Iran ready for long-term war against US-Israel conspiracy: Iranian envoy in Dhaka

Iranian Ambassador to Dhaka, Jalil Rahimi Jahanabadi, said that the United States and Israel launched attacks in the middle of ongoing negotiations, violating international law.

He said Iran remains open to dialogue, but if war continues, the country is prepared for a prolonged conflict against what he described as American and Israeli conspiracies.

He made these remarks on at his residence in Gulshan on Wednesday.

The ambassador said Iran’s supreme leader was neither in hiding nor in a secret shelter during the crisis. Despite threats of war, he continued his duties from his office while observing fasting and standing alongside his family and the people.

He emphasized that the leader did not separate himself from the public even in the most critical moments. Referring to former monarch Reza Shah, he noted that he was the only Iranian head of state who fled the country.

He further stated that a three-member committee, including the president and the head of the judiciary, has been formed to oversee the process of selecting a new leader. The Assembly of Experts has already begun the selection process.

Expressing gratitude for the support shown to Iran, the ambassador thanked the Government of Bangladesh, political parties, the public, and the media.

He said Bangladesh government issued an official statement in support of Iran. In particular, he mentioned that the Amir of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, personally contacted him to express condolences and solidarity.

He added that photographs of rallies and gatherings held in Bangladesh were sent to Iran, and the Iranian people were pleased to see such support during difficult times.

Accusing the United States and Israel of disregarding international law and imposing their will, he said Iran enriched nuclear energy in compliance with international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), which he described as Iran’s legitimate right. He asserted that while Israel repeatedly attacks Palestinians in Gaza, others are denied the right to self-defense.

He criticised Western media for remaining silent about what he claimed was a US attack on a school in Gaza’s Mina area that killed more than 160 students and teachers.

Regarding military actions in the Middle East, he said American military bases in countries such as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar are being used to target Iranian civilians.

Although Iran does not wish harm upon any Muslim country, he stated that Iran may be compelled to target those bases in self-defense.
However, he stressed that war does not bring peace and that dialogue remains the only path to resolution.

He added that neighboring countries have been informed that wherever American forces are stationed—whether in military bases or hotels—they could become potential targets.

Responding to journalists’ questions, the ambassador said that although internal differences may exist within Iran, the nation remains united against external threats.

He said that after the death of Ruhollah Khomeini, there were protests, but now an unprecedented national unity has emerged, with millions taking to the streets in support of the revolution.

On military capabilities, Ambassador Jahanabadi claimed that Iran has sufficient missiles and drones to sustain months of warfare. He asserted that US defense systems in the Middle East have proven ineffective against Iranian drones and missiles.

When asked about cooperation with China and Russia, he said that although Iran maintains military cooperation and arms exchanges with both countries, there is no joint defense pact that would require their direct involvement in war.

Regarding the possibility of nuclear threats, he noted that the United States has previously used nuclear weapons twice in history and may threaten to do so again.

However, he said Iran would not be intimidated. Inspired by the ideals of Husayn ibn Ali, he said Iran values martyrdom over submission.

On whether a recent rocket attack targeting Iran’s leadership indicated intelligence failure, he dismissed the claim, saying Iranian leaders always remain among the people and that attacking them is not bravery but cowardice. He referred to the killing of Qasem Soleimani, stating that the United States could not defeat him on the battlefield in Iraq and instead assassinated him during an official visit.

The ambassador also alleged that the United States relocated approximately 7,000 ISIS members from Syria to Iraq and is using them along with Kurdish separatists to attempt attacks and infiltration in Iran’s border regions, including Kurdistan, Kermanshah, and Ilam.

He warned that Iran is prepared to strike separatist bases in Iraqi Kurdistan at any time.

Regarding the safety of Bangladeshi nationals in Iran, he said the Iranian Foreign Ministry and the Bangladesh Embassy are in constant contact to ensure their security without discrimination. Bangladeshi students have been relocated to safe locations.
Finally, he announced that a special condolence book will be opened at the Iranian Embassy in Dhaka on Thursday and Friday in memory of the late Imam Khomeini. Political and social figures, as well as members of the public, will be able to sign the book from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.