Morteza Moradian is an experienced Iranian diplomat; he has been the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Budapest since 2023.
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The US joined the war; that’s a turning point. Many states fear that it’s a point of no return for escalation. What does Iran expect from this new situation?
The United States carried out an illegal attack on Iranian territory. This act represents a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter and all recognized rules of international law, posing serious consequences for the global order and international norms. The international community must respond sensitively to this clear act of aggression. Many countries have condemned the US action, calling it unacceptable and disgraceful.
Iran has always been prepared to defend itself and, as witnessed, delivered a legitimate and decisive response by striking one of the largest US bases in West Asia—an action that reflects the Islamic Republic of Iran’s determination to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Iran expects the global community to fulfil its international responsibilities and commitments and to uphold international law. This aggression—by the US and Israel—clearly violated the prohibition on the use of force and the respect for territorial integrity of states as set out in Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter. Moreover, this act violates UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and seriously undermines the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
It should not be forgotten that the US, in the midst of a diplomatic process, betrayed diplomacy by supporting Israel’s aggressive actions, and has now escalated this illegal path by launching a highly dangerous attack on Iran. Today, it is evident to many nations and governments that the US does not adhere to any moral or legal principles, and this action is unjustifiable from every perspective. The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently advocated for peace, stability, and security in the region and the world.
American bombers dropped ‘bunker buster’ bombs on Iranian nuclear sites. What damage did they cause? Can the nuclear programme continue after the targeted attacks?
The main issue is not how much damage was inflicted on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Firstly, our knowledge is indigenous, and our young nuclear scientists possess the necessary expertise. Secondly, all facilities are under the supervision of the IAEA. What truly matters is that the US attacked international laws and the UN Charter. The damage done to international law and the global community is immense and should be a cause of concern for all.
‘The US, in the midst of a diplomatic process, betrayed diplomacy by supporting Israel’s aggressive actions’
Israel says the casus belli for the June attacks is that Iran was very close to manufacturing nuclear weapons. The US states it launched an attack because Iran didn’t take the negotiation offer seriously. If there is only a civil nuclear programme, why didn’t Iran secure a deal with international partners earlier?
First, this is a lie and false information routinely spread by the Israeli regime. Since 1996, Israeli prime ministers have repeatedly claimed Iran would acquire nuclear weapons within six months, yet nearly 30 years later, this has never happened. This is a massive lie against Iran. We have repeatedly stated that we do not seek to build nuclear weapons, as it contradicts Iran’s religious, ethical, and strategic military principles.
In 2015, we reached the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Unfortunately, it was the US that withdrew from the deal and caused harm. Even during negotiations with the US, Israel attacked. While we were negotiating with the EU, the US launched its attack. We were about to start the sixth round of talks in Muscat. We never abandoned the negotiation table. It was the other side that failed to comply. The US exited the JCPOA in 2018, and European countries at the time took no meaningful action.
‘The damage done to international law and the global community is immense and should be a cause of concern for all’
The failure to reach a new agreement is due to bullying and illegal demands. As a member of the NPT, Iran has the right to enrich uranium on its own soil under IAEA supervision. This is Iran’s inalienable right, but the other side refuses to acknowledge it and disrupts negotiations through unlawful action. In the 2015 agreement, Iran’s right to enrichment was recognized—even by the UN Security Council.
Israel claims it wants to eliminate Iranian nuclear facilities and ballistic rockets, but it has no aim of toppling the Islamic Republic’s political system. Donald Trump’s position on this is unpredictable. What is your evaluation? What are the real goals?
This Israeli claim is false. Who gave Israel the right to launch military attacks on our peaceful nuclear facilities? Israel is not a signatory to the NPT and, with its nuclear arsenal, poses a major threat to the region. How can a regime with nuclear weapons justify attacking a country that is a member of the NPT? This is the law of the jungle.
The IAEA has repeatedly reported that Iran has not deviated from its peaceful nuclear program. In the agency director general’s latest statement, he clearly confirmed that there is no evidence Iran is seeking nuclear weapons. A country’s concern does not justify aggression. We have taken numerous steps to address these concerns, yet military action is now being taken against us.
‘How can a regime with nuclear weapons justify attacking a country that is a member of the NPT?’
Another false narrative by Israel is the claim that Iran intends to launch a nuclear attack to destroy Israel. In fact, it is Israel that has carried out decades of assassinations and sabotage in Iran and constantly seeks regime change. However, this regime lacks the capacity to do so. Israel has assassinated dozens of Iran’s nuclear scientists, university professors, and military commanders outside combat zones. What country would tolerate such attacks without responding?
After the American bombings, Iran threatened retaliation, a ‘decisive response’, and ‘targeted operations’—what can that entail? Last year and these days, Iran launched drones and rockets. What other tools of warfare can be introduced now?
Iran has no doubt about defending its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as clearly demonstrated by our swift and forceful response. Relying on our indigenous military power, we are prepared to deliver a crushing response to any further aggression. The nature of such responses will be determined by our brave commanders. We have significant military capability, and our enemies are well aware of it.
Iran surprised the Iron Dome; many rockets could get through the Israeli defence system. However, Israel can also continue the targeted elimination of Iranian military leaders and attack nuclear and military sites. Can the Iranian military capabilities stand against Israeli forces?
Our missiles disabled Israel’s defence systems. We struck hard using our own capabilities and inflicted heavy losses on the Israeli regime—so much so that it had to request a ceasefire. Censorship prevents this reality from being fully disclosed.
Israel, as part of its old and dishonourable practice, resorted to assassinating military commanders and their families outside battlefields, as well as nuclear scientists. Using mercenaries for such assassinations does not reflect military superiority. On the other hand, who claims Israel’s attacks were precise? If so, how can they explain the deaths of so many innocent people, from infants to the elderly?
‘We have significant military capability, and our enemies are well aware of it’
Due to media censorship, the world remains unaware of these atrocities. During this time, residential buildings, two ambulances, the Red Crescent office, a television station, and five hospitals were targeted—yet the media remained silent. Over 600 civilians have been killed in Iran so far. Israel, just as it committed genocide in Gaza, is now doing the same in Iran.
One crucial point: the Israeli prime minister is under international prosecution. The world must cooperate in his arrest. In reality, a war criminal attacked Iran and shed innocent blood. The actions of this regime—assassinating scholars and professors along with their families—are a disgrace.
The US involvement helps Israel. Iran’s foreign minister met with Putin on Monday. After the Ukrainian war, the Iranian–Israeli conflict has also become a full-scale war; it isn’t a proxy conflict anymore. Do you expect the situation to escalate, potentially leading to a larger regional war or even a global conflict?
The scope of the crisis depends on Israel’s continued aggression. If it persists, the crisis will escalate. Due to its own weaknesses, Israel seeks to expand the conflict to other countries. Israel has plans to fragment large Middle Eastern countries and draw the entire region into war. All regional states must remain alert. Israel has attacked Syria, Lebanon, and others and has illegally occupied Syrian territory in defiance of international law. This regime does not want peace or stability, as its survival depends on conflict. Built on war and violence, it falsely claims these actions are acts of self-defence. But can genocide ever be justified as self-defence?
‘Israel, just as it committed genocide in Gaza, is now doing the same in Iran’
Israel claims that after a regime change in Iran, there could be a partnership between the Persian and Jewish states, as well as a continuation of the Abraham Accords with more Arab states, leading to a peaceful, cooperative Middle East. Is this a realistic vision?
This question is flawed. If the Israeli regime abandons its aggressive nature and accepts Iran’s proposal to allow the original people of Palestine to determine their own fate, peace and stability could return to the Middle East. The real problem is Israel’s occupation. It denies Palestinians all rights. The people of the region and Middle Eastern countries reject the Abraham Accords, as they do not address the core issue of occupation. The reason the plan has not succeeded is the opposition of the people, even if some governments wish to sign it. This plan cannot succeed; the root causes must be addressed.
Hamas and Hezbollah were weakened by the IDF, the Assad government collapsed in Syria, and the Sunni states are not friendly with Shia Iran. Which states are allies of Tehran in these turbulent times?
Asking ‘Which countries condemned it?’ is not the right approach. In response to Israeli aggression, member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Gulf Cooperation Council, China, Russia, and many Asian and Latin American countries have issued condemnations. At the Istanbul summit, the OIC strongly condemned Israel’s actions. However, due to global media bias and censorship, true information is often suppressed or distorted. This one-sided media trend must end. Many countries also condemned or criticized the US attack.
‘This regime does not want peace or stability, as its survival depends on conflict’
The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the people of Palestine must attain their legitimate rights based on humanitarian principles. The best path forward is a nationwide referendum involving all original Palestinian inhabitants. The fate of Palestine must be decided solely by Palestinians.
One important aspect of Iran’s legitimate response was the powerful operation by our armed forces, which disproved claims that Iran had weakened due to resistance losses or the Syrian crisis. We have always said that Iran has no proxy forces—resistance groups are independent. Once again, we emphasize that the resistance movements are authentic and independent and are not under the control of Iran or any other country. Iran has always offered spiritual support to resistance groups and will continue to do so in the future.
‘The best path forward is a nationwide referendum involving all original Palestinian inhabitants’
Is the ceasefire offer valid? Does Iran agree with the conditions?
It was imposed on Israel. When confronted with Iran’s overwhelming power, Israel requested a ceasefire. The US intervened to assist Israel. We had already stated that if Israel halts its attacks, we will do the same. But this is not a ceasefire—it is a pause in hostilities. Our finger remains on the trigger. Israel has always shown itself to be untrustworthy. It was Israel that started this war, not us. We have always acted in defence and are always prepared to deliver a decisive and punishing response.
Is the ceasefire offer valid? Does Iran agree with the conditions?
It was imposed on Israel. When confronted with Iran’s overwhelming power, Israel requested a ceasefire. The U.S. intervened to assist Israel. We had already stated that if Israel halts its attacks, we will do the same. But this is not a ceasefire – it is a pause in hostilities. Our finger remains on the trigger. Israel has always shown itself to be untrustworthy. It was Israel that started this war, not us. We have always acted in defense and are always prepared to deliver a decisive and punishing response.
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