Iran’s Ambassador to India, Iraj Elahi, issued a strong statement warning Israel of further retaliatory strikes if Tel Aviv continues to target Iran’s national interests in the region. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Iraj Elahi described the recent missile attack on Israel as a “retaliatory operation,” warning that Iran does not take its national security and international interests lightly. He emphasized that if Israel continues its hostility, it will face repeated strikes from Tehran.
The conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah has been escalating, particularly after the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Iran launched nearly 200 missiles at Israel, further intensifying the situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the missile attack as a “failed attempt” due to Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. However, Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran that it had made a “big mistake” and vowed that Tehran would “pay for it.”
In his interview, Iraj Elahi referred to Benjamin Netanyahu as the “Hitler of this century,” drawing parallels between the Israeli Prime Minister’s actions and those of the infamous Nazi leader. He reiterated that Iran would continue to retaliate if Israel persists with its aggressive actions in Gaza, South Lebanon, and other parts of West Asia.
The Ambassador also addressed growing global frustration with Israel, noting that many people worldwide are angry about the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon. He pointed to protests in universities across the globe as evidence of widespread support for Iran’s actions and opposition to Israel’s actions in the region.
Iraj Elahi criticized the United States for its unwavering support of Israel, claiming that American backing enables Israel’s continued “crimes” in the region. He referenced U.S. involvement in conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya as contributing to instability in West Asia. He expressed hope that the U.S. would reconsider its support for Israel and push Benjamin Netanyahu to cease his aggressive policies.
The Iranian Ambassador also highlighted India’s unique position as a friend of both Iran and Israel. He expressed optimism that India, with its close ties to both nations, could play a mediating role in convincing Israel to halt its actions. Iraj Elahi invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s stance that this is “not the era for war” and expressed hope that India could help bring an end to the escalating conflict.
