Iran Stands Firm To Defend Sovereignty, People – Ambassador

KUALA LUMPUR, March 10 (Bernama) -- Iran is resolute in defending its sovereignty and protecting its people amid ongoing military hostilities with the United States (US) and Israel. 

Iranian Ambassador to Malaysia Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi said Tehran prioritises bringing an early end to the conflict,  but as a sovereign nation, “the country has no choice but to retaliate when it is under attack.” 

“Insya Allah. We (Iran) will witness victory. America and Israel can understand that the time is not suitable for them to attack every country they want,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview here on Tuesday.

According to Valiollah, at least 2,000 people in Iran, the majority of them children and civilians, were killed in the US-Israel military operations across its territory since the conflict started on Feb 28.

Among those killed were Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, more than 150 schoolgirls, and several senior military officials.

Commenting on the election of Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of Ali, as the new Supreme Leader, the ambassador said the news was welcomed with elation and celebration by the people. 

He added that despite ongoing attacks on Iran, it remained largely “business as usual” in the country, except that schools have been closed and students are studying online. 

Asked about the attacks on Iranian oil facilities over the weekend, the ambassador said: “We (Iran) have reserves, and we managed it the same day. No problem. No problem at all.”

Iran has been engaged in hostilities with the US and Israel since February 28, when the two jointly launched attacks targeting civilian and military infrastructure, as well as its nuclear facilities.

In retaliation, Tehran launched barrages of missiles and drone strikes against Israel and US interests in Gulf countries, further plunging the region into turmoil and sending shockwaves worldwide.

-- BERNAMA