UPDATE - India urges 'restraint' as US, Israel attack Iran, calls for respect to 'territorial integrity'

​​​​​​​ADDS INDIAN FOREIGN MINISTER HOLDS CALLS WITH GULF COUNTERPARTS

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) - India on Saturday urged "restraint" as the US and Israel attacked Iran, calling for respect to the "territorial integrity" of all states.

In a statement, the External Affairs Ministry said the South Asian nation is “deeply concerned” at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region

“We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritize the safety of civilians,” it said.

The statement said that dialogue and diplomacy should be "pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues.”

“Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected,” it added.

On Saturday morning, as explosions rocked Tehran and Israel announced "preemptive" strikes against Iran, US President Donald Trump announced launch of "major combat operations" in Iran.

Tehran accused the US and Israel of military aggression, calling the strikes a violation of its sovereignty and a breach of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter.

Stressing the right to self-defense under the UN Charter, Iran said it had prioritized diplomacy to prevent war but “the time has now come to defend the homeland,” and that the armed forces would respond in a “decisive and powerful manner.”

The Indian ministry also said its diplomatic missions in the region "are in touch with Indian nationals” and have issued “appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant, stay in contact with the Missions, and follow local security guidance.”

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- Indian top diplomat holds calls with Gulf counterparts

Separately, Indian Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar spoke to his Gulf counterparts, including from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

He expressed "concern" about the escalating situation, and underlined “India’s stakes in regional peace and stability and in the welfare of the Indian community.”

Jaishankar also spoke to the foreign ministers of Iran and Israel.

Regarding his call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Jaishankar said he “shared India’s deep concern at the recent developments in Iran and the region.”

In a call with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, Jaishankar said he reiterated "India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions."