NEW DELHI: With the West Asia conflict entering its fifth week, Iran’s Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali on Monday welcomed New Delhi’s call for dialogue and restraint, saying countries like India can play a “highly effective role” in easing tensions.
At the same time, Fathali said Iran expects “all independent and freedom-seeking countries” to explicitly condemn what he described as military actions by the United States and Israel.
He alleged that these actions violated Iran’s sovereignty and targeted civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, residential areas and economic assets.
On economic engagement, the envoy underlined that regional connectivity initiatives such as the Chabahar Port should not be impacted by unilateral sanctions. His remarks came after the United States extended a conditional sanctions waiver for the project until April 26.
“Chabahar Port is a strategic project of regional and international importance,” Fathali said, highlighting its role in enhancing connectivity and facilitating India’s access to Central Asia.
He added that Iran remains in continuous consultation with India on the project. Commenting on the broader conflict, Fathali said Iran had thwarted the initial objectives of its adversaries, including the United States. He noted that expectations such as regime change had not materialised and had instead led to greater internal cohesion.
“This war has led to greater cohesion and solidarity among the Iranian people,” he said. The ambassador also pointed to what he described as a shift in tone by Donald Trump, particularly on the Strait of Hormuz, as evidence of miscalculations by Iran’s adversaries.
