India Can Help Defuse West Asia Crisis, Says Iran Envoy as Trump Pushes Fresh Talks

New Delhi: Amid rising tensions in West Asia, Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, has said New Delhi is well-positioned to play a constructive role in easing the ongoing crisis involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Highlighting India’s diplomatic balance, Fathali noted that New Delhi maintains strong relations across all sides of the conflict, making it a credible and trusted intermediary. “India can play a positive and effective role in lowering tensions and encouraging dialogue,” he said in an interaction with NDTV, describing India as a key Global South power capable of bridging divides.

He underscored that India’s long-standing strategic and historical ties with multiple stakeholders give it the leverage to reduce misunderstandings and reopen diplomatic channels at a critical moment.

The remarks come shortly after US President Donald Trump held a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the escalating Iran situation, which has raised alarm over global energy security.

In a post on X, Modi said the two leaders exchanged views on the West Asia crisis, stressing the need for immediate de-escalation. He also highlighted the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and secure, calling it vital for global trade and energy flows. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact on efforts to restore peace and stability.

Meanwhile, Trump is said to be exploring a renewed diplomatic outreach towards Iran. In a notable shift, he has ordered a temporary suspension of planned US strikes on Iranian energy facilities, giving a five-day window for negotiations. The US President described the ongoing talks as “constructive,” while signalling that further decisions would depend on progress made.

Despite the diplomatic overtures, Tehran remains cautious. Iran has reportedly resumed attacks targeting Israel and parts of the Gulf, including an incident that sparked a fire at Kuwait International Airport, underscoring the fragile security situation in the region.

Trump confirmed that US officials are in contact with Iranian counterparts, though details of the backchannel discussions remain undisclosed.

As tensions simmer, calls for diplomatic intervention are growing louder—with India increasingly seen as a potential stabilising force in a volatile geopolitical landscape.