US military plane crashes in Iraq; Iran-backed group claims responsibility

TEHRAN: US military plane crashed in Iraq, said the US Central Command. The KC-135 aircraft, which was being used for refuelling, crashed in Iraqi airspace. The US said the plane was not shot down. No information is available about the crew. There were two planes at the time of the accident. One of them crashed in western Iraq. The second landed safely, the central command said.

However, an Iranian-backed militant group in Iraq claimed responsibility for the crash. The group claimed to have shot down the plane using an air defense system.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed via a social media post that he spoke to Iranian President Massoud Pesekhiyan. He expressed concern over the continuing conflict in the Middle East. Modi also told Pesekhiyan that India prioritizes ensuring the safety of Indians in the region and the smooth movement of goods. India is on the side of peace. He also called for a diplomatic solution to the problem.

Meantime, there are reports that Iran has allowed Indian-flagged ships to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz. However, there is no confirmation on this. Following the Middle East conflict, restrictions were imposed on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. It is also reported that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arrogchi about this.