India on Wednesday expressed concern over the renewed escalation in West Asia, urging all parties to exercise restraint and return to dialogue to prevent the conflict from widening.The US had earlier in the day launched fresh ‘strikes’ against Iran in retaliation to Tehran’s attack on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. MB Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, termed the US attacks as ‘Major Violations of the MoU by the US’.The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the latest developments threatened regional peace and stability and stressed the need to protect civilians as well as ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and global commerce.”India is deeply concerned over the recent attacks and escalation of tensions in West Asia, which have followed fresh targeting of commercial shipping transiting international waterways in the region,” the MEA said.Calling for immediate de-escalation, the ministry urged all sides to exercise restraint and pursue “dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict.”The statement comes amid renewed tensions involving the United States and Iran after attacks on commercial vessels transiting strategic maritime routes reignited fears of a broader regional conflict.The latest developments have also heightened concerns over the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor that carries a substantial share of the world’s oil supplies.For India, stability in West Asia remains a strategic priority.The region supplies a significant portion of the country’s crude oil requirements and is home to a large Indian expatriate community. Any prolonged disruption to shipping lanes or energy supplies could have implications for India’s energy security, trade and the welfare of millions of Indian nationals living and working across the Gulf.New Delhi has consistently advocated diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts in West Asia while maintaining close ties with all major regional stakeholders.