Iran Stands Alone as War with Israel and US Escalates
Iran has asserted it requires no military assistance from allies like Russia, China, or North Korea in its conflict with Israel and the United States, stating its preparedness to defend itself independently. This declaration comes amidst escalating tensions following attacks that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the reported deaths of 170 children in Minab, southern Iran.
No Offers of Support Received
Iranian ambassador to South Africa, Mansour Shakib Mehr, confirmed during a media briefing that no country has offered military aid. Yet, he indicated that any such offers would be considered. “We have not asked any of the countries for assistance. We believe that People can defend ourselves,” Mehr stated. The ambassador emphasized Iran’s self-reliance in the face of ongoing hostilities.
Allegations of Funding Denied
Mehr refuted claims that Iran funds the African National Congress (ANC) or South Africa’s genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He characterized these allegations as attempts to discredit South Africa’s actions at the ICJ, stating, “These rumours of funding the ANC were raised by the same parties in South Africa. They want to demonise what South Africa is doing at the ICJ.” He highlighted the shared interests between Iran and South Africa within organizations like BRICS and the Non-Aligned Movement.
Retaliation Focused on US Military Bases
Regarding retaliatory strikes, Mehr clarified that Iran’s actions are directed solely at US military bases and locations used by US forces, not at neighboring countries. “It is our right to attack the same place that we received attack from. I also require to say that we are not attacking our neighbours’ soils, we retaliate to the US military bases and places of their hide out,” he explained. He reiterated Iran’s commitment to regional stability and good neighborly relations, asserting that the country was not the initiator of the conflict.
US Motives Questioned
Mehr suggested a potential ulterior motive behind the US attacks, speculating they may be an attempt to divert attention from the release of the Epstein files. He also cited US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement that America entered the war on behalf of Israel, dismissing any notion of an Iranian threat to the US. “There is never any so-called Iranian threat to the US at all,” he asserted.
Evacuation of Nationals and Ongoing Nuclear Inspections
Iran has requested assistance from South Africa and other nations to evacuate their citizens from the conflict zone. The ambassador noted that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation is taking steps to ensure the safety of South African nationals. He also highlighted Iran’s history of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with ongoing inspections of its nuclear facilities until the recent military aggression.
Did you know?
Iran and South Africa share common ground as members of both BRICS and the Non-Aligned Movement, fostering collaboration on international affairs.
FAQ
- Is Iran receiving military support from its allies? No, Iran states it has not requested or received military assistance from any country.
- What is Iran’s stance on the conflict with the US and Israel? Iran maintains it is acting in self-defense and is not the initiator of the conflict.
- Has Iran been cooperating with international nuclear inspectors? Yes, Iran had a high level of cooperation with the IAEA, with ongoing inspections until the recent attacks.
- What is Iran’s position on the allegations of funding the ANC? Iran denies these allegations, characterizing them as attempts to discredit South Africa’s actions at the ICJ.
The situation remains fluid, with potential for further escalation. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, urging de-escalation and a return to diplomatic solutions.
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