PM Modi calls for peace in West Asia, Israel launches fresh wave of strikes on Iran

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for peace amid the escalating West Asia conflict, stating that military conflict is never the solution. Modi held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron on the evolving situation, emphasising the need for dialogue and diplomacy. Israel has conducted its 12th wave of strikes on Iran, targeting the headquarters of special units of the Iranian regime responsible for internal security forces. Iranian media reports claim 1,230 casualties, though no official figure has been confirmed by other countries. The conflict is expanding beyond Iran and Israel, with Turkey intercepting Iranian missiles and Azerbaijan reporting two drone strikes. Russia has warned Europe of potential gas supply cuts, while China has announced plans to send a special envoy to the Middle East. India has condoled the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visiting the Iranian embassy and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaking to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.