Hawzah News Agency- In an interview with Italian Radio Rai, Mohammad Reza Sabouri emphasized that the ongoing war was initiated by the illegal and illegitimate aggression of the US and the Israeli regime.
“According to messages we have informally received from Italian citizens, Italian public opinion is well aware of the cause of the tensions and the party responsible for starting this war,” the ambassador said.
Regarding the attack on an Italian base, Sabouri noted that the source of the assault has yet to be determined, adding that the aggressor—having failed to subdue Iran through military operations—may be attempting to damage Iran’s relations with third countries such as Turkey and Azerbaijan through such actions.
“The United States has produced a drone named ‘Lucas’ resembling the Iranian ‘Shahed’ drone. Attacks against the Italian base may fall within this context,” he stated.
Sabouri highlighted the historic ties between Iran and Italy as two civilized and cultural nations, expressing appreciation for the awareness of Italian public opinion regarding the causes of the current war. “In Iranian culture, friends prove themselves in difficult times,” he added.
On the subject of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the ambassador clarified that the strait remains open, though transit conditions have been affected by the US-Zionist aggression. “No coastal state, including Iran, can allow enemy vessels to transit freely to reinforce themselves and carry out aggressive actions,” he explained, noting that Iranian armed forces regulate passage and that parties not involved in the military aggression against Iran have been able to transit with coordination and permission.
Asked about strategic partners Russia and China, Sabouri stated that both countries are Iran’s strategic partners, with ongoing cooperation in various fields including military matters. He stressed that Iran did not initiate the war but is exercising self-defense. “To prevent escalation and continuation of tensions, the aggression must cease,” he asserted.
Addressing Iran’s strikes on positions in Iraq, Syria, and the Persian Gulf region, the ambassador outlined Iran’s clear strategy, grounded in international law and the United Nations Charter. “Our country has been subjected to aggression. Under Article 51 of the UN Charter, we possess the legitimate right to self-defense. Since attacks against Iran are launched from US bases in the region, we have targeted those bases,” he said.
Sabouri condemned US and Zionist strikes on schools, hospitals, and historical and cultural sites, stating that such actions have further united the Iranian people in defense of their nation.
Responding to whether Iran seeks a ceasefire, the ambassador declared: “We are engaged in a prideful resistance and continue our self-defense without any hesitation. We have sent no message for a ceasefire. We believe the war must be ended in a manner that prevents its recurrence.”
When asked about threats from US President Donald Trump warning of unprecedented consequences, Sabouri emphasized Iran’s proven defensive capabilities over 17 days of conflict. “We did not start the war. Our strikes have come in response to clear aggression by the other side. If they are troubled by our strikes, it would be better for them to halt their aggression. The will of the Iranian people to defend their civilizational and historical heritage will not waver,” he concluded.
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