New Delhi, June 5 : Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Friday expressed Iran's commitment to the ceasefire and dialogue. However, he emphasised that Iran's security and sovereignty remain their red line and warned of reciprocal response at the same level if Iran faces an attack.

In an interview with IANS, Fathali stated that Iran has never initiated war and has consistently called for peaceful and political solutions and accused the US forces of violating the April 8 ceasefire. He defended Iran's actions in response to the US and Israel's strikes, saying that these attacks were conducted "within the framework of their legitimate right to self-defence."

When asked about reports suggesting that tensions between Iran and the US have escalated again despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Fathali responded, "We have previously declared that we are prepared for both war and peace. We welcome dialogue and negotiation, and we firmly believe that disputes and differences can be resolved through diplomacy. The Islamic Republic of Iran has never initiated war or tension and has consistently emphasised political and peaceful solutions. Regrettably, however, the ceasefire that was announced on April 8 has been repeatedly violated by US forces in recent days."

"Consequently, Iranian military forces have responded to these attacks within the framework of their legitimate right to self-defence. While we remain committed to the ceasefire and have chosen the path of dialogue, Iran's national security and sovereignty remain our red line. Any attack or aggression against our country's territory will be met with a reciprocal response at the same level, and if necessary, with greater severity. At the same time, we believe there is still an opportunity for diplomacy and reaching an understanding, provided that the opposing party also abides by its commitments and refrains from escalatory actions and ceasefire violations," he added.

The ongoing tensions in West Asia erupted after the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials. In response, Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting the US and Israeli facilities, regional capitals and allied forces in West Asia.

Iran, the US and Israel reached a ceasefire on April 8 after 40 days of fighting. Following the truce, Iranian and US delegations held first round of peace talks in Pakistan on April 11 and 12, which failed to yield an agreement. Over the past weeks, the two sides have reportedly exchanged several proposed plans outlining conditions for ending the conflict.

Mohammad Fathali expressed hope that US will accept that Iran holds an important regional and international standing and recognise the legitimate rights of the Iranian nation. He expressed Iran's readiness for engagement and cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests.

When asked about the message Iran wants to send to the US and the international community about peace and stability, he responded, "Iran is a country with a civilization spanning over seven thousand years, which throughout history has always been a messenger of peace, coexistence, and friendship among nations. Our historical identity and culture are built upon constructive dialogue and cooperation with other nations. Historical reality demonstrates that Iran has not initiated any war in more than three centuries and has always supported peaceful mechanisms for dispute resolution. The logic of the Islamic Republic of Iran is the logic of dialogue, diplomacy, and engagement based on mutual respect."

"In the current environment, where the world faces increasing challenges and uncertainties, Iranâ??s message to the United States and the international community is clear: Sustainable peace, stability, and security can only be achieved through respect for the rights of nations, adherence to the principles of international law, and equal, constructive dialogue. We hope that the United States will accept the reality of a powerful, independent Iran that holds an important regional and international standing, and that it will recognize the legitimate rights of the Iranian nation. Iran has always been ready for engagement and cooperation based on mutual respect and shared interests, and believes that a more secure and stable future for all nations is achievable through diplomacy and mutual understanding," he added.

/IANS