Viral pic with PM Modi, Mojtaba death rumours: Iran's Pezeshkian gets candid

The remark by Pezeshkian is part of a broader interview with India Today's Group Editor (Foreign Affairs) Geeta Mohan. The full interview will be aired at 8 pm.

It comes against the backdrop of the US and Iran resuming tit-for-tat strikes following a brief pause in fighting for much of August. Despite the conflict, India has maintained a cordial relationship with Iran while maintaining strategic and trade ties with Gulf nations -.

What Happened

Pezeshkian underlined that Iran was working to strengthen ties with India on a daily basis, drawing on the countries' long-standing cultural links. India and Iran share deep cultural relations and a long history.

• Pezeshkian's visit to India for the BRICS Summit is his first since assuming the presidency in 2024.

• At the heart of the renewed hostilities lies control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which 20% of the global energy flows.

• The remark was seen as a jab at Donald Trump's policies.

Key Details

Pezeshkian underlined that stronger cooperation between Tehran and New Delhi could help counter "growing totalitarianism" in the world - a veiled swipe at the US. Amid fervent speculation surrounding Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Pezeshkian clarified that he was very much alive and.

• On Friday, Pezeshkian urged the grouping to create an environment where no country could disrupt the "legitimate trade" of others.

• UAE and Saudi Arabia, countries which have faced the brunt of Iran's retaliatory strikes, are also members of the expanded BRICS bloc.

• It will put India's diplomacy to the test as it tries to get a consensus for the joint declaration.

Why It Matters

The US has targeted most of our leaders. Mojtaba took over as Iran's Supreme Leader after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier in February killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and most of his immediate family.

• The US has renewed its strikes, the Strait of Hormuz remains in a state of flux, and Iran's ties with the Gulf are at an all-time low.

• Pezeshkian's visit to India for the BRICS Summit comes at a crucial time.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge