India Says US‑Israel Strikes on Iran Expose Failed Diplomacy, Adds to Regional Tensions

India Assesses Iran Strikes: Khamenei “Always US Target,” Diplomatic Channels Failed

Indian government sources have said that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in coordinated military strikes, had long been a target for the United States and Israel. These sources highlighted that backchannel talks in the Middle East aimed at reviving the nuclear deal had collapsed just days before the attack.

Top officials told News18 that while India’s internal security remains stable, there are growing concerns over rising global energy prices. Analysts warn that continued escalation could drive crude prices higher, potentially affecting the global economy.

The US-Israel strikes reportedly involved over 30 bombs targeting a high-level leadership summit, successfully striking Khamenei and key members of his inner circle. Sources said the attack followed the dramatic failure of nuclear negotiations in Geneva, mediated by Oman only the previous week. They noted that the US had long viewed Khamenei as the principal obstacle to regional security and a barrier to limiting Iran’s nuclear program. “He was never a negotiable option,” the sources added.

The Geneva talks reportedly broke down over major disagreements on uranium enrichment, dismantling of nuclear sites, and transfer of nuclear materials. While the US demanded the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capabilities beyond civilian use, Iran rejected these demands, leading to the collapse of diplomacy and paving the way for military action.

Precautionary Measures in Jammu & Kashmir

In India, authorities have taken preemptive steps to maintain order. Sakina Itoo announced that all schools and colleges in Jammu and Kashmir would remain closed temporarily. Protests in Srinagar have largely remained peaceful, with participants carrying black flags, portraits of Khamenei, and chanting traditional mourning prayers (nauha). Demonstrations were also reported outside the UNMOGIP headquarters and at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where the All India Shia Council expressed solidarity with mourners and condemned the attacks.

In Lucknow, Shia groups, led by Nisar Hussain Hyder Agha of the All India Shia Majalis-E-Ulema-Wa-Zakireen, protested against the strikes, calling them acts of aggression.

Violence in Pakistan

The response in Pakistan was more severe. In Karachi, demonstrations against the US consulate turned violent, with protesters attempting to storm the compound. Security forces opened fire, resulting in more than 10 fatalities.