The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Ghana, H.E. Ali Ghomshi, has firmly defended Iran’s recent military response to Israel, describing it as a lawful act of self-defence under international law. His remarks come in the wake of an Israeli airstrike on Iranian territory, which he condemned as “unprovoked and illegal aggression.”
In a statement issued in Accra on Wednesday, June 18, and shared with Myjoyonline, Ambassador Ghomshi stated that Iran was left with no option but to respond following a pre-dawn airstrike by Israeli forces on Friday, June 13. The attack, which took place during national celebrations in Iran, reportedly killed several civilians — including women and children — and damaged critical infrastructure in densely populated urban areas.
"The world once again witnessed a military act of aggression that violated all international laws and principles, targeting residential neighborhoods, civilian infrastructure, energy facilities, and even our peaceful nuclear installations," the Ambassador declared.
He characterized the Israeli strike as a "flagrant breach of international norms" and warned that such actions undermined Iran’s willingness to engage in constructive negotiations, particularly concerning its nuclear program. Ambassador Ghomshi stressed that Iran’s nuclear facilities were peaceful in nature and that their targeting was both reckless and unjustified.
“We did not initiate this conflict. It was imposed upon us by those who violate our territorial integrity,” he said. He emphasized that Iran’s military retaliation was executed using domestic capabilities and in accordance with both legal and moral imperatives. “Our response is grounded in international law, reason, and the principles of human dignity,” he added.
Criticism of Israel and Western Powers
Ambassador Ghomshi further criticized Israel’s longstanding defiance of international oversight, noting that the country is not a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and refuses inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“This regime possesses nuclear weapons, makes open threats to use them, and yet attempts to dictate terms to other nations. It cannot be allowed to act as a guardian of global order while flouting the rules that govern it,” he asserted.
He also linked the latest escalation to broader patterns of violence in the region, accusing Israel of committing ongoing war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories. “We must not allow global attention to shift away from the atrocities currently being committed in the West Bank and Gaza,” he said.
Ambassador Ghomshi condemned what he described as the “complicity and silence” of certain Western nations, particularly the United States. “Such acts of aggression would not be possible without the full support and endorsement of some Western governments, including the United States of America,” he stated.
He concluded by reaffirming Iran’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and people: “Our response will remain firm and resolute for as long as these unlawful aggressions persist.”
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem