“A Battle Between Truth and Falsehood”: Iranian Ambassador to India Condemns US-Israel Attacks

New Delhi: Mohammad Fathali, the Ambassador of Iran to India, has strongly condemned the recent military actions carried out by the United States and Israel, describing the escalating tensions not merely as a regional dispute but as a fundamental clash of values.

Speaking in New Delhi following reports of attacks against Iranian interests, the ambassador characterized the current situation as a deep moral conflict.

“What is happening today is not merely a political or military confrontation. This strike is part of an ongoing struggle between truth and falsehood,” Fathali said.

He further explained that the confrontation represents two opposing worldviews.

“On one side stand human dignity, justice, and the right of nations to live freely. On the other side are oppression, injustice, and domination,” he added.

Linking the recent military strikes to what he described as a broader pattern of injustice, Fathali argued that the actions of the United States and Israel have far-reaching implications for global sovereignty.

“The brutal military aggression carried out by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran is a clear example of this injustice. This aggression is not only against Iran but also against the principles of international law, human dignity, and the right of nations to determine their own future,” the ambassador said.

Emphasizing the resolve of the Iranian leadership and its people, Fathali stated that the country would not be deterred by military pressure.

“We, the people of Iran, clearly declare that on this path we will either achieve victory or attain martyrdom. For us, both are matters of honor and pride,” he said.

His remarks came as the United States Central Command announced a major escalation in its military operations, confirming that thousands of strikes had been carried out against targets inside Iran over the past week.

In a statement posted on X, the command provided details of the ongoing mission called Operation Epic Fury.

“In the first week of Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military has struck more than 3,000 targets, and we are not slowing down,” the statement said.

Amid the military escalation, Donald Trump, President of the United States, said on Friday that there would be “no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender.”

Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the United States and its allies—particularly Israel—would consider any agreement with Iran only after its leadership surrendered completely and was replaced by what he described as “great and acceptable leaders.”

He also expressed ambitions to help rebuild Iran after such a surrender, coining the phrase “Make Iran Great Again (MIGA)” in an echo of his well-known political slogan.

“There will be no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender! After that… we and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction… Iran’s future will be bright,” Trump wrote.

These developments follow a week of extreme instability after a joint U.S.–Israel military strike on February 28, which reportedly resulted in the death of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, along with several other senior figures. The incident triggered a strong response from Tehran.

In retaliation, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across several Arab countries, targeting U.S. military bases and Israeli assets, while Israel expanded the conflict into Lebanon, striking the Hezbollah group.

Amid the unfolding crisis, Trump also expressed interest in influencing the selection of Iran’s next supreme leader. In an interview with Axios, he criticized the possible succession of Mojtaba Khamenei, describing him as “unacceptable” and “weak.”

Although reports suggest that the 56-year-old cleric, believed to have close ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is a leading contender, the Iranian government has officially denied such claims.

Officials speaking through the Iranian Consulate in Mumbai stated that reports about potential candidates have no official source and have been formally rejected.

Meanwhile, diplomatic and political rhetoric has intensified against the backdrop of continuing violence. According to CNN, geolocated footage showed fires at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran after airstrikes, with thick plumes of smoke rising from the major aviation hub.

Iran’s state broadcaster also reported explosions in eastern and western parts of Tehran shortly after the Israeli military announced a new wave of strikes targeting government infrastructure.

In a cycle of rapid retaliation, Iran launched strikes toward Tel Aviv, where a CNN team observed explosions in the sky as Israeli air defenses intercepted incoming projectiles.

The ongoing exchange follows a week of intense military operations, significantly raising risks for civilians and critical infrastructure across the Middle East. (ANI)