As tensions between Israel and Iran reached critical levels following Israel’s aggressive military operation targeting Iran's nuclear program, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reached out to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 13, 2025. The call, which came amid a wave of deadly strikes and retaliatory threats, focused on the evolving security situation in the Middle East, particularly the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.

PM Modi Receives Briefing from Netanyahu

Confirming the phone call, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter):

"Received a phone call from PM Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation. I shared India's concerns and emphasised the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region."

The call highlights India’s strategic balancing act in the region, maintaining strong ties with Israel while advocating for peace and non-escalation, especially in sensitive geopolitical climates involving nuclear tensions.

Israel Launches 'Operation Rising Lion'

The background to the conversation was the massive Israeli military offensive, codenamed Operation Rising Lion, launched just hours earlier. The operation reportedly targeted critical Iranian infrastructure, including:

• Nuclear facilities

• Missile installations

• Military command centers

According to Israeli reports, the strikes resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian military officials and prominent nuclear scientists, including:

• General Amir Ali Hajizadeh – Commander of Iran's Aerospace Force

• Major General Mohammad Bagheri – Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces

• Major General Hossein Salami – IRGC Commander

• Major General Gholam Ali Rashid – Senior strategist

• Fereydoun Abbasi – Former head of Iran's Atomic Energy Organization

• Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, along with other notable nuclear scientists like Abdulhamid Minouchehr, Ahmadreza Zolfaghari, Seyyed Amirhossein Faqhi, and Motlabizadeh

The scale and precision of the attacks signaled Israel’s intent to halt or at least significantly delay Iran’s nuclear advancement, a longstanding concern shared by several Western and regional allies.

Iran Vows Severe Retaliation

In response to what it termed “an act of war,” Iran issued strong warnings, promising unrestricted retaliation. A statement from the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff read:

“Now that the terrorist regime occupying Al-Quds (Jerusalem) has crossed all red lines… there are no limits in responding to this crime.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also made a televised appearance, warning that Israel would face severe punishment. He condemned the Israeli attack as a flagrant act of aggression and authorized the military to retaliate decisively and broadly.

Additionally, the Iranian military threatened the United States, warning that both Washington and Tel Aviv “will pay dearly” if any further action escalates the situation.

Trump Urges Nuclear Deal with Iran

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the crisis, using his platform Truth Social to encourage Iran to reconsider a nuclear agreement with the United States.

“I gave Iran chance after chance to make a deal,” Trump posted. “I told them it would be much worse than anything they know, anticipated, or were told... There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter… come to an end.”

His comments came as Washington faced increasing pressure to clarify its stance amid growing fears of an all-out regional war, especially with its long-standing alliance with Israel and the fragile status of the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA).

India’s Strategic Concerns and Regional Diplomacy

India’s response, voiced through PM Modi’s call for peace, reflects New Delhi’s consistent policy of promoting regional stability and non-interventionist diplomacy. India has strategic interests with both Iran and Israel—ranging from energy security and trade routes through Iran to defense and technology cooperation with Israel.

India is also one of the largest importers of oil from the region, and any escalation could adversely affect its energy supply chains and economic stability. Furthermore, millions of Indian expatriates live in the Middle East, raising humanitarian concerns in the event of a prolonged conflict.

Impact on Global Geopolitics and Security

The Israel-Iran conflict, especially involving direct strikes on nuclear facilities, has global ramifications. The United Nations has called for an emergency session, and IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) has expressed concern over radiological risks from the airstrikes.

World powers including Russia and China have condemned the Israeli strikes, terming them illegal and destabilizing. Western nations, although cautious, have not explicitly criticized Israel but have called for de-escalation and diplomacy.

Conclusion

The phone call between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu underscores the growing urgency for diplomatic intervention amidst escalating military action in the Middle East. With high-profile assassinations, the threat of nuclear fallout, and unrestricted retaliation promised by Iran, the situation is teetering on the edge of a regional war that could draw in global powers.

India’s neutral yet strategic position might offer a rare diplomatic bridge between conflicting blocs, but the path to peace remains uncertain as both Israel and Iran stand firm in their positions. In the coming days, the international community’s response, including potential back-channel diplomacy and multilateral summits, will be crucial in determining whether the region descends into deeper chaos or steps back from the brink.

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