New Delhi — Mohammad Fathali, Iran’s Ambassador to India, said Monday that recent rhetoric and actions by the United States and Israel amount to a form of ‘modern barbarism.’ In a written interview with ANI, Fathali responded to comments by US President Donald Trump — including threats to bomb Iran ‘back to the Stone Age’ and assertions that a major bridge near Tehran had been destroyed — saying Iran is a civilization thousands of years old and will not be reduced to such a state.
Fathali described the conduct and language of leaders like Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu as reminiscent of modern barbarism, citing the killing of children and strikes on schools, universities, hospitals and facilities producing vaccines and medicines as evidence of a violent and inhumane approach. He said such statements reflect desperation rather than strength and noted that public threats that could amount to war crimes have become normalized in US rhetoric, drawing widespread global reaction.
On the question of negotiations, Fathali said Iran’s immediate priority is defending the country against aggression. ‘For 38 days, we have been defending ourselves against aggressors and will continue this path with strength,’ he said. He added that Iran’s main focus is responding appropriately to attacks by American and ‘Zionist’ aggressors and that decisions about entering talks are taken within the framework of Iran’s overarching policies by the highest decision‑making bodies. When diplomacy can secure Iranian interests, Tehran will pursue it, he said, but officials remain cautious because of a ‘very negative experience’ with cycles of war, ceasefire, negotiations and renewed conflict, which they seek to avoid repeating.
Addressing the Strait of Hormuz, Fathali stressed that the waterway falls within the territorial and internal waters of Iran and Oman rather than international waters. He said protecting the interests of Iran and Oman in managing the Strait is a priority and that transit decisions rest with Tehran and Muscat. He added that the Strait is currently closed only to countries at war with Iran, and that in wartime enemies are not permitted passage through internal waters. Reduced vessel movement, he said, stems largely from regional insecurity and high insurance costs.
Fathali noted Iran has taken special measures to ensure safe passage for friendly countries, including India, and said several Indian vessels have recently transited the Strait safely, demonstrating Iran’s practical commitment to maritime security for friendly nations. He blamed broader insecurity and disruptions on destabilizing actions by the United States and Israel, arguing their unlawful actions have endangered regional security and international shipping.
The ambassador insisted Iran’s measures comply with international law and are based on necessity and proportionality to repel threats and protect national security, and will remain in place until perceived threats are removed.
On the safety of Indian nationals, Fathali said Iran treats foreign nationals the same as its own citizens and gives equal attention to their security. He reiterated that current threats to civilians, including Indians, stem from military actions and unlawful attacks by the US and Israel on civilian infrastructure. He also said Iran’s Foreign Ministry is in continuous contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran to coordinate movement and, if required, the safe departure of Indian nationals, including transfers through neighboring countries.
Fathali’s comments come as the US‑Israel–Iran confrontation enters its second month, with hostilities affecting civilian, energy and military infrastructure across the region. (ANI)
