Iran's Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali declared on Saturday that Tehran has the right to self-defence and will use all available options following recent US-Israeli military attacks on Iranian territory. Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi telephoned regional leaders—Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq—urging them to prevent American and Israeli forces from using their territories against Iran. Iran characterizes the strikes as violations of sovereignty and international law.
US-Iran tensions have escalated dramatically since 2018 when the Trump administration withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Israel has conducted multiple strikes on Iranian targets over the past 18 months, with tensions peaking in April 2024 when Iran launched 300+ drones and missiles at Israel. In February 2026, the latest cycle of military escalation began with fresh US-Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian defensive infrastructure across multiple cities. These attacks directly threaten Iran's strategic position in West Asia and have prompted diplomatic mobilization across the region. The timing coincides with heightened regional fragmentation, as Saudi Arabia and UAE pursue separate engagement with both the US and Iran.
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, Mohammad Fathali (Iranian Ambassador to India) stated at the Iranian Culture House in New Delhi that Iran 'has the lawful right of self-defence' and will 'use all necessary options to protect its territorial integrity, independence, and citizens.' He accused the US and Israel of violating Iran's sovereignty by attacking 'defensive infrastructure and civilian areas' across multiple Iranian cities. Simultaneously, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi conducted telephone calls with counterparts from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq, explicitly requesting these nations prevent American and Israeli military operations from their territories. Araghchi characterized the strikes as 'flagrant violations of the UN Charter' and 'crimes against international peace and security,' calling on all Muslim nations to confront what he termed 'malicious designs.'
Iran's explicit invocation of self-defence rights signals probable military retaliation, raising risks of direct US-Iran conflict that could disrupt 20% of global crude oil supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz. For India, escalation threatens energy security—India imports 18-22% of crude oil from Iran despite US sanctions, with current shipments worth approximately $6-8 billion annually. A full-scale conflict would spike global crude prices to $120+ per barrel, driving domestic inflation by 1.5-2%, increasing petrol prices by ₹8-12 per litre. New Delhi's diplomatic neutrality becomes crucial; siding visibly with either side risks rupturing ties with Russia-aligned Iran or complicating US defence relationships. India's $2.3 billion defence imports from Israel and $1.4 billion from Russia create strategic constraints on public positioning.
Iran's 'armed forces are fully prepared,' suggesting military response could occur within days to weeks. India's External Affairs Ministry should issue advisories for the 15,000+ Indian nationals working in Iraq and Kuwait by March 5. Oil markets will remain volatile until Iran's response timeline clarifies—crude futures could swing 8-12% on any Iranian military announcement. The UN Security Council may convene by March 3-4 if Iran launches strikes, though Russia-China vetoes will block any anti-Iran resolution. India should engage through UN channels and bilateral back-channels with both nations to preserve oil supplies. Watch for: Iranian drone/missile launch declarations (likely via IRGC statements), Saudi-UAE public stances on regional neutrality, and any US military repositioning announcements by March 15.