New Delhi [India], March 7 (ANI): Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, denounced recent military strikes by the United States and Israel, saying the escalation reflects a deeper clash of values rather than a simple territorial dispute.
Speaking in New Delhi after reports of strikes on Iranian interests, Fathali described the situation as a moral confrontation. “What is happening today is not simply a political or military conflict. This strike is a continuation of the strike between truth and falsehood,” he said.
The ambassador framed the conflict as two opposing worldviews. “On one side, there is human dignity, justice and the right of nations to live freely and independently. On the other side are oppression, injustice and domination,” he said, arguing that recent US and Israeli actions illustrate that injustice and threaten global sovereignty.
Calling the strikes “brutal military aggression,” Fathali maintained that the attacks target not only Iran but also international law, human dignity and nations’ rights to determine their own futures. Emphasising Iranian resolve, he said, “We, the people of Iran, clearly declare that on this path we will either achieve victory or reach martyrdom. For us, both are honour and happiness.”
The comments came as US Central Command announced a significant escalation of operations, saying thousands of strikes have been carried out inside Iran over the past week. In a post on X, the command reported that “U.S. forces have struck over 3,000 targets in the first week of Operation Epic Fury, and we are not slowing down.”
Parallel to the military campaign, former US President Donald Trump declared that there would be “no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender.” On Truth Social, he said Tehran must capitulate before diplomatic talks can proceed, and suggested Washington and its allies would only accept Iran after its leadership yields and is replaced by “great & acceptable leader(s).” He added that the US and partners would work to rebuild Iran afterward, using the slogan “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!).” His post read in part: “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!… IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE.”
These developments followed a week of extreme volatility after a joint US-Israel strike on 28 February reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Khamenei, and other senior figures, which prompted a strong Iranian response. In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across multiple Arab countries, targeting American bases and Israeli assets, while Israel expanded operations into Lebanon against Hezbollah.
Trump has also expressed a desire to be involved in choosing Iran’s next Supreme Leader. In an interview with Axios, he criticised the possible succession of Mojtaba Khamenei, calling him “unacceptable” and a “lightweight.” Although some reports named Mojtaba, a 56-year-old cleric with IRGC ties, as a frontrunner, Iran’s Consulate General in Mumbai denied reports about potential candidates, saying such reports had no official source.
Violence has continued on the ground. Early Saturday airstrikes struck Tehran, with geolocated footage reviewed by CNN showing Mehrabad Airport on fire and large plumes of smoke. Iran’s state broadcaster reported explosions in eastern and western Tehran shortly after Israel announced new attacks on regime infrastructure. Iran then launched strikes toward Tel Aviv; a CNN team observed explosions in the sky as Israeli air defences intercepted incoming fire.
This cycle of strikes and retaliation has intensified risks to civilians and infrastructure across the Middle East. (ANI)
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