'Ready To Sacrifice More': Iran's Consul General Asserts Right To Self-Defence Amid Tensions

Last Updated:March 03, 2026, 22:31 IST

The Consul General insisted that Iran has tried diplomacy twice, but claimed the process was derailed each time by the US.

As tensions rise across West Asia, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, the Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai, has presented a clear statement of Iran’s position, one rooted in sovereignty, along with an unmistakable message that Iran intends to stand firm.

Speaking to CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview, he began by invoking the memory of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, describing him as a “Great and Martyred Leader". From there, he moved directly to Iran’s position on the current conflict and the escalation with Israel, which he said is driven not only by regional tensions but also by what he called the greed and over-ambition of the United States and Israel.

According to him, these powers not only seek influence but also have ulterior motives to weaken or even partition Iran. “We will defend our land ferociously," he said, emphasising that Iran considers itself fully prepared to make further sacrifices to protect its independence.

“We have already paid the highest price, the martyrdom of our Great Leader, and from now on, we are ready to sacrifice even more," he added.

When asked about de-escalation, the Consul General insisted that Iran has tried diplomacy twice, but claimed the process was derailed each time by the US. He cited an Omani diplomat who reportedly wrote that the agreement was already final, only for Washington to later deny knowledge of it. For Iran, he said, this was proof that the negotiations were never allowed to succeed.

“We were naturally forced to defend ourselves," he added, describing what Iran sees as violations of its international rights.

Seeks Balanced Role From New Delhi

On Indian nationals in Iran, a matter of immediate concern to thousands of families in India, the Consul General said that New Delhi and Tehran had held prior consultations. Those who wished to leave have already departed, he said, while others who chose to stay remain in Iran.

In what he described as an exceptional wartime step, Iran has temporarily waived several sovereign regulations, opening all land borders to Indians and other foreigners without the usual documentation. While air borders remain closed, he stressed Iran’s willingness to coordinate special flights with the Indian government once conditions allow.

Despite the situation, he was clear when speaking about India’s role. Iran sees India as a long-standing friend, he said, and a country with which it shares a deep partnership as part of the Global South. He expressed confidence that India would take a justice-oriented and pragmatic view of the conflict, even as Iran continues to defend its sovereignty.

Iran argues that its actions fall within its right to self-defence under international law, claiming that its opponents have repeatedly violated human rights and ignored global norms.

The Consul General questioned what gives any country the authority to launch such attacks on another, especially when, in his view, an alliance has been formed against Iran in breach of international rules. In this context, he said, Iran believes it is fully justified in defending its position, its rights and its sovereignty.

As for the road to regional stability, the Consul General said he wants calm and secure borders but believes this can only happen if external forces withdraw from the region and stop escalating tensions.

He argued that Iran has often absorbed pressure quietly, but the current situation has compelled it to respond militarily to hostile forces to shift the outcome of the conflict in its favour.

Iran views the present conflict not as a momentary flare-up, but as a direct challenge to its independence and its place in the region. Its message to India, however, remained measured and familiar: friendship, cooperation, and the expectation that India will continue its balanced and diplomatic approach.

News world 'Ready To Sacrifice More': Iran's Consul General Asserts Right To Self-Defence Amid Tensions

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