March 23, Colombo (LNW): A tense diplomatic tone emerged in Colombo as Iran’s envoy used a special media briefing to level a series of grave accusations concerning recent confrontations involving Tehran and Washington.
Speaking at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ambassador Alireza Delkhosh alleged that a sharp escalation unfolded in late February while Iran was reportedly engaged in dialogue with the United States. He claimed that, during this period, coordinated military actions involving the US and Israel were carried out against Iranian territory.
The envoy further asserted that several civilian sites were struck, including educational institutions and healthcare facilities. Among the incidents he cited was an alleged attack on a girls’ school in Minab, along with claims of a high-profile assassination within Iran’s leadership. He stated that hundreds of civilians were killed in what he described as indiscriminate strikes, and voiced concern over what he called the lack of a decisive response from the United Nations Security Council.
Referring to international legal provisions, the Ambassador maintained that Iran’s subsequent actions were justified under its right to self-defence, adding that any retaliatory measures were directed strictly at military-linked targets associated with its adversaries.
He also raised alarm over a maritime incident in March, alleging that the IRIS Dena came under attack while sailing near Sri Lankan waters after participating in an international naval exercise. According to him, more than 100 crew members lost their lives in the incident, which he described as a violation of international norms, particularly given the vessel’s distance from any active conflict zone.
The Ambassador reiterated that Iran does not seek to escalate tensions but would respond firmly to perceived aggression. He urged regional countries to remain neutral and avoid involvement in what he characterised as unlawful actions.
In a further development, he noted that the Strait of Hormuz has been designated a sensitive security zone by Iran, with restrictions imposed on vessels linked to nations it considers hostile. He clarified, however, that the passage remains open under controlled conditions rather than being fully closed to international shipping.