Bengaluru

Abdul Majeed Hakeem Ilahi, the representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, on Saturday described the present confrontation involving Iran and the US-Israel alliance as a situation of “neither war nor peace”, while calling for immediate efforts to end hostilities and restore regional stability.

Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru, Ilahi said Iran had not sought confrontation but was compelled to respond after repeated attacks despite diplomatic efforts being underway. Referring to earlier negotiations held in Oman and later in Geneva, he claimed talks had shown progress before military strikes disrupted the process.

He alleged that the attacks caused large-scale destruction and loss of life, including senior leaders, military commanders and civilians, besides damage to schools, hospitals, universities and residential areas. According to him, thousands were killed or injured during the weeks of conflict.

Ilahi said Iran refused calls for what he termed “unconditional surrender” and instead chose to defend itself. He claimed that the ceasefire now in place was not a complete cessation of hostilities but rather an uneasy situation best described as “no war, no peace”.

Providing an update on domestic conditions, he said life inside Iran remained largely normal, with citizens continuing their routine activities while remaining prepared to defend their country if necessary.

Commenting on the tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, Ilahi said the waterway had remained open and secure for centuries and blamed the present instability on those who, according to him, initiated the conflict. He argued that normalcy in the region would return once hostilities were halted.

He also questioned why countries affected by rising energy costs and economic disruption were not exerting pressure on the United States and Israel to stop the conflict, saying many economies, industries and businesses were suffering as a result.

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Highlighting bilateral ties, Ilahi described relations between India and Iran as historically deep and strategically important, rooted in centuries of cultural, educational, economic and civilisational exchanges. He said cooperation between the two nations remained strong and expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to grow in the years ahead.