The Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, H.E. Majid Saffar, has said his country is not hostile towards its neighbors or any other nation, insisting that Tehran is only defending itself against what he described as external aggression.
Ambassador Saffar made the remarks on Friday after joining Muslim faithful for Juma prayers at the National Mosque in Old Kampala.
Addressing the congregation, the envoy said the ongoing conflict involving Iran stems from what he termed as “conspiracies” by the United States and its ally, Israel, accusing them of using allegations about nuclear weapons as a pretext for war.
“Prior to the war, we were fully aware that Americans and Israelis have no respect for agreements, international law and treaties. Nevertheless, we engaged in diplomatic talks, but they abandoned them and immediately launched bombardment raids against us in June 2025,” he said.
He added that although the same actors later called for a ceasefire, hostilities resumed in February 2026. He accused them of targeting civilian infrastructure, including schools, health facilities and bridges, in violation of international law.
The ambassador also mentioned that the conflict has led to the deaths of several senior Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom he described as having been killed while on duty.
“Let the whole world know that the people of Iran are strong and ready to die while protecting every inch of their country,” he said, drawing chants of “Allahu Akbar” from sections of the congregation.
Ambassador Saffar maintained that the war would only end on Iran’s terms, adding that lasting peace in the Middle East would depend on the restoration of Palestinian statehood.
He also thanked Ugandans for what he described as their solidarity with Iran since the outbreak of the conflict.
After the prayers, the ambassador, accompanied by Iran’s Cultural Attaché, Mr Naderi Abbas, and First Secretary, Mr Mohsen Aghaloo, held a meeting with the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, at the Office of the National Imam.
During the meeting, Ambassador Saffar reiterated that Iran is not targeting neighbouring countries but rather striking enemy military bases located within those territories.
“We informed those Arab leaders long before the war began not to allow their territories to be used by warmongers,” he said.
He further noted that Iran has made significant advancements in science and would be open to offering educational opportunities to students once the conflict ends.
In his response, Sheikh Mubaje expressed concern over the loss of innocent lives and called for an end to the violence.
“We pray that those involved come back to their senses and abandon such inhuman acts,” he said.
Earlier, Sheikh Hussein Ali Bulafu delivered a sermon urging Muslims to value time as a key to success in both worldly life and the hereafter.
The ambassador later appeared on a live talk show on UMSC’s Radio Bilal FM, where he shared updates on the situation in the Middle East.
