Press Conference

Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mumbai Date: July 8 2025

On July 8, 2025, the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Mumbai hosted a high-level press conference to address critical issues concerning Iran’s nuclear program, regional security developments, and broader international relations—particularly in light of recent escalations involving Israel and the United States.

The event was attended by a distinguished group of Indian journalists and media professionals, and featured in-depth remarks by Mr. Hassan Mohseni Fard, Acting Consul General.

Key Topics and Statements

Iran’s Nuclear Program and Commitment to Peaceful Use

Mr. Mohseni Fard reiterated Iran’s principled commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as enshrined in the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). He highlighted:

• Iran’s technological advancements in agriculture and medicine;
• Ongoing IAEA oversight despite a disproportionately high share of monitoring resources allocated to Iran;
• Concerns over politically motivated actions within the IAEA, and Iran’s conditional stance on continued cooperation;
• A firm ideological opposition to nuclear weapons, citing the Supreme Leader’s fatwa declaring weapons of mass destruction as forbidden (haram).

He also addressed recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and clarified that enriched uranium stockpiles had been relocated prior to the strikes, minimizing environmental and material damage.

Regional Conflicts and Israel

Touching on the recent escalation with Israel, Mr. Mohseni Fard described Iran’s military responses as lawful acts of self-defense under international law. He emphasized Iran’s measured conduct and commitment to de-escalation, while condemning intelligence leaks and targeted killings of Iranian scientists.

On the Israeli-Palestinian issue, he voiced Iran’s support for a one-state solution ensuring equal rights for all religious and ethnic communities, while reaffirming moral solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Relations with the United States

Mr. Fard expressed skepticism toward the reliability of U.S. diplomatic overtures, especially under former President Donald Trump. He criticized the withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the imposition of new sanctions, and offers that lacked credibility.

Iran–India Bilateral Relations

Emphasizing centuries-old civilizational ties, Mr. Fard praised India’s traditional support for Iran’s peaceful initiatives. He noted India’s strategic interest in the Chabahar port project, while expressing concern over growing U.S.-India-Israel trilateral alignments that may compromise regional stability.

Security, Alliances, and Economic Outlook

Key points included:

• Strategic reliance on Russia and China for military and economic resilience;
• Economic losses due to recent conflicts, notably in the energy sector;
• Conditional openness to selective naval actions in the Strait of Hormuz, modeled on similar regional responses;
• Continued commitment to rebuilding efforts with international support.

Interactive Dialogue: Press Q&A

A wide range of questions were posed by Indian journalists, covering topics from IAEA relations and Mossad operations, to air defense capabilities and the potential for resuming dialogue with the United States. Mr. Mohseni Fard responded with clarity, reaffirming Iran’s consistent policy positions and its willingness to engage constructively, provided its national security and sovereignty are respected.

Cultural Diplomacy and Closing Remarks

The event concluded with reflections on the deep-rooted affinities between Iran and India—shared culinary, spiritual, and linguistic heritages that underpin strong people-to-people connections. Mr. Fard thanked the Indian press corps for their thoughtful engagement and reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to transparent and respectful dialogue on regional and global issues of mutual concern.