Representational.
New Delhi: Iran’s confrontation with the United States and Israel has turned into what Tehran describes as an existential war, according to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue and later to reporters, he said Iran believes the military actions against it were based on false allegations and that the country has no choice but to defend itself as the conflict in West Asia intensifies, PTI reported.
Khatibzadeh warned that targeting the head of a sovereign state sets a dangerous global precedent. The United States launched military strikes on February 28 that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an action Tehran considers a serious violation of international law. He argued that such actions undermine diplomatic norms and threaten the foundations of international relations.
Following the strike, Iran launched retaliatory attacks mainly targeting Israel and American military bases across several Gulf countries. Khatibzadeh said Iran’s resistance is aimed at defending its sovereignty and that the country would respond firmly to what it views as reckless and unlawful aggression.
He also criticised Washington’s stance on leadership change in Iran, accusing the United States of advocating democracy domestically while attempting to interfere in other countries’ political systems.
Addressing the sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka, Khatibzadeh described the incident as a grave escalation. The frigate had been returning from the Milan multilateral naval exercise hosted by India and was reportedly in a ceremonial, non-combat configuration. According to him, the vessel was unarmed and unloaded when it was attacked, resulting in the deaths of at least 87 Iranian sailors. He said the incident represented a serious breach of international law and warned that such an attack could not remain unanswered.
Khatibzadeh also emphasised Iran’s efforts to prevent the conflict from spreading further across the region. He said Iran has not closed the Strait of Hormuz, noting that disruptions to shipping are largely due to insurers refusing coverage amid rising tensions. He further highlighted the historical and cultural ties between Iran and India and stressed the importance Tehran places on maintaining strong bilateral relations.