Mohammad Fathali, Ambassador of Iran to India, stated on Friday, 5 June that assessments by Tehran's military experts found no Iranian missiles were launched toward Kuwait International Airport, attributing the damage instead to a malfunction of US-made Patriot defence systems. His remarks came days after a Wednesday attack on the airport killed one Indian national and injured dozens of others.

Iran's Account of the Airport Incident

Ambassador Fathali, speaking in an exclusive interview from New Delhi, said the interceptor missiles of the US-made Patriot system 'fell onto the terminal after failing to intercept Iranian missiles targeted elsewhere.' He further argued that any Iranian drone launches targeting US military objectives in Kuwait occurred 'around midnight and under conditions of darkness,' and that circulating photos and videos showing the alleged attack 'clearly show broad daylight,' which he claimed demonstrates the footage is fabricated. The ambassador placed responsibility for civilian casualties squarely on what he called 'US–Zionist aggressors and all parties that cooperate with them.'

Iran's Position on the Ceasefire and Self-Defence

Fathali acknowledged that a ceasefire announced on 8 April had been 'repeatedly violated by US forces in recent days,' prompting Iranian military forces to respond 'within the framework of their legitimate right to self-defence.' He was unambiguous that Iran's national security and sovereignty constitute a 'red line,' warning that any attack on Iranian territory 'will be met with a reciprocal response at the same level, and if necessary, with greater severity.' Despite this, he maintained that Iran remains committed to the ceasefire and open to diplomacy.

On Kuwait, Bahrain, and International Law

The ambassador characterised the actions of Kuwait and Bahrain as 'a flagrant violation of the fundamental rules of international law,' invoking United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3314, which he said classifies allowing aggressor parties to use a country's territory or facilities to attack Iran as an act of aggression. Iran, he said, reserves the right to target 'the origin and source of such attacks' in exercising its right to self-defence.

On the US House Resolution and Diplomacy

Asked about a recent US House resolution seeking to restrict President Donald Trump's authority in the Iran conflict, Fathali declined to characterise it as evidence of internal US division, saying Iran does not comment on the internal affairs of other countries. He did, however, describe such measures as 'a step toward preventing the spread of tensions,' and reiterated that Iran believes disputes must be resolved 'at the negotiating table and through constructive dialogue, not on the battlefield.'

Iran's Message to the International Community

Fathali concluded by stating that Iran has 'not initiated any war in more than three centuries' and that its message to the United States and the world is that '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.' He called on the US to 'accept the reality of a powerful, independent Iran' and recognise the legitimate rights of the Iranian people. The interview signals that, despite Iran's public openness to diplomacy, Tehran is unlikely to de-escalate unilaterally as long as it perceives ceasefire violations by US forces.