Official Statement H.E. Mansour Shakib Mehr, Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran in Republic of South Africa

04/3/2026

بسم اهلل الرحمن الرحیم

مَن الُْمْؤِّمنَِّنيِّرَجاٌلَصَدقُواَماَعاَهُدوا ا هَّللََعلَيِّْهۖفَِّمْن ُهم همن قََضٰىََنْبَهَُوِّمْن ُهم همن يَنتَِّظُرَۖوَما بَهدلُوا تَ بِّْديًل ِّ

“Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with God; some of them have fulfilled their vow, and some still await, and they have never altered in the least.” (The Holy Qur’an)

Our strength comes from the blood of the martyrs, a truth that only the followers of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) fully understand, that blood can triumph over the sword. Even as our Leader and commanders have been martyred, we stand strongly against what appears to be the most powerful army in the world and another army that also claims power.

The assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran by the United States and the Zionist regime represents a dangerous and unprecedented violation of international norms, directly challenging the principles of state sovereignty and lawful conduct among nations. As Heads of State are considered inviolable and immune under international law, targeting such a figure undermines the very foundations of sovereign equality and sets a reckless precedent with potentially severe and unpredictable consequences for the stability of the international system.

Imam Khamenei, was not only the highest official authority of the country but also a religious figure respected by tens of millions of people around the world. He was a devoted figure, as well as a learned scholar. He had a comprehensive knowledge of 2 religious matters. In addition, he was a skilled statesman with sharp political insight and sought the progress of Iran. He institutionalized the Revolution in Iran.

The fact that he, even in the face of extreme danger, resided in his usual place of living like any ordinary citizen of Iran and refused to leave it, reflects his humble and people-cantered character, his spirit of sacrifice, and his profound commitment to the people and land of Iran.

The aerial attacks carried out by the United States and the Zionist regime is a clear breach of Article 2, paragraph 4, of the United Nations Charter and are a clear example of armed aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This act has no legal, moral, or rational justification and is a clear instance of “aggressive action” and the “crime of aggression” under international law.

This aggression occurred at a time when the Islamic Republic of Iran was once again engaged in negotiations with the US to prove to everybody that is not pursuing nuclear weapons. A military attack in the midst of diplomatic efforts is a betrayal to dialogue and the foundations of peaceful dispute resolution.

Iran, based on the religious fatwa of the very person who was assassinated, has not pursued nuclear weapons. Iran has had the highest level of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Continuous inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities were ongoing until the military aggression in June 2025.

The consequences of this aggression extend far beyond the political sphere. In the initial hours of the attacks by the child killing regimes of the United States and Israel, civilian areas, including schools, were deliberately targeted. For example, in the city of Minab in southern Iran, an all-girls elementary school was almost completely destroyed, resulting in the death of nearly 170 innocent children.

This horrific crime against children shocks the conscience of humanity and is symbolic of a dangerous disregard for the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. The international law but also a grave breach of human ethical boundaries. From Gaza to Minab, innocent people are being killed in cold blood.

In light of these aggressive actions, the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms its inherent and lawful right to self-defense under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter. The exercise is carried out within the framework of international law and for the protection of national security and sovereignty. The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, supported by the people, are fully prepared to defend the nation.

I also need to say that we are not attacking our neighbours’ soils, we retaliate to USA military bases and the place of their hide outs. This is our inherent right. There are claims saying that Persian Gulf countries did not allow the USA to use their bases or airspace to attack Iran. This is also a great lie. If that were the case, what were US fighter jets doing in Kuwaiti airspace? At the same time, we emphasize that Iran is not and has never been the initiator of war. Our principled policy is based on good neighbourliness and regional stability.

It must be mentioned that Their claim that they carried out a military attack on Iran under the title of “pre-emptive defence” is not accepted by any civilized nation, under any principles of international law, nor by any aware and conscientious human being. Also as US Secretary of State admitted is that the USA has entered a war of choice on behalf of Israel. There was never any so called Iranian Threat to USA at all.

The aggressive action by the United States and the Zionist regime is not merely an attack on Iran; it is an assault on the entire region. Silence or inaction in the face of such a blatant violation lead the world toward domination by force and bullying.

We expect the United Nations, the Security Council, and all Member States to fulfil their serious responsibility in preserving international peace and security. Responding to this clear act of aggression is a historic test for the multilateral system. We call on members of the Non-Aligned Movement, BRICS and all states that feel responsible for global peace to firmly condemn this act and to take collective and effective measures to prevent it to happen again.

In addition, we call on all freedom-loving people especially South African and citizens of the world to demonstrate their opposition in practical ways, whether by taking to the streets or by making their voices heard on social media.

Iran has always supported the rights of the Palestinian people and continues to do so. We have paid a high price for the Palestinian cause. Our dear Leader, military commanders, ordinary people, and our friends in Hezbollah in Lebanon, as well as in Yemen and Iraq, have all made great sacrifices for this cause.

Also South African new generation must know more about the relationship of Iran and South Africa. The Islamic Republic of Iran has always stood alongside oppressed nations. During the struggle of the South African people against the racist apartheid system, Iran, following the victory of its Revolution, adopted a clear and principled stance in support of the struggle of the people of South Africa against the apartheid regime and severed all relations with Apartheid South Africa.

As members of the media, we expect you to show the truth to the people of South Africa. Western powers, through massive funding and influence over media outlets, have created a media hegemony. Break this hegemony and present the truth to the people.

Iran is a country with a long and ancient history that has, throughout the centuries, stood firm and emerged victorious against every invasion. We are confident that we will succeed this 4time as well, and we will hold the perpetrators of this crime accountable.

The Islamic Republic of Iran relies on the will of the people and will continue its path with national cohesion. The loss of a great Leader will never undermine the will of the Iranian nation to defend its independence, dignity, and territorial integrity.

End of Statement. /