New Delhi, April 6 — Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali lauded India’s appeal for dialogue and restraint as the West Asia conflict moves into its fifth week, saying New Delhi can play a constructive role in easing tensions.
In an interview with ANI, Fathali described India’s stance as “commendable and responsible” and said Tehran expects independent, freedom-seeking countries to openly condemn what he called the military and aggressive actions of the United States and Israel. He accused those actions of violating Iran’s sovereignty and targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, including schools, universities, hospitals, residential areas and economic facilities.
The ambassador insisted Iran has not sought war and will not be the initiator, but warned that if conflict is imposed on Iran, “the management of its end—in terms of timing, scope, and geography—would be in Iran’s hands.” He characterized Tehran’s responses as legitimate self-defence against external aggression.
Responding to the US extension of a conditional sanctions waiver for Chabahar port until April 26, Fathali argued that economic and development projects—especially major regional initiatives like Chabahar—should not be hampered by unilateral measures or unlawful sanctions. He called Chabahar a strategic project of regional and international importance that enhances connectivity and is particularly important for India’s access to Central Asia. He said Iran remains in continuous contact with India and hopes cooperation on the project will continue despite external pressures.
On Iran’s broader strategic and political position, Fathali said early objectives of Iran’s opponents—such as hopes for regime change—have failed. He said the confrontation has strengthened cohesion and solidarity among the Iranian people, demonstrating unity under pressure.
He also pointed to a shift in tone from the United States, contrasting former President Donald Trump’s past calls for regime change with a current emphasis on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Fathali described this as evidence of miscalculation in Washington’s policies and assessments, asserting that Iran has been able to withstand pressure and reshape the strategic equation to its advantage.
Fathali highlighted BRICS as a key multilateral platform for Iran to broaden ties with emerging economies and reduce reliance on traditional global structures. He urged BRICS members to take a responsible stance on recent developments, condemn what he termed “unlawful and criminal actions by the United States and the Zionist regime,” and work to uphold international law, counter unilateralism and lower regional tensions.
His remarks come as the US–Israel–Iran confrontation enters its second month, with hostilities affecting civilian, energy and military infrastructure across the region. (ANI)
(This article is sourced from a syndicated feed and published as received; The Tribune assumes no responsibility for its accuracy or completeness.)
