Iran diplomats vow resistance after Khamenei’s death

2026-03-07 - 07:17

By Favour Ulebor & agency report Iran’s diplomatic missions have pledged to defend the country’s sovereignty and national dignity following the death of the country’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, as the war between Iran, the United States and Israel intensifies. In a post shared by the Embassy of Iran in Nigeria on Saturday, the declaration followed a joint statement issued on March 6 by ambassadors and heads of diplomatic and consular missions of the Islamic Republic of Iran worldwide. According to the statement, the diplomats said they would continue to defend Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity through diplomatic efforts despite the ongoing conflict. The ambassadors said they were speaking as representatives of the Iranian people and guardians of the country’s national interests. They said they were honouring the ideals of the Islamic Revolution and paying tribute to what they described as martyrs of the nation, including the late Supreme Leader. The diplomats also referred to an attack they said killed 175 children in the city of Minab during missile strikes carried out by what they described as American and Zionist forces at the same time their leader was killed in Tehran. According to the statement, the diplomats vowed to defend Iran’s sovereignty, national dignity and territorial integrity. They also criticised remarks made by some United States officials about Iran’s diplomatic missions and diplomats. The statement in parts, “The vulgar remarks made in recent days by certain U.S. officials regarding Iran’s diplomatic apparatus and its honorable and patriotic diplomats represent yet another clear indication of their failure to understand the fundamental realities of Iran and the Islamic Republic as well as the depth of their hostility toward the Iranian nation and the teadfastness in defending Iran even at the cost of one’s life. “Such positions, which constitute a clear violation of the fundamental principles of international law and diplomatic norms, also reflect their definitive failure in their military aggression against Iran and their desperate attempts to wage cognitive and psychological warfare against the sons and daughters of our beloved homeland. “As ambassadors and diplomatic representatives of Iran across the world, we reaffirm our commitment to continuing our country’s resolute diplomacy in confronting the enemies of Iran. “Standing shoulder to shoulder with Iran’s brave armed forces, we will not relent in repelling the enemy’s aggression. We will be the strong voice of our oppressed yet powerful people in the arena of international diplomacy and will not falter for a moment in fulfilling our legal, national, religious, and moral duties in service to our motherland,” the statement said. The diplomats further said the positions taken by the United States represented a violation of international law and diplomatic norms. They said the remarks also showed what they described as a failure of the military campaign against Iran and an attempt to wage psychological warfare against the Iranian people. The statement said Iranian diplomats around the world would continue what they described as “resolute diplomacy” against Iran’s enemies. They also expressed support for Iran’s armed forces and said they would remain a strong voice for the Iranian people in international diplomacy. Exiled crown prince declares readiness to lead Iran Meanwhile, exiled Iranian crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, has said he has accepted what he described as a call from the Iranian people to lead the country following the death of Khamenei. Pahlavi is the eldest son of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He is widely regarded as one of the most prominent opposition figures against the current Iranian government. In a video statement posted on his X account, Pahlavi said many Iranians had asked him to lead the country during a transition period after the fall of the current regime. Pahlavi said his goal would be to ensure a stable transition and allow the Iranian people to determine their future through democratic elections. He said, “The Iranian people have called on me to lead the transition after the regime is gone. I have accepted that responsibility. Part of their great mandate to me is to return our nation and our foreign relations to normalcy. I will do exactly that. “My commitment is to ensure the transition is orderly, the country is stabilised, and Iranians determine their future through the ballot box,” he said. He also appealed to Arab countries to support the proposed transition and recognise what he described as a future transitional government. According to Iranian law, the Assembly of Experts is responsible for selecting the next Supreme Leader. Until then, a temporary leadership council made up of the president, the head of the judiciary and a member of the Guardian Council is expected to oversee state affairs. U.S. strikes thousands of Iranian targets The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said American forces have struck more than 3,000 Iranian targets since the launch of Operation Epic Fury on February 28. In a statement posted on X, the command said the strikes targeted command and control centres, as well as the joint and aerospace headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Ballistic missile and anti-ship missile facilities were also among the sites hit during the operations. According to CENTCOM, the attacks have caused significant damage to Iran’s military infrastructure. The command also said 43 Iranian naval vessels have been damaged or destroyed during the operation. Video footage released by the U.S. military showed destroyed buildings and military vehicles in areas where the strikes were carried out. Economic fears grow as war expands The scale of the conflict has raised concern about its potential economic impact across the world. Qatar’s Energy Minister, Saad al-Kaabi, warned that the conflict could disrupt global energy supply if it continues. Speaking to the Financial Times, al Kaabi said the war has already placed pressure on oil and natural gas production. According to him, “If this war continues for a few weeks, GDP growth around the world will be impacted. “Everybody’s energy price is going to go higher. There will be shortages of some products and there will be a chain reaction of factories that cannot supply.” United Nations warns conflict could spiral The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has also raised alarm about the escalation of the conflict. He warned that the situation in the Middle East could spiral beyond the control of world leaders if the fighting continues. Gutierres said, “All the unlawful attacks in the Middle East and beyond are causing tremendous suffering and harm to civilians throughout the region. “The situation could spiral beyond anyone’s control. It is time to stop the fighting and get to serious diplomatic negotiations. The stakes could not be higher.” The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, also warned that the world is facing a moment of grave danger. He said huge amounts of money are being spent on war while humanitarian aid budgets are being reduced. According to him, the conflict could lead to severe humanitarian consequences far beyond the Middle East. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, also warned that the conflict is spreading beyond the countries directly involved. He urged governments to take urgent steps to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation. Iran insists it will not surrender Speaking at the United Nations, Iran’s Permanent Representative, Amir Iravani, said his country was not seeking war but would defend itself if necessary. According to him, Iran would take all necessary measures to protect its territory, sovereignty and independence. “Iran will never surrender its sovereignty,” he said. Iravani also called on the international community and members of the Security Council to condemn what he described as a criminal war against the Iranian people. He warned that if the council fails to act, the consequences could be severe. “Today it is Iran, tomorrow it could be any other member state,” he said.