Peace contingent on end to US-Israeli aggression under Iran’s terms: Ambassador

Iran’s Ambassador to France Mohammad Aminnejad says any peace effort is contingent upon an end to the US-Israeli military aggression under Iran’s terms.

Amininejad made the remarks in an interview with France’s TF1 television channel, stressing that Iran did not instigate the war and firmly maintains its right to self-defense as enshrined in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

Aminnejad also emphasized that Iran’s armed forces and citizens are prepared to defend their territorial integrity against any aggressor.

The ambassador further underscored that any dialogue aimed at achieving stability cannot proceed while threats against Iran persist, stressing that peace efforts must be predicated on Iran’s terms.

He pointed to the repeated failures of past negotiations, particularly citing two specific periods, June 2025 and February 2026, when discussions were abruptly halted by military strikes against Iran.

Aminnejad criticized Washington’s dishonesty during those diplomatic attempts, expressing skepticism regarding the sincerity of future negotiations.

“Iran has not and is not against negotiations, but after these two bitter experiences, the will for a lasting peace must be proven,” he said.

Regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Aminnejad rejected accusations that Iran has blocked the essential maritime route, saying the instability is due to the US military presence and aggressive posturing in the region.

He stressed that Iran has historically been a stabilizing force in this area, underscoring its long coastline along the Persian Gulf as a testament to its role in ensuring maritime security.

The Iranian ambassador further discussed the human costs inflicted by the war, noting over 2,000 deaths and approximately 20,000 injuries as a result.

He characterized these losses as part of a broader narrative on American foreign policy, which he criticized as a misguided attempt to “export democracy” to Iran.

Addressing France’s position on the war, Aminnejad said it is “understandable” that nations act according to their interests but expressed disappointment over the support some European countries have lent to US-Israeli aggression.

He called upon France, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to take on a more proactive role in opposing illegitimate aggression against Iran.

Aminnejad further emphasized that Iran does not consider any country its enemy and is not considered a threat to any nation, including France.

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