Iran will neither collapse, nor surrender’: Ambassador Totonji

Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait, Mohammad Totonji, strongly condemned the recent Israeli attacks on his country, describing Israel as “the most terrorist regime in the world that has crossed all red lines.” He emphasized that Iran remains steadfast and united, and will neither collapse nor surrender, regardless of external pressures or military aggression.

Speaking at a press conference held today at the Iranian Embassy in Kuwait, Totonji reassured that no Kuwaiti citizens are stranded in Iran, confirming that their return is being smoothly facilitated through land borders, based on coordination between Kuwaiti and Iraqi authorities.

He also extended his deep appreciation on behalf of the Iranian government to the leadership and people of Kuwait for their support and condemnation of what he described as “cowardly and brutal Zionist aggression” against Iran. He expressed gratitude specifically to His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad, Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, Kuwaiti officials, media, and the public.

Totonji accused Israel of illegally and deliberately launching a military assault last Friday that targeted civilian areas in Tehran and other cities, resulting in the death of several civilians, including women and children. He claimed the attack also led to the assassination of senior Iranian military leaders, scientists, and academics.

Among the targets, according to the ambassador, were Iran’s nuclear facilities, which operate under full supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He warned that the attack risked causing a radiological disaster, posing a serious threat to regional and global peace.

He condemned the attack as a flagrant violation of international law, warning that such aggression against internationally monitored nuclear facilities undermines the global non-proliferation regime and the credibility of the IAEA.

Totonji noted with concern that the missile attacks came during ongoing diplomatic negotiations, suggesting that Israel’s intent was to sabotage diplomatic efforts and provoke Iran. He labeled the assault as a strategic miscalculation, asserting that Iran’s military response will be firm, balanced, and unwavering.

He stressed that Iran’s right to respond in self-defense is protected under Article 51 of the UN Charter, and that responsibility for the consequences lies solely with Israel and its backers. “Iran does not fear confrontation,” he declared.

When asked about the international community’s response, the ambassador criticized the failure to universally condemn Israel’s actions, describing it as a moral and legal duty. He called on all UN member states—particularly regional and Islamic countries—to urgently denounce this aggression and take collective action to stop Israel’s escalating provocations.

Totonji further argued that the conflict was never about Iran’s nuclear program, which he said has been transparent and heavily monitored under the nuclear deal. Instead, he claimed, Israel and its Western allies aim to destabilize and collapse independent nations, citing past interventions in Iraq, Libya, Syria, and Lebanon, and now Iran.

He accused the United States of complicity in the Israeli attacks, asserting that such aggression could not have occurred without U.S. coordination or approval. According to Totonji, this represents a declaration of war and is part of Israel’s broader policy of regional destabilization.

“Iran will not fall. Iran will not surrender,” Totonji said, emphasizing that if Iran is pushed to the edge, it will not go down alone. He added that the Iranian people, despite political differences, are united against this aggression, and growing global solidarity with Iran’s resistance is evident.

He concluded by reaffirming Iran’s commitment to respecting the sovereignty of its neighbors, particularly Gulf states like Kuwait, and to pursuing a policy of good neighborliness and peaceful cooperation.

“Israel has overstepped all limits. It is a rogue regime, and the most terroristic in the world today. The international community must not allow these crimes to continue with impunity.”

“Standing with Iran today is not just a political necessity, but a moral obligation,” Totonji added. “We are the only country openly calling for the liberation of Palestine from the river to the sea. The Zionists do not distinguish between Sunni or Shia, Arab or Persian — they oppose the entire rising Islamic nation and all free and independent peoples.”