EAM discusses W Asia with Israeli & Oz FMs

Tel Aviv/New Delhi

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday held separate telephonic conversations with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong to discuss the evolving security situation in West Asia. 

During the talks, Jaishankar and the two leaders exchanged views on the regional conflict, with the conversation with Sa'ar specifically focusing on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Had a telecon this afternoon with Israel FM Gideon Sa'ar. Our discussion covered different aspects of the West Asia situation," EAM Jaishankar posted on X. Sa'ar stated that he told EAM Jaishankar that the US' stance in the negotiations that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons is important for the international community.

"A good conversation, as always, with my friend, India's Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar. We discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon. I said that the firm American stance in the negotiations on conditions that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons (no enrichment in Iran, removal of enriched material from Iran) is critical for the entire international community," the Israeli Foreign Minister posted on X after the call.

"I also said that Iran's harm to freedom of navigation and the global economy through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz requires action that will ensure the freedom of navigation for all countries, including India and our friends in the Gulf," he added.

The Strait of Hormuz, which links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is one of the world's most critical oil transit routes, carrying nearly a fifth of global oil shipments. The talks between two ministers took place amid tense security situation in the region after negotiations between the US and Iranian officials failed to produce an agreement.