NEW DLEHI: Amid the continuing battle, Iran’s ambassador to India, Dr Mohammad Fathali, spoke to TOI on warfare narratives, the scenario on the Strait of Hormuz, and clarified Iran’s maritime strategy throughout wartime. He emphasised that the battle is an “unlawful warfare” imposed on Iran. Reflecting on his diplomatic tenure, he highlighted public solidarity and deepening bilateral relations, calling India a “true pal in exhausting occasions.” Excerpts: Q: Many Indians despatched help to Iran. Tehran thanked India however then deleted a number of the tweets. What occurred?A: We’ve got acquired loads of contributions from throughout India—from north to south and east to west. Donations are nonetheless coming in. We’re actually grateful for the kindness of the Indian individuals. I need to sincerely thank the Indian govt and other people for his or her precious assist and solidarity. Opposite to what was stated within the media, there was no particular cause for deleting the tweets. Since these contributions got here from individuals of all religions, ethnicities, and each a part of the nation, we felt it was crucial to indicate our appreciation to all of the individuals of India collectively.Q: The warfare has additionally been a battle of narratives. Has the worldwide notion shifted in anybody’s favour?A: Past all of the rhetoric and contradictory statements, what occurred on Feb twenty eighth was an act of aggression and an unlawful warfare imposed on the Iranian nation.We have been in the course of negotiations with the US. This wasn’t the primary time america walked away from the desk whereas we have been negotiating and attacked. For what cause? They claimed there was an ‘fast risk’ from Iran, however then the Pentagon rapidly denied it, saying there was no such risk. They talked about Iran’s nuclear program and nuclear weapons—one thing that has by no means existed. Now, everybody is aware of it is a warfare based mostly on illusions. It’s an unlawful warfare imposed not solely on Iran but additionally on the whole area, with penalties for the entire worldwide group.Our enemies haven’t achieved any of their targets to this point. They have been in search of ‘regime change’ in Iran. Nevertheless, we’re a govt that emerged from a preferred revolution, and our individuals have proven their assist by taking to the streets because the very first day of the warfare. We’re defending ourselves, and we are going to spare no effort on this path.Q: The administration in Iran lately praised India for its ‘balanced’ and ‘impartial’ stance. Is there something Iran expects from New Delhi? A: We recognize the measures taken by the Indian govt. This strategy displays India’s profound understanding of regional complexities and the importance of sustaining bilateral relations. On the similar time, we count on all unbiased and freedom-loving nations to face towards the violation of worldwide legislation and aggression. All govts should condemn assaults on civilian infrastructures—akin to hospitals, colleges, universities, and financial facilities—and, most significantly, the killing of harmless civilians, together with youngsters.Q: There have been inputs of Iran serving to Indian vessels by way of the Strait of Hormuz throughout heightened tensions. Might you make clear if any particular mechanisms or coordination channels are at present in place to make sure their secure passage? A: Iran has all the time emphasised the significance of security and safety for transport in worldwide routes. Nevertheless, you will need to word that the Strait of Hormuz isn’t a part of worldwide waters; it’s throughout the territorial and inner waters of Iran and Oman. Subsequently, defending the pursuits of those two international locations is the precedence in managing the strait, and choices relating to transit situations belong to Tehran and Muscat. The strait is simply closed to international locations at warfare with Iran. It’s pure that in wartime, we won’t permit our enemies to move by way of our inner waters. The truth that different ships should not touring is as a result of insecurity within the area and very excessive insurance coverage prices. Nonetheless, we now have applied particular measures to make sure the secure passage of ships from pleasant nations, together with India.Q: Is that this help to Indian vessels being dealt with on a case-by-case operational foundation? What is the strategy?A: Our strategy is to ensure the secure passage of vessels from pleasant nations, together with India. This coverage is predicated on acknowledged worldwide maritime legal guidelines and rules, in addition to the ideas of navigation security. In observe, this may be managed on a case-by-case and operational foundation to make sure crucial coordination in accordance with every vessel’s particular situations and the real-time scenario within the area. We’ve got emphasised that the Strait of Hormuz is closed solely to these international locations which have been immediately or not directly concerned within the aggression towards our nation.Q: What message would Iran wish to convey to the worldwide transport group on transit by way of the Strait of Hormuz going ahead?A: The Islamic Republic of Iran has all the time revered the ideas of freedom of navigation and maritime security; nonetheless, the efficient realization of those ideas within the Strait of Hormuz isn’t potential with out due respect for the sovereignty and sovereign rights of Iran because the coastal state. We emphasize that accountability for any disruption, insecurity, or heightened danger on this important waterway and its surrounding areas lies immediately with the regimes of america and Israel. By initiating an illegal and felony warfare towards our nation, they’ve positioned regional stability and the security of worldwide transport underneath an unprecedented risk, in clear contradiction to the elemental ideas of the United Nations Constitution.In gentle of the above, the lawful and legit measures undertaken by Iran have been adopted throughout the framework of established ideas of worldwide legislation, based mostly on the ideas of necessity and proportionality. These measures have been applied to repel aggression and neutralize the sources of threats, and can proceed, in accordance with authorized requirements, till these goals are absolutely achieved and the sources of risk and aggression are eradicated.Any passage by way of the Strait of Hormuz should be performed in compliance with the measures adopted by Iran and in coordination with the related Iranian authorities.Q: How has your stint as ambassador in India been? What are your largest takeaways?A: Throughout my time in India, I’ve seen constructive developments within the relations between our two international locations. The deep historic and cultural ties have all the time been a energy in our interactions, and these bonds have grown even stronger over time. The sympathy and solidarity of the Indian individuals with the individuals of Iran throughout these troublesome occasions are actually appreciated and can by no means be forgotten. We consider that true pals are identified in exhausting occasions, and our Indian pals have proven their true friendship. We’re in shut contact with the Indian govt, and through my keep, I’ve witnessed constructive efforts from either side in varied fields.