13 March,2026 05:16 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
S Jaishankar. File Pic
The Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) Fact Check Unit has dismissed as false a claim circulating on social media alleging that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected Prime Minister Narendra Modi's request to allow Indian ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a clarification, the MEA stated that the viral claim is completely fake and has no basis in fact. The MEA urged citizens to remain cautious and not fall for misleading information being shared online.
According to the MEA's Fact Check Unit, social media posts had claimed that Iran refused India's request regarding the passage of Indian vessels through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The posts also alleged that Iran had adopted a policy barring entry to countries allied with the United States and Israel, specifically mentioning India.
However, the MEA has categorically denied these claims, stating that no such decision or communication has been made by Iran.
The ministry has advised the public to verify information from official sources before sharing it further.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday night spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian over the phone and discussed the "serious situation" in West Asia.
PM Modi expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions in the region and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure.
The prime minister told the Iranian President that the safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities.
"Had a conversation with Iranian President, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, to discuss the serious situation in the region. Expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions and the loss of civilian lives as well as damage to civilian infrastructure," PM Modi said in a post on X.
The prime minister also reiterated India's commitment to peace and stability and urged dialogue and diplomacy to end the crisis.
Notably, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping passage through which India's substantial energy imports come.
Two days back, a bulk oil carrier sailing to India was fired upon by Iranian forces as it was trying to cross through the Strait of Hormuz.
The prime minister had spoken to leaders of several West Asian countries in the last 10 days in the wake of the coordinated offensive launched against Iran by the United States and Israel, in which the Islamic country's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed last month.
In retaliation, Iran has fired drones and missiles at Israel and US military installations around the Gulf region, including the global business and aviation hubs of Dubai and Doha.
