KAMPALA — The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Uganda, H.E. Majid Saffar, has said his country is not hostile toward its neighbours or other nations, insisting that Iran is acting in self-defence against what he described as external aggression.

Speaking after Friday (Juma) prayers at the National Mosque in Old Kampala on April 4, Ambassador Saffar told a large congregation that the ongoing conflict involving Iran is the result of “imposed aggression” by the United States and Israel.

He accused the two countries of advancing what he termed unfounded allegations that Iran is developing prohibited nuclear weapons, claims he said have been used to justify military action.

“Before the war, we were aware that the Americans and Israelis have little regard for international agreements and laws. Nevertheless, we engaged in diplomatic talks in good faith, but these were abandoned, followed by bombardments in June 2025,” Mr Saffar said.

He further alleged that although calls for a ceasefire were made by the same parties, hostilities resumed in February 2026, with attacks targeting civilian infrastructure, including schools, health facilities and bridges, actions he said contravene international law.

Mr Saffar also claimed that the conflict had led to the deaths of several senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom he described as having died in the line of duty.

He maintained that Iran would remain resolute. “The people of Iran are strong and determined to defend their country,” he said, as sections of the congregation responded with chants.

The ambassador added that the conflict would only end on terms acceptable to Iran, and linked prospects for lasting peace in the Middle East to the restoration of Palestinian statehood.

He also thanked Ugandans for what he described as solidarity shown toward Iran since the outbreak of the conflict.

Following the prayers, Mr Saffar, accompanied by Iran’s Cultural Attaché, Mr Naderi Abbas, and First Secretary, Mr Mohsen Aghaloo, held a meeting with the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, at the Office of the National Imam.

During the meeting, the ambassador reiterated that Iran was not targeting neighbouring countries but was instead striking what he called enemy military installations located within those territories.

“We informed the respective leaders in advance not to allow their territories to be used as launch bases against Iran,” he said.

He also highlighted Iran’s advancements in science and technology, noting that his country would be open to offering educational opportunities to Ugandan students once the conflict subsides.

In his remarks, Sheikh Mubaje expressed concern over the loss of innocent lives and called for restraint.

“We pray that those involved come to their senses and desist from actions that lead to unnecessary suffering,” he said.

Earlier, Sheikh Hussein Ali Bulafu delivered a sermon urging Muslims to make prudent use of time as a means of attaining success in both worldly life and the hereafter.

The ambassador later appeared on a talk show on Radio Bilal FM, where he provided further updates on the situation in the Middle East.