New Delhi, April 6 (ANI): Mohammad Fathali, Iran’s Ambassador to India, said Monday that recent actions and rhetoric by the United States and Israel amount to a form of “modern barbarism.”
In a written interview with ANI, Fathali was asked about US President Donald Trump’s comments, including threats to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Age,” and claims that a major bridge near Tehran had been destroyed. Fathali said Iran is a civilization thousands of years old and will never return to the “Stone Age.” He described current conduct and language from leaders like Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu as reminiscent of modern barbarism, pointing to the killing of children and attacks on schools, universities, hospitals, and vaccine and pharmaceutical facilities as evidence of a violent, inhumane approach. He added that such statements indicate desperation rather than strength.
Fathali said that public threats that could amount to war crimes have become normalized in US rhetoric, drawing widespread global reaction.
On negotiations, he 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, adding Iran’s primary focus is on responding appropriately to attacks by American and “Zionist” aggressors. Decisions about entering negotiations are made within the framework of Iran’s overarching policies and involve the highest decision-making bodies; when diplomacy can secure Iranian interests, Tehran will pursue it. He warned that Iranian officials are cautious because of a “very negative experience” with cycles of war, ceasefire, negotiations and renewed war, and they aim to avoid repeating that pattern.
On the Strait of Hormuz, Fathali stressed it lies within the territorial and internal waters of Iran and Oman, rather than being international waters. He said safeguarding the interests of Iran and Oman in managing the Strait is a priority and that decisions about transit rest with Tehran and Muscat. Currently, he said, the Strait is closed only to countries at war with Iran; in wartime, enemies are not permitted passage through internal waters. He attributed reduced vessel movement largely to regional insecurity and high insurance costs.
Fathali noted that Iran has taken special measures to ensure safe passage for friendly countries, including India, and that several Indian vessels have recently passed safely through the Strait, demonstrating Iran’s practical commitment to maritime security for friendly nations. He blamed any insecurity or disruption in the waterway on destabilizing actions by the United States and Israel, saying their unlawful actions have endangered regional security and international shipping.
He insisted all of Iran’s measures comply with international law and are based on necessity and proportionality to repel threats and protect national security, and will continue until threats are removed.
Regarding the safety of Indian nationals in Iran, 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 added that Iran’s Foreign Ministry is in continuous contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran to coordinate movement and, if needed, safe departure of Indian nationals, including transfers via neighboring countries.
His remarks come as the US-Israel–Iran conflict enters its second month, with hostilities affecting civilian, energy and military infrastructure across the region. (ANI)
