Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, has accused the United States and Israel of launching what he described as a “war of aggression” against Iran while diplomatic negotiations between Tehran and Washington were ongoing.
In a lengthy public message addressed to people of all religions, nationalities, and beliefs, Baghaei claimed the conflict began on February 28, 2026, and framed it as a defining moral struggle for the future of humanity.
“This is not merely a war over land, resources, or geopolitics,” Baghaei said. “This is a war that will determine the very meaning of ‘good’ and ‘evil’ in our time and for future generations.”
The Iranian official accused the U.S. and Israel of violating international law and targeting civilians, while portraying Iran as a peace-loving nation defending its sovereignty and dignity.
Without providing evidence for specific allegations, Baghaei alleged that Iran’s adversaries “murder for sport,” “slaughter children to torment their families,” and deliberately target civilian infrastructure.
He contrasted that with what he described as Iran’s efforts to protect innocent lives and uphold human dignity.
The statement repeatedly framed the conflict in moral and civilizational terms, warning that the outcome would determine whether “human rights, the rule of law, and basic morality” survive in the international system.
Baghaei also called on people around the world to reject silence in the face of what he described as aggression and domination.
“If you reject the path of barbarism and domination, then find the moral courage to speak, to act, and to stand on the right side of history,” he said.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, with the region facing growing fears of wider military escalation and diplomatic breakdown.
Iran and the United States have had a long history of strained relations, particularly over Tehran’s nuclear programme, sanctions, and regional influence.
The US and Israel launched unprovoked attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026, during which they assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and murdered 168 elementary schoolchildren in a double-tap Tomahawk strike in Minab.
They also destroyed several hospitals, schools, bridges and power infrastructure in an attempt to force the Iranian leadership into surrender.
Iran responded by targeting several US bases in the region while it also closed the Strait of Hormuz, crippling global oil trade.