The Iranian Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Ali Ghomshi, has described Iran’s recent military response to Israel as an act of legitimate self-defence, grounded in international law and necessitated by what he called an unprovoked Israeli airstrike on Iranian soil.
Speaking through an official statement issued in Accra on June 18, Ambassador Ghomshi condemned the June 13 attack by Israeli forces, which reportedly claimed the lives of multiple civilians, including women and children. The incident, which occurred just ahead of a national celebration in Iran, also destroyed essential infrastructure, raising alarms over the potential for wider regional instability.
“The attack targeted densely populated cities, vital urban infrastructure, and even peaceful nuclear facilities, all in direct violation of international law,” the ambassador stated.
A Message of Resistance and Retaliation
Ambassador Ghomshi explained that Iran’s military response—described as both “fierce” and “resolute”—was carried out using only its own defensive capabilities, asserting that Iran was forced into retaliation to protect its sovereignty and national security.
“This conflict was not initiated by Iran. We were attacked. Our response is a measured act of self-defence, well within the bounds of international legal norms,” he declared.
Raising Questions of International Fairness
In his statement, Ghomshi took aim at what he sees as double standards in global diplomacy, particularly among some Western powers.
He criticized nations that have called on both sides to exercise restraint, arguing that such statements blur the line between aggressor and victim. According to the ambassador, these statements ignore the unequal power dynamics and long-standing tensions in the region.
“Equating Iran’s defensive actions with unprovoked aggression is not only unjust—it’s dangerous,” he warned.
Pointed Criticism of Israel’s Conduct
Ambassador Ghomshi also accused Israel of consistently violating international norms, including its refusal to join the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its continued occupation of Palestinian territories.
“Israel possesses undeclared nuclear weapons and uses them to threaten others, yet continues to act as if it is above international scrutiny,” he said.
He also linked Israel’s actions to broader conflicts in Gaza and the West Bank, reminding the world that over 36,000 Palestinian lives have been lost since October 2023, and calling for sustained global attention on these crises.
A Call to the World
The ambassador urged the United Nations and the global community to take concrete steps in holding Israel accountable for what he called repeated “illegal acts of aggression.”
“If the global community believes in justice, peace, and the principles enshrined in the UN Charter, then this is the time to act,” he emphasized.
He concluded with a tribute to the victims of the airstrike and a reaffirmation of Iran’s determination to defend its people and territory.
