Iran’s Araghchi Calls Jaishankar For Fourth Time Amid West Asia Crisis, Discusses BRICS Role

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held his fourth telephonic conversation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday (12 March) night, discussing bilateral matters and BRICS-related issues as the West Asia crisis continues to escalate.

The call marked their latest engagement since tensions erupted following joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran.

Iran's Foreign Ministry highlighted that Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the latest developments and emphasised the need for BRICS to play a constructive role at this juncture in supporting regional and global stability and security.

The Iranian minister underscored the importance of BRICS as a forum for developing multilateral cooperation, deeming it essential for the institution to address the current crisis.

During the conversation, Araghchi stressed Tehran's intention to exercise what it termed its legitimate right to self-defence whilst calling for international condemnation of military aggression against Iran.

Jaishankar expressed India's readiness to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation within regional and international forums, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry statement.

The External Affairs Minister emphasised the importance of finding paths to strengthen sustainable stability and security in the region as a collective necessity.

The conversation followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's discussion with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday evening, during which PM Modi voiced concern over escalating tensions and the loss of civilian lives.

Jaishankar and Araghchi previously spoke on 28 February, 5 March, and 10 March, after the conflict escalated.

The diplomatic engagements come as India intensifies efforts to secure safe passage for 28 merchant vessels currently stationed on either side of the Strait of Hormuz, with the safety of shipping and energy security remaining top priorities for New Delhi.

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