Kalaburagi, June 23 -- Amid the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday stressed the need for global peace and called on all nations to refrain from interfering in the affairs of "sovereign and democratic" countries.

Emphasising India's longstanding ties with Iran, Kharge noted that the country has consistently supported India in difficult times, including at international forums such as the United Nations on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Kharge said, "We want peace in the world. Iran is our neighbour and always stands with us in tough times. We have trade relations with Iran, and we import crude oil from them. When the question of J-K was raised...