Iran capable of defending itself against any US attack, envoy to Sri Lanka says
COLOMBO – Iran has the capacity to defend itself without relying on assistance from other countries in the event of a United States military action, Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alireza Delkhosh said, amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking to a group of selected journalists in Colombo, Delkhosh said Iran would respond independently to any attack and warned that US military assets in the region could be targeted if hostilities were initiated.
“If the United States does something wrong against Iran, we have our own capabilities. We do not rely on any other country,” Delkhosh said during the briefing at his official residence near the United Nations office in Colombo.
“We are Iran, and we stand on our own capabilities. We will defend ourselves by ourselves,” he added.
The ambassador said Iran had informed neighbouring countries to remain alert, warning that US military bases in the region would be considered legitimate targets in the event of an attack on Iran.
“Iran has its own options to defend itself. If the United States attacks us, all US bases in the region will be our targets,” he warned.
Delkhosh also criticized US President Donald Trump, accusing him of disregarding international law and pursuing confrontational policies toward Iran.
“From the perspective of international law, no country has the right to attack another based on political disagreements,” he said, noting, “The US President threatens Iran because he wants to dictate terms, and Iran has rejected that”.
Delkhosh said Iran remained open to negotiations, but only on the basis of equality and mutual respect. “Iran is ready for negotiations, but negotiations must be equal for both sides,” he reiterated.
Commenting on recent unrest in Iran, the ambassador said protests that began in late December were initially driven by genuine economic grievances, including inflation and currency depreciation, but were later “hijacked by foreign intelligence agencies”.
Foreign news agencies have reported that nationwide protests erupted in Iran in late December 2025 amid worsening economic conditions, including a sharp fall in the value of the rial. The unrest spread across all 31 provinces in early January, prompting a heavy security crackdown, mass arrests and widespread restrictions on internet and communications.
While Iranian authorities have not released official casualty figures, international human rights groups cited by foreign media have reported significant numbers of deaths and detentions during the unrest.
Delkhosh rejected allegations that security forces initiated violence, claiming that killings occurred after what he described as foreign-backed protesters attacked police and military personnel.
“Some individuals were paid to carry out violence. We have information about this,” he said, alleging that money had been offered for killings, injuries and the destruction of public and private property.
The Iranian government has repeatedly accused foreign actors of instigating unrest, allegations denied by Western governments.
-EN/ENCL
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