‘Ensure no civilians are harmed’: India says ‘deeply regrets the renewed attacks in West Asia’

India Urges De-escalation Amid Renewed West Asia Tensions

Ensure no civilians are harmed – India has expressed its strong disapproval of recent hostilities in West Asia, emphasizing the need to protect civilian populations. The nation’s foreign ministry called for immediate calm and reaffirmed that peaceful dialogue is essential for resolving the ongoing conflict. This statement follows escalating military actions that have persisted for over 100 days, causing significant humanitarian and economic disruption.

“India deeply regrets the renewed attacks in West Asia. These developments are a matter of utmost concern to the international community,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in an official communication.

The call for peace comes amid intensified operations, including airstrikes on strategic sites and projectile exchanges across the region. New Delhi urged all involved parties to halt hostilities, ensure civilian safety, and finalize negotiations toward a diplomatic resolution.

Oil Prices Climb Amid Regional Escalation

Global oil markets saw a sharp increase on Monday, with prices rising over 4% due to renewed Israeli strikes on Iran and fresh hostilities in Lebanon. Brent crude futures surged by $4.02, or 4.3%, to $97.11 per barrel at 0914 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude also climbed, gaining $3.90, or 4.3%, to $94.44 per barrel.

Analysts linked the price surge to Israel’s targeting of the Mahshahr petrochemical complex in southwestern Iran, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s plea for restraint. Trump reiterated on Truth Social that Israel and Iran should cease “shooting,” as the countries resumed attacks after a two-month ceasefire.

Houthis Claim Attack on Israel

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels announced responsibility for an assault on Israeli territory. They warned of further strikes on Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea, heightening fears for the security of critical maritime routes. The statement was released via Al-Masirah satellite news channel, attributed to Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree.

This threat comes as Saudi Arabia depends on the East-West Pipeline for crude exports through the Red Sea, an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. The Houthis had previously targeted Israeli-linked ships during the Gaza conflict, sinking four vessels and killing nine mariners in over 100 attacks.

Iran accused the United States of enabling the conflict, citing Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei’s remark: “No one believes that the Israeli regime would take any action without coordination with the United States. The United States bears responsibility for the Israeli regime’s aggression.”