New Delhi, March 1: Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, has reported that hundreds of innocent Iranian citizens were killed in large-scale attacks by the United States and Israel on Saturday. He confirmed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pajehshikian are safe and in good health.
In an interview, Fathali stated that the attacks represent a clear violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He alleged that one of the assaults resulted in the deaths of over 50 schoolgirls at a girls’ school in Minab.
“Iran has neither initiated a war nor desires one. However, exercising its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iran will respond decisively to aggression. Our response will be proportional to the actions of the aggressors. Any further escalation will be the responsibility of the attackers,” he said.
Regarding reports targeting the Supreme Leader and the Presidential office, the ambassador assured that both leaders are completely secure according to official security agencies.
Fathali emphasized that Ayatollah Khamenei is not only a political leader but also a religious guide for Shia Muslims worldwide, inspiring millions. Any attack against him would have serious and far-reaching consequences, for which the US and Israel would be held accountable.
Amidst the potential for retaliatory strikes by Iran against Israel, Fathali discussed the possibility of backchannel diplomacy. He noted that Iran had engaged in talks with the US in recent months, expressing a desire to resolve differences through political means.
However, he accused the US of opting for military action instead of dialogue. “When the other side speaks the language of war, the response will be on that battlefield. Iran will deliver a harsh and painful response under legitimate self-defense, altering the security dynamics of the region,” he stated.
On the safety of Indian students and professionals in Iran, he mentioned that there have been no official reports of any Indian casualties thus far. Iranian authorities have issued necessary safety advisories and guidelines for all foreign nationals, including Indians. Should evacuation be necessary, Iran will fully cooperate with the Indian government.
Addressing reports of explosions in other Gulf countries, the ambassador clarified that Iran has not attacked any regional nation. He warned that if Iran is attacked on its territory, US military bases in the region would be considered legitimate targets. He also urged regional countries not to allow their territories or airspace to be used for attacks against Iran.
The ambassador reiterated that Iran’s goal is not to escalate war but to prevent further aggression and restore its defensive capabilities.
