NAIROBI, Kenya — Ali Gholampour has accused the United States and its Western allies of using nuclear concerns as a pretext to pursue regime change in Iran and gain control over the country’s strategic resources.
The envoy said tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States stem from decades of geopolitical rivalry rather than recent disputes over nuclear weapons.
According to Gholampour, Tehran views the conflict as part of a long-standing effort by Western powers to weaken the Islamic Republic and restore influence lost after the 1979 revolution.
“They argue that we are attacking Iran for liberal democracy or bringing liberty to the people. It’s absolutely wrong. It is a pretext,” he said.
“Even when they claim they are acting to prevent nuclear threats, it is a false narrative, because the United States and Israel are the two nuclear powers.”
The ambassador traced the roots of the dispute to the Iranian Revolution, which led to the fall of a Western-backed monarchy and fundamentally altered relations between Tehran and Washington.
Since then, Iran has faced economic sanctions, political pressure, and periodic military tensions involving the United States and its allies.
Gholampour described the current escalation in the Middle East as part of that broader geopolitical struggle, accusing Washington and Israel of launching attacks despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
“What we are seeing today did not start now,” he said.
He argued that Tehran has repeatedly sought negotiations to resolve disputes but has been forced to respond militarily following what it views as acts of aggression.
The ambassador defended Iran’s recent strikes on military installations linked to U.S. operations in the Gulf region, describing them as legitimate acts of self-defense under international law.
While acknowledging that some attacks targeted locations in neighbouring countries hosting American military bases, he said those installations were used to launch operations against Iran.
“Legally speaking, based on international law, rules and principles, when you are attacked from a military base in another country, it is considered the territory of the country using it, not the host country,” he explained.
The envoy warned that the escalation has already disrupted global oil markets and aviation routes across the Middle East, raising fears of wider economic consequences.
During the interview, hosts raised concerns about humanitarian impacts, including civilian casualties, damage to infrastructure and reported attacks on commercial shipping routes vital to global energy supplies.
Gholampour rejected claims that Iran deliberately targeted civilians or commercial vessels, insisting the country’s operations were directed only at U.S. assets and military personnel.
He instead accused the United States and Israel of conducting indiscriminate strikes inside Iran, including attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Despite the rising tensions, the ambassador said Tehran remains open to negotiations but insisted that military operations against Iran must cease before diplomatic talks can resume.
“The United States and Israel should be blamed for this situation. As long as their aggression continues, there will be no other way for us to defend our dignity, territorial integrity, and existence,” he said.
Gholampour also suggested that African nations could play a role in mediating the conflict through continental diplomacy.
He urged the African Union to offer a neutral platform for dialogue and push for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
“The African Union can take collective action and have a strong voice. It should tell those attacking Iran: stop the war and come to the negotiation table,” he said.
The envoy added that he had previously encouraged William Ruto to support diplomatic initiatives aimed at preventing further escalation in the Middle East.
