‘Thank You India’ on missiles? Iran’s symbolic message amid Israel strikes

Tehran: Iran has reportedly inscribed messages thanking the “people of India” on missiles launched towards Israel.

Visuals shared online by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai and Iranian state media show personnel from Iran’s Aerospace Force writing notes such as “Thank you to people of India” on missiles using blue markers before launch.

Similar messages were also reportedly directed at people in Spain, Pakistan and Germany, suggesting a broader outreach to countries perceived by Tehran as sympathetic or neutral amid the conflict.

The inscriptions were seen during what Iran described as the 83rd wave of its military campaign, part of Operation True Promise 4, carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), according to Iranian network Press TV.

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The development comes as tensions in the region continue to intensify, with Iran and Israel engaged in sustained exchanges of missile and drone strikes. Israel has recently expanded its operations, targeting what it claims are key Iranian weapons facilities, while warning that attacks will “escalate and expand” if hostilities persist.

The broader conflict has also begun impacting regional stability and global markets. Iran has tightened its grip over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit route handling nearly a fifth of global energy supplies, leading to a surge in crude prices and heightened concerns over supply disruptions for countries like India.

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At the same time, Iran has maintained that certain “friendly nations” will continue to have access to the strategic waterway. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi had earlier said, "We have permitted certain countries that we consider friendly to pass through (Strait of Hormuz). We allowed China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan to transit."

However, he also underscored the wartime stance of Tehran, stating, "We are in a state of war. The region is a war zone, and there is no reason to allow the ships of our enemies and their allies to pass through. But it remains open to others."

Meanwhile, the United States has stepped up pressure on Iran, offering a ceasefire framework while simultaneously deploying additional troops to the region. US President Donald Trump has warned that if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all traffic by April 6, he could order strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure. He has said talks to end the conflict were going “very well,” though Tehran insists it is not engaged in any negotiations.