recurrence of “aggression” and called on the BRICS nations to intervene. He proposed a regional security framework comprising West Asian countries to ensure peace without foreign interference.
International Reactions and Condemnations
Modi condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the Middle East during his discussion with Pezeshkian, reiterating the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring secure shipping lanes.
Russia also condemned a US-Israeli attack on Iran’s Natanz enrichment facility, calling it a “blatant violation of international law.” The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) urged military restraint to avoid a nuclear incident in the region, reporting no increase in radiation levels following the attack.
Escalating Conflict and Military Actions
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that US-Israeli strikes in Iran “will significantly escalate” this week. Katz affirmed Israel’s determination to continue offensive operations against Iran until all security threats are removed.
Iran reported disrupting military flights with drone strikes on fuel tanks and refuelling jets at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv, forcing Israel to evacuate some personnel. The Israeli military acknowledged an attempt to launch a surface-to-air missile toward an Israeli aircraft in Iranian airspace.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that the conflict was “imposed” on Iran and that Tehran is acting in self-defence, rejecting a ceasefire under current conditions. He called on the international community to pressure the US and Israel to end hostilities and highlighted Japan’s potential role in resolving the crisis.
Recent Attacks and Deployments
Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the US-UK military base Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, though reports indicate they did not hit the base. A residential house in Iran’s coastal city of Ramsar was struck, killing a couple and their child.
The United Arab Emirates intercepted three ballistic missiles and eight drones launched from Iran. Drone attacks also targeted a US base in Baghdad, resulting in the death of an Iraqi officer, as NATO allies scale back their presence in Iraq.
The US military is deploying 2,500 additional Marines to the Middle East, along with the USS Boxer and accompanying warships.
Concerns and Economic Impact
Vital energy infrastructure in Iran and neighbouring Gulf states has been attacked, causing oil prices to jump approximately 50% since the start of the war. United Airlines announced it would cut scheduled flights by 5% in the second and third quarters, anticipating prolonged higher oil prices.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil and gas supplies, has been effectively closed to most shipping. The Trump administration has temporarily waived sanctions to allow the sale of 140 million barrels of Iranian oil stranded on tankers.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that almost two-thirds of Americans believe Trump will order troops into a large-scale ground war, with only 7% supporting such a move.
Leadership and Future Outlook
New Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a message of defiance, raising questions about his condition due to his absence from public appearances. US and Israeli officials believe Iran remains capable of retaliatory attacks despite weeks of bombing.
Trump stated the United States is close to reaching its goals in the war, including degrading Iran’s military and preventing nuclear development, and may wind down military operations. He also criticised NATO allies for declining to help open the Strait of Hormuz.
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