- By Ajeet Kumar
- Fri, 13 Jun 2025 07:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a diplomatic push to garner international support for Israel's attacks against Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, among many other world leaders, his office said on Friday. "Received a phone call from PM @netanyahu of Israel. He briefed me on the evolving situation. I shared India's concerns and emphasized the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region," PM Modi wrote on social media.
Beginning last night, Netanyahu has held conversations with world leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Indian Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, the Prime Minister's Office said in a brief statement.
Netanyahu is set to speak to Trump
He is due to speak with US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, it added. "The leaders showed understanding for Israel's defence needs in the face of the Iranian threat of annihilation; the Prime Minister said that he would continue to be in contact with them in the coming days," it added.
India on Friday said it is "deeply concerned" over the recent developments between Iran and Israel and "closely monitoring" the evolving situation. New Delhi urged both countries to avoid any escalatory steps. According to international media reports, Israel has carried out strikes at various places in Iran, targeting nuclear and missile sites, and top military officers.
'Operation Rising Lion'
Earlier in the day, Netanyahu announced that Israel has launched 'Operation Rising Lion' - a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat of nuclear weapons to Israel's very survival. He asserted that the operation would continue for "as many days as it takes" to remove this threat. Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets, guided by precise intelligence, struck the Iranian regime's uranium enrichment site in the Natanz area overnight, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Friday."
This is the largest uranium enrichment site in Iran, which has operated for years to achieve nuclear weapons capability and houses the infrastructure required for enriching uranium to military-grade levels," read a statement posted by the IDF on X.
"As part of the strikes, the underground area of the site was damaged. This area contains a multi-story enrichment hall with centrifuges, electrical rooms, and additional supporting infrastructure. In addition, critical infrastructure enabling the site's continuous operation and the Iranian regime's ongoing efforts to obtain nuclear weapons were targeted. We will continue to operate to prevent the Iranian Regime from acquiring nuclear weapons," it detailed further.
India urges both sides to return to negotiations table
India on Friday said that it remains "deeply concerned" at the recent developments between Iran and Israel and is "closely monitoring" the evolving situation, including reports related to attacks on nuclear sites." India urges both sides to avoid any escalatory steps. Existing channels of dialogue and diplomacy should be utilised to work towards a de-escalation of the situation and resolving underlying issues. India enjoys close and friendly relations with both countries and stands ready to extend all possible support. Our Missions in both countries are in contact with the Indian community. All Indian nationals in the region are advised to exercise caution, stay safe and follow local security advisories," mentioned a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
(With inputs from agency)