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Caption: Iran’s Ambassador to Kenya, Ali Gholampour, addresses the media during a press briefing in Nairobi, March 2, 2026, condemning alleged US and Israel strikes on Iran. |
By Naif Rashid | Nairobi, March 2, 2026
The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has strongly condemned a joint military operation by the United States and Israel, describing it as “cowardly aggression” and a serious breach of international law.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi, Dr Ali Gholampour, Iran’s Ambassador to Kenya, said the early Saturday strikes targeted defensive infrastructure and non-military facilities across several Iranian cities.
“The United States of America and the Zionist regime of Israel carried out a coordinated military operation against our homeland,” Ambassador Gholampour said.
“This is not merely an act of aggression; it is a flagrant violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter and a grave threat to international peace and security.”
He said the strikes reportedly targeted Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. “The enemies of Iran believed that by striking our Leader, they could break our resolve. They were mistaken,” he added.
The ambassador criticised the timing of the alleged attacks, noting they coincided with the holy month of Ramadan and the eve of Nowruz, the Persian New Year.
“To strike during Ramadan and on the eve of Nowruz shows a complete disregard for law, morality, and the sanctity of human life,” he said.
Ambassador Gholampour emphasised that the attacks occurred while Iran was engaged in diplomatic talks with the United States.
“We entered negotiations in good faith… and how were we answered? With bombs, missiles, and the blood of our Leader,” he said.
Citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, which affirms the right of self-defence, he said Iran will respond using all necessary capabilities and warned the United States and Israel that they would bear full responsibility for the consequences.
He called on the United Nations Security Council to act urgently and urged the international community to intervene to prevent further escalation.
“If this aggression is not met with a strong response, it threatens the rule of law and international institutions,” he said.
The envoy highlighted the wider implications for regional and global stability.
“Aggression against one nation is a threat to all. It is imperative that the international community acts decisively to uphold the UN Charter and protect peace,” he said, appealing to neighbouring countries and global partners to use diplomatic channels to halt the conflict.
Iran’s statement comes amid heightened tensions following the US-Israel strikes, which the Iranian government says inflicted significant casualties and damage to civilian and defensive infrastructure.
Conflicting reports regarding the Supreme Leader’s status have further fueled uncertainty.
Despite the crisis, Ambassador Gholampour reaffirmed Iran’s resolve.
“Our people are united. Our institutions remain strong. The path of the Islamic Republic is unwavering, and we will meet aggression with resolve and justice,” he said.

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