Iranian ambassador to Kenya has condemned the coordinated attack by United States and Israel on his country, terming the assault as ‘cowardly aggression’ and a violation of international law.

Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi, Ali Gholampour, reported that the early Saturday strikes targeted defensive infrastructure and non-military facilities across several Iranian cities.

“In the early hours of Saturday, the United States of America and the Zionist regime of Israel carried out a coordinated military operation against our homeland,” Mr Gholampour said.

“This is not merely an act of aggression, it is a flagrant violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, and a grave threat to international peace and security,” he added.

In addition, the ambassador revealed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, was reportedly targeted during the strikes.

“The enemies of Iran believed that by striking (and killing) our leader, they would break our resolve, they were mistaken,” defiant Gholampour said.

Further, the envoy criticized the timing of the alleged strikes, noting they coincided with the holy month of Ramadan and the eve of Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

“To strike during Ramadan and on the eve of Nowruz shows a complete disregard for law, morality, and the sanctity of human life,” he stressed.

Equally, Gholampour emphasised, the attacks occurred while Iran was engaged in diplomatic discussions with the United States.

“We entered negotiations in good faith and how were we answered? With bombs, missiles and the blood of our Leader,” he implored.

Invoking Article 51 of the UN Charter, which affirms the right of self-defence, Gholampour said that Iran will respond using all necessary capabilities and warned the United States and Israel that they would bear responsibility for the consequences.

Meanwhile, he called on the United Nations Security Council to convene urgently and take binding action, urging the international community to prevent further escalation.

“If this aggression is not met with a strong response, it threatens the rule of law and international institutions,” he reiterated.

Despite the developments, Gholampour reaffirmed Iran’s resilience stating, “Our leader has fallen, but our leadership lives on. Our path is clear. Our cause is just and our response will be firm and decisive”.

The envoy also highlighted the broader implications for regional and global stability.

“Aggression against one nation is a threat to all. It is imperative that the international community acts decisively to uphold the Charter of the United Nations and protect peace,” he advised.

Iran’s statement comes amid rising tensions following the US-Israel strikes, which Tehran says caused significant casualties and damage to civilian and defensive infrastructure. Conflicting reports regarding the status of the Supreme Leader have heightened diplomatic concerns.

While the United States and Israel had not formally responded at the time of publication, international observers and regional powers have called for restraint to avoid wider conflict.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Naif Rashid