Jaishankar speaks to Iran FM, raises concerns over commercial shipping attacks amid Middle East tensions

Sharing details of the conversation on X, Jaishankar wrote: "Had a tele-conversation with FM @araghchi of Iran this evening. Conveyed our deep concerns at the ongoing hostilities in the region."

He added: "Strongly urged that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers be avoided under any circumstance. India condemns any such attack by any party."

Jaishankar's remarks came amid a surge in missile and drone attacks targeting commercial merchant vessels in conflict-hit maritime regions, raising concerns over the safety of international shipping and global trade.

Emphasising the need for diplomacy, the minister said: "Was apprised of Iran’s perspective of current developments and discussions underway. India is always supportive of dialogue and diplomacy."

Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it has redirected dozens of commercial vessels while maintaining an extensive naval and aerial surveillance presence across the Middle East.

In a post on X, CENTCOM said: "A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon approaches a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker for refueling while patrolling the Middle East. The P-8 is a specialized reconnaissance aircraft that is among the many assets monitoring regional waters during America's blockade against Iran. As of July 30, CENTCOM forces have redirected 24 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2 to ensure full compliance."

Earlier, on July 29, CENTCOM said its forces carried out a large-scale wave of strikes against Iranian targets in response to what it described as recent attempted missile attacks on U.S. forces in the region.

"CENTCOM assets struck dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets in Iran, including military command centers, missile and drone facilities, coastal surveillance and defense sites, and maritime capabilities," the command said in an official statement.

According to CENTCOM, on July 28, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched multiple ballistic missiles in an attempted surprise attack on U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East. The U.S. military claimed all of the missiles were successfully intercepted.

CENTCOM also said that more than 50,000 U.S. service members are currently deployed across the Middle East and remain "highly vigilant, focused, lethal, and ready" amid heightened regional tensions.