New Delhi

Mohammad Fathali, Iran’s Ambassador to India, has strongly condemned the recent military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian interests, describing the escalation as a broader ideological conflict rather than merely a territorial dispute.

Speaking in New Delhi, Fathali said the confrontation represents a deeper struggle between opposing values.

“What is happening today is not simply a political or military conflict. This strike is a continuation of the struggle between truth and falsehood,” he said, adding that one side represents “human dignity, justice and the right of nations to live freely,” while the other reflects “oppression, injustice and domination.”

The envoy described the actions of the US and Israel as “brutal military aggression” and argued that the strikes undermine international law and the sovereignty of nations.

His remarks came after the United States Central Command said thousands of targets had been struck inside Iran during the first week of an intensified military campaign called Operation Epic Fury. According to the command, more than 3,000 targets had been hit in the initial phase of the operation.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump declared that there would be “no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender,” signalling that negotiations would only occur if Tehran’s leadership yields.

Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the US and its allies would consider rebuilding Iran after such a surrender, even using the slogan “Make Iran Great Again (MIGA).”

The tensions follow a dramatic escalation after a joint US-Israel strike on February 28 reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with other senior figures.

In response, Iran launched waves of drone and missile strikes targeting US military bases and Israeli-linked assets across parts of the Middle East, while Israel widened the conflict by targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.

Trump has also indicated he wants a role in determining Iran’s future leadership. In remarks to Axios, he criticised the possible succession of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late supreme leader, calling him “unacceptable.”

However, Iranian authorities have dismissed reports about potential successors, with officials saying the speculation has no official basis.

The conflict has continued to escalate militarily. Airstrikes reportedly struck Tehran early Saturday, with geolocated footage showing fires near Mehrabad Airport and large plumes of smoke rising over the area.

Iranian state media also reported explosions in eastern and western parts of the capital shortly after the Israeli military announced fresh strikes on regime infrastructure.

Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Tel Aviv, where explosions were seen in the sky as Israeli air defence systems intercepted incoming projectiles.

READ MORE: Mumtaz Thaha, Thrissur’s first Muslim woman Councillor

The ongoing exchange marks one of the most serious escalations in the Middle East in recent years, raising concerns over civilian safety and regional stability.