Exclusive: Iran’s ambassador to Australia has warned Donald Trump’s “act of animosity” in ordering the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites could see US military bases targeted and a key sealane closed.
In an exclusive interview with 9News, Ahmad Sadeghi said the US president had proved himself to be the “puppet” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for which there would be “consequences”.
“Islamic countries all around the world would consider this (an) act of animosity and they won’t be silent inside the region,” Sadeghi said.
“The US does have personnel and bases, either in southern part of the Persian Gulf or other regions in the West Asia, that they have bases.
“The other (consequence) is, you know, the ramification on the Persian Gulf from the navigation and just transfer of energy in the region.”
A fifth of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz and its closure would see fuel prices skyrocket.
Sadeghi said Australia, as a peace-loving country, should “support justice and legality” and not side with the US.
“We are friendly with Australia. We do not have any sort of animosity with them,” he said.
“What we have to do is just remind them, what is the real situation on the ground, and just remove the misunderstanding, because Iran’s nuclear program has been legal and has been a peaceful, neutral program.”
Asked if Iran was enriching uranium to near-weapons grade quality, Sadeghi said, “of course not”.
“The Director General of IAEA Rafael Grossi is responsible in this bloodshed,” he said.
“IAEA inspectors had maximum access to Iran.
“Iran was unique in terms of accepting inspection. Therefore, Mr Grossi had a very bad failure in that regard.”
Sadeghi said Iran did not believe that the US wants regime change.
“When it comes to our country, the people are consolidated and united inside Iran to protect their country, and they protect their government.”
You can watch the full interview above.
