US Forced Into Ceasefire, Says Iranian Supreme Leader’s India Representative
NEW DELHI — The Iranian Supreme Leader’s representative in India, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, said Wednesday that the United States was compelled to agree to a ceasefire with Iran after failing to sustain the conflict, asserting that continued fighting would have led to further setbacks for Washington.
In an interview, Ilahi said the U.S. decision to halt the war was not voluntary but driven by its inability to continue military operations.
“The U.S. was forced to announce a ceasefire because it could not continue the war. They made a big mistake, and within the last 41 days, they wanted to stop the war but could not do it. Finally, when they realized they could not continue and would face further defeat, they announced a ceasefire,” he said.
Asked whether the ceasefire could lead to a lasting resolution, Ilahi said any long-term peace would depend on whether Iran’s conditions are accepted.
“With our conditions… if they accept our conditions, yes, it will be the end of this war,” he said.
Ilahi described the broader conflict as one imposed on Iran, saying the country had no intention of entering a war.
“From the beginning, we did not want this war; it was imposed on us. We also realized that many people from different countries suffered because of it, which we did not want. We did not want to attack civilians in countries that were attacking us. We were always guided by humanity and international laws regarding war,” he said.
He added, however, that Iran was prepared to respond forcefully if necessary.
“In the end, we also have to know how to respond, and they realized that if they continued, we would respond strongly,” Ilahi said.
Addressing allegations about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Ilahi denied that Tehran possesses or seeks to develop nuclear weapons, citing religious prohibitions.
“This is not true. From the beginning, our Supreme Leader had clearly announced that nuclear weapons are forbidden (Haram) according to our religion. We do not want them now or in the future — never,” he said.
On accusations from Gulf nations regarding attacks allegedly carried out by Iran, Ilahi blamed external involvement in the region for escalating tensions.
“We have lived in this region together for thousands of years without such conflicts. The crises began when America came from thousands of miles away and brought instability. The bases used by the U.S. to attack us are located in neighboring Arab countries,” he said.
He said Iran’s actions were directed at U.S. military infrastructure, not neighboring countries.
“We were forced to target American bases, but we never attacked our neighbors or civilians, although we could have done that,” Ilahi added. (Source: IANS)
