Africa-Press – Uganda. Iran is not at war with its neighbours but is defending itself against external aggression, the Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, Majid Saffar, has said.
Speaking at Uganda National Mosque in Kampala,Saffar accused the United States and Israel of instigating conflict based on what he described as false claims about Iran’s nuclear programme.
“Iran is not against any neighbouring country or nation. We are defending ourselves against aggression imposed on us by American imperialists and the Zionist Israeli government,” he said.
Saffar said Iran had initially pursued diplomacy despite mistrust of its adversaries.
“Prior to the war, we were fully aware that Americans and Israelis have no respect for agreements or international law… but still, we gave them the benefit of the doubt by engaging in talks. Amazingly, they abandoned them and immediately began bombardment raids against us in June 2025,” he said.
He accused the same actors of violating ceasefire arrangements and targeting civilian infrastructure, including schools, health facilities and bridges.
“Let the whole world know that the people of Iran are very solid, strong, and ready to die while protecting every inch of their country,” Saffar said, drawing chants from congregants.
The ambassador also claimed the conflict had led to the deaths of senior Iranian leaders, including Ali Khamenei.
During a subsequent meeting with the Mufti of Uganda, Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, Saffar reiterated that Iran was not targeting Arab nations but military installations allegedly used against it.
“We fully informed those Arab leaders long before the war began not to be used by the warmongers,” he said.
He added that the war would only end on Iran’s terms and linked lasting peace in the Middle East to the restoration of Palestinian statehood.
In response, Mubaje expressed concern over civilian casualties, saying: “We pray that they come back to their senses and abandon such inhuman and heartless acts.”
Saffar also thanked Ugandans for their support and said Iran would offer educational opportunities to students once the conflict ends.
