Amid rising regional tensions, the Iranian Embassy in India on Thursday assured New Delhi regarding the Strait of Hormuz, emphasising that there is no cause for panic, even as conflict persists and efforts to achieve a ceasefire remain unsuccessful.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategically important waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and, ultimately, the Arabian Sea. It lies between Oman to the southeast and Iran to the north. It is a key route which enables movement of vessels carrying oil and gas across the world from the Gulf nations. Hormuz, however, continues to witness disruptions due to unrest in the Middle East.
“Our Indian friends are in safe hands, no worries,” an X post by the embassy read.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of External Affairs have been in continuous contact with Iranian officials to ensure the safety of Indian nationals and secure safe passage for Indian vessels amid the Gulf conflict.
PM Modi has also maintained regular communication with other Middle Eastern leaders to coordinate efforts and prioritise the protection of Indians in the region.
Trump vows to ‘finish the job’ in Iran
US President Donald Trump delivered a major national address on February 28, marking his first public comments since tensions with Iran escalated. Speaking from the historic Cross Hall at the White House, he said American forces had inflicted a “decisive” blow on Iran’s military.
Trump said the campaign, named Operation Epic Fury, had heavily damaged Iran’s missile systems, drones and weapons facilities. He added that the country’s ability to launch attacks had been “dramatically curtailed.”
The president said the operation is focused on dismantling Iran’s missile infrastructure, weakening its regional allies, and preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. He insisted that the offensive was not about controlling Iran’s oil or natural resources, but rather about protecting US partners in the region.
Trump claimed that Iran had been “essentially decimated” and suggested that key objectives were nearly complete.
