H.E. Majid Saffar, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has disclosed that his country is not against its neighbours or any other nation, but is instead defending itself against aggression imposed on it by American imperialists and the Zionist Israeli government.
He made these remarks shortly after observing the Friday (Juma) prayers at the National Mosque in Old Kampala on April 4, 2026, addressing a large congregation of Muslim faithful.
The Ambassador explained that the conflict stems from what he described as conspiracies designed by the United States and its close allies, Israel, under the guise of false accusations that Iran is harbouring outlawed nuclear weapons that pose a danger to global populations.
“Prior to the war, we were fully aware that Americans and Israelis have no respect for any given agreement, international laws, and treaties in view of their materialistic evil interests. But still, we gave them the benefit of the doubt by engaging in rounds of diplomatic talks. Amazingly, they turned around, abandoned them, and immediately began bombardment raids against us in June 2025,” he said.
He added that the aggressors themselves called for a ceasefire but later resumed the war in February 2026. He accused them of targeting civilian infrastructure, including schools, health facilities, and bridges, actions he said violate international law.
The Ambassador further noted that the conflict has claimed the lives of several top Iranian leaders, including “the martyr, Imam Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,” whom he said was killed while on duty in his office.
“Let the whole world know that the people of Iran are very solid, strong, and ready to die while protecting every inch of their country,” Ambassador Saffar vowed, as congregants responded with chants of “Allahu Akbar” (God is the Greatest), which echoed throughout the mosque.
He emphasized that the war would only end on Iran’s terms, adding that lasting peace in the Middle East would be achieved when the people of Palestine regain their country.
Ambassador Saffar also expressed gratitude to Ugandans for the overwhelming support they have shown since the war began.
After the prayers, the Ambassador and his entourage—including Mr. Naderi Abbas, Cultural Attaché, and Mr. Mohsen Aghaloo, First Secretary—held a formal meeting with His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, the Mufti of Uganda. They were joined by other senior officials, including the Deputy Mufti and the Second Deputy Mufti, at the Office of the National Imam within the mosque.
During the meeting, the Ambassador reiterated that Iran is not attacking its Arab neighbours but is instead targeting enemy military bases located in those countries, which he said are being used as launch sites against Iran.
“We fully informed those Arab leaders long before the war began not to be used by the warmongers,” he said.
In conclusion, he informed the Mufti that Iran has made advancements in science and would be willing to offer educational opportunities to students once the war ends.
He also thanked the Mufti for his support during this difficult time.
In his response, the Mufti expressed concern over the loss of innocent lives due to the conflict.“We pray that they come back to their senses and abandon such inhuman and heartless acts,” he said.
Earlier, Muslim faithful attended a sermon delivered by Sheikh Hussein Ali Bulafu, who emphasized the importance of valuing time in order to achieve success in both this life and the hereafter.
Before departure, the Iranian Ambassador also appeared on a live talk show on UMSC’s Radio Bilal FM, where he shared updates on the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
