Trump-Modi Discuss Middle East Tensions & Hormuz Strait Crisis | Iran Security Council Chief Appointed
Washington D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by telephone with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, focusing on escalating tensions in Western Asia and the critical situation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s office.
The conversation occurred as indications emerged of potential progress in peace talks involving Iran and the possibility of an end to the conflict between the U.S. And Israel. Trump emphasized to Modi the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route, open, the Prime Minister stated.
Prime Minister Modi confirmed the call via his official X account, stating, “We exchanged views on the situation in West Asia. India supports the earliest possible restoration of peace and de-escalation of conflicts in the region. It is essential that the Strait of Hormuz remains secure for the global good. We decided to work together for peace and stability.”
Concurrent with the diplomatic exchange, Iran appointed Solatdar Mohammad Bagher Solatdar as the new Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, replacing Ali Larijani. Solatdar, a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and previously Secretary of the Expediency Council, also served as a Deputy Minister of Security in the Ministry of Interior. His appointment follows the death of Ali Larijani, who was killed in an Israeli strike. Solatdar is described as a staunch supporter of the Iranian government and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, holding conservative positions, and is expected to exert significant influence on Iran’s security policies and foreign affairs decisions.
In Kuwait, air defense systems intercepted missile and drone attacks targeting critical electricity infrastructure. While missile debris fell and deactivated seven major power distribution lines, authorities confirmed the situation was under control, with only partial power outages reported across the country. The Ministry of Electricity and Water spokesperson, Engineer Fatima Jawahar Hayat, stated that the situation is fully contained. The Ministry also clarified that reports circulating on social media regarding scheduled power restrictions were related to old news from 2024 and urged the public not to be alarmed by misinformation.
News agencies reported, citing Israeli officials, that Trump is preparing to reach an understanding with Iran. The U.S. Is reportedly seeking controls over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. These discussions are ongoing, even as the U.S. And Israel conducted a joint attack on Iran on February 28th. Trump had previously stated that attacks on Iranian energy facilities would cease for five days. He had earlier warned that if Iran did not open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, energy centers would be targeted, a position he later modified. Iranian media outlets have disputed Trump’s statements. Neither Israel nor the U.S. Has officially commented on the reports.
Iran has threatened to deploy widespread mines in the Persian Gulf should a ground war erupt, potentially halting all shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. While Trump has stated there are currently no plans for a ground war, Israel maintains it is prepared for one.
On Monday, a United Nations peacekeeping office in Lebanon was shelled, and Hezbollah launched a significant attack against Israel. Iranian missiles were reportedly intercepted over central Israel, and missile fragments caused damage in Ashkelon, southern Israel.