March 23 (Citizen.lk News) - Iranian Ambassador in Colombo, Dr. Alireza Delkhosh yesterday said that Iran is ready to supply fuel and other essential goods to Sri Lanka upon request. “Iran is always ready to support Sri Lanka. If Sri Lanka requires fuel or any other essential goods, we are ready to provide them,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference held at his residence in Colombo yesterday, the Ambassador expressed gratitude to the Sri Lankan Government for taking good care of the Iranian sailors who were rescued by the Sri Lankan Navy.
“They are being well cared for by the Sri Lankan authorities,” he said, adding that efforts are underway in coordination with the Government to ensure their early repatriation.
The Iranian Envoy added that the embassy has signed a contract with a private company to tow the IRINS Bushehr ship to the Trincomalee harbour.
Dr. Delkhosh said that most of the rescued Iranian sailors are in good health, with only two or three requiring further attention. He further explained that Iran has implemented a comprehensive programme to ensure the welfare and security of all foreigners within Iran. He added that the Iranian Government is ready to facilitate the repatriation of foreign nationals to their home countries if necessary.
“So far, we have not received any reports of issues faced by foreigners due to the current situation. However, if they wish to return to their home countries, we can facilitate that process through neighbouring countries,” he said.
When asked why he did not attend the ifthar hosted by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Ambassador added that he had been attending to Iranian cadets and sailors at the time and therefore could not participate. He said that he had excused himself due to his inability to participate in the event.
Responding to a question about whether the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena had waited for over 11 hours in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone before receiving permission to enter territorial waters, the Ambassador said the embassy does not have confirmed information on the matter.
The Ambassador also pointed out that under international law, all countries have a responsibility to assist ships in distress, and that IRIS Dena had made an urgent request.
Reaffirming Iran’s stance on self-defence, Dr. Delkhosh stated that Iran has repeatedly warned that neighbours hosting enemies could be considered a legitimate target if Iran was attacked.
The Ambassador stated that the United States is engaged in a propaganda campaign claiming it has destroyed Iran’s military capabilities, a claim he rejected.
“If our military capabilities had truly been eliminated, how are military targets in Israel, as well as US bases and facilities in neighbouring countries, being struck almost daily?” he asked.
He also denied reports that Iran has begun charging ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
“We are not a state that resorts to blackmail by charging for security guarantees. For more than 100 years, ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz have benefited from free Iranian protection,” he said.
However, the Ambassador acknowledged that a number of vessels are currently waiting to cross the strait.
“There are many ships in waiting and we are not happy with the current situation. We are concerned about their safety. The area has become a war zone, and at present, we cannot provide security guarantees. If a vessel is attacked by another party, the blame could be wrongly attributed to Iran,” he said.
He further noted that some reports had claimed Iran was responsible for a recent attack on a hotel in Bahrain. “Bahraini authorities have confirmed that the attack was not carried out by Iran, but by the United States,” he added.
He stressed that his country is not ready for a ceasefire as it would help the enemies to reorganise and attack Iran again.
