Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said the Iranian people would remain resolute amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel, declaring that the nation would accept either victory or martyrdom.
“We, the people of Iran, clearly declare that we will either achieve victory or martyrdom on this path. Both are our honor and happiness,” Fathali said, according to news agency ANI.
The Iranian envoy went on to frame the US and Israeli attacks as part of a wider battle between “truth and lies”.
Fathali said the development goes beyond a conventional political or military dispute.
“What is happening today is not just a political or military conflict. This strike is a continuation of the strike between truth and lies,” Fathali said, according to a news source.
“On one side is human dignity, justice and the right of peoples to live freely and independently. On the other side is oppression, injustice and domination.”
The ambassador described the military action as “brutal aggression” and said the attacks were not only against Iran, but also against broader international principles.
“The brutal military aggression by the American and Israeli regimes against Iran is a clear example of this injustice. This aggression is not only against Iran, but also against the principles of internal law, human dignity and the rights of nations to determine their own future,” he said.
The ambassador’s comments come as Iranian officials warn that continued pressure will not change the country’s strategic posture.
US military escalation
Tensions escalated after the United States Central Command announced a major expansion of its campaign, declaring that “Operation Epic Fury” was proceeding at full speed.
In a statement released on X Command, it said: “US forces have engaged over 3,000 targets in the first week of Operation Epic Fury, and we are not slowing down.
The military described the strikes as part of an ongoing mission to degrade strategic targets.
Trump’s demand for ‘unconditional surrender’
In parallel with the military escalation, US President Donald Trump declared on Truth Social: “There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”
He further stated that negotiations can begin only after Iran’s leadership changes and aligns itself with Washington’s expectations.
“After that… we and our many wonderful and very brave allies and partners will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction… IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE.”
Trump also used the phrase “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!)” which is in line with his long-standing political slogan.
Diplomatic background and leadership debate
Amid speculation about potential leadership changes in Tehran, Trump reportedly told Axios that Washington should not accept any successor who pursues policies similar to those of the late Iranian leadership.
He specifically criticized potential figures in the succession discussions, calling one contender “unacceptable”.
While reports of possible successors, including those linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, have circulated, the Iranian government has denied such claims.
Read also | Iran-US War: Which Countries Are Involved in the Conflict?
Regional retaliation and expanding fronts
Following earlier attacks attributed to US-Israeli coordination, Iran launched waves of drone and missile attacks across several Arab states, targeting US military installations and Israeli assets.
At the same time, Israel expanded operations into Lebanon and hit positions associated with Hezbollah. In Tel Aviv, air raid sirens were followed by visible interception as defense systems intercepted incoming projectiles.
Growing regional risk
The week-long escalation has sharply increased risks to civilians and infrastructure across the Middle East, diplomatic channels are strained and military operations have intensified on multiple fronts.
As both sides exchange threats and attacks, the confrontation appears to be entering a more volatile phase.
Read also | ‘Iran will be hit very hard today’: Trump warns of ‘total destruction, death’
