Iranian ambassador says US, Israel using ‘Rule of the Jungle’

2026-03-04 - 09:43

BANGKOK — Iran’s Ambassador to Thailand, Nassereddin Heidari, on Wednesday denounced what he described as “unprovoked and unjustified acts of aggression” by the United States and Israel against Iran, calling the situation a dangerous escalation. Speaking at a press conference in Bangkok, Heidari said the alleged attacks constituted “a direct assault on the very core principles of international law,” including the prohibition on the use of force and respect for sovereign equality. “This cowardly act of terror constitutes a direct assault on the very core principles of international law,” he said. “It represents a dangerous and unprecedented escalation of war that strikes at the most fundamental norms of statehood and civilized conduct among nations.” The ambassador spent nearly an hour answering questions from more than a dozen Thai reporters. Iranian tourists stranded in Thailand Heidari said around 160 Iranian tourists remain stranded in Thailand. The embassy may request assistance from the Thai government to arrange a chartered flight to Turkey, from where stranded Thais currently in Iran could be repatriated. Regarding Thai nationals in Iran, he said no Thai had been injured and that assisting Bangkok with repatriation efforts was a priority. No message to US, Israeli envoys Asked about any message to the US and Israeli ambassadors in Thailand, Heidari replied: “We have no relation with either of them. So we have no message to either of them.” On speculation about possible retaliatory attacks against Israeli diplomatic premises or individuals in Thailand, he declined to give assurances. “It’s not we who guarantee. This speculation is not relevant,” he said. Criticism of Western media Responding to a question about some Thais who support US and Israeli actions due to Iran’s recent deadly crackdown on protesters, Heidari rejected the characterization. “I do not accept your comments on aggression [and] repression,” he said, alleging that “agent provocateurs” organized from outside Iran had waged “terror in our territory.” He also urged Thais not to rely on Western media for information, suggesting they consult Iranian and other news sources. ‘We have no way but to defend ourselves’ Asked about Iran’s objectives, Heidari said the “end game is not for us to choose,” accusing Washington and Tel Aviv of creating a “rule of the jungle.” “These two [nations] have breached everything... We have no way but to defend ourselves,” he said. On Israel, he claimed its “ultimate goal is to disintegrate Iran” and likened the situation to Syria. He added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has for decades portrayed Iran as an imminent threat. Regarding the United States, Heidari said Washington does not genuinely support the Iranian people, despite its claims. He added that Iran does not seek harm to American soldiers. “We do not want any bloodshed from the American soldiers either,” he said. PM–US envoy meeting Asked about Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s meeting earlier Wednesday with the US ambassador, Heidari said: “I hope PM Anutin has told him the US should stop.” On speculation over whether a new supreme leader has been chosen in Iran, the ambassador said he had seen no confirmation. He added that he spoke with his family in Tehran the previous night. “My family was in the shelter,” he said.