Iran envoy says Kenya not a target as tensions rise after reported attack
The Iran ambassador to Kenya Ali Gholampour, during a press briefing in Nairobi.
The Iranian ambassador to Kenya, Ali Gholampour, has said Kenya is not at risk of any military action from Iran, following what he described as a deadly foreign attack on his country.
Speaking in Nairobi during a press briefing, the envoy sought to calm fears of a wider conflict spilling into East Africa. He told journalists that Kenya does not host a level of United States military presence that would place it within Iran’s line of response.
“Iran will not target Kenya. As a country, Kenya does not provide a US military facility with a magnitude to attack Iran,” he stated.
The ambassador’s remarks came against the backdrop of heightened tension after Iran accused the United States and Israel of launching coordinated strikes on its territory over the weekend. According to the envoy, the attacks hit both military and civilian sites in several cities.
He described the incident as a serious breach of international law, pointing to the United Nations charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity of any state.
The ambassador also claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attack. The claim could not be independently verified at the time of the briefing.
He said the timing of the strikes, during the holy month of Ramadan and just before Nowruz, made the situation more painful for Iranians. He accused Washington and Tel Aviv of undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts, saying Iran had entered talks in good faith.
The envoy warned that Iran would respond under its right to self defence as outlined in international law, adding that those responsible would face consequences.
He also called on the international community to act, urging the UN Security Council to convene and address what he termed as a threat to global peace.
He was also clear in separating Kenya from the conflict. His reassurance appeared aimed at preventing anxiety among Kenyans and maintaining diplomatic stability between Nairobi and Tehran.
For now, Kenya remains outside the unfolding crisis, even as the situation in the Middle East continues to draw concern from across the world.
