Colombo, June 26 (Daily Mirror) – In the wake of the current Middle- East crisis sparked by a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel involving the United States, Iran today expressed readiness to enhance trade relations with Sri Lanka, particularly in importing tea.
Speaking at a media briefing, Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Alireza Delkhosh said that Iran remains committed to strengthening economic ties with Sri Lanka despite regional instability.
“During these 12 days, there were some disruptions, not specifically with tea imports, but due to the overall instability in the region. All ports were under special conditions,” Ambassador Delkhosh said. “But following the ceasefire, ports are now open, routes are secure, and tea exports are functioning normally,” he said.
Trade between Iran and Sri Lanka holds strategic and economic importance, driven by energy cooperation and Sri Lanka’s tea exports. The Ambassador reaffirmed Iran’s interest in maximizing imports from Sri Lanka, noting the resilience of bilateral ties through turbulent times.
From June 13 to June 24, 2025, Iran and Israel engaged in an intense 12-day confrontation also involving the United States.
“We are not people of war and aggression. After our attack on the American base in Qatar, and considering that the Zionist regime was affected by our missile responses, they requested a ceasefire. Since we are not seeking tension or adventurism, we agreed to the ceasefire proposal made by the Zionist regime on June 24,” the Ambassador said.
“The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran were gravely violated by unlawful and aggressive military actions carried out by Israel and subsequently by the United States,”Dr. Delkhosh said.
He said that the conflict had caused temporary closures of airports and instability in the Persian Gulf. “Now, our military is ensuring safe transport routes. As long as the ceasefire is not violated by the other side, Iran will respect it,” he said.
On Wednesday, Dr. Delkhosh met with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath to brief him on the situation and discuss trade matters.
“We had a good discussion with the Foreign Minister. He asked about increasing tea exports, and I confirmed that Iran is ready to maximize imports from Sri Lanka,” he told the reporters.
When asked whether Iran would pursue further military or diplomatic responses, Dr. Delkhosh said, “We are a country of diplomacy. War is the failure of diplomacy. However, if our sovereignty is threatened again, we are prepared to respond, even more strongly than before.”
He placed responsibility for the escalation on the United States and Israel. “The U.S. bears full responsibility for this criminal act committed in collusion with the Zionist regime. But Iran is a peace-loving country. We have accepted the ceasefire because we understand that our neighbours also suffer from prolonged tensions.”
Addressing concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, the Ambassador said Iran is committed to maintaining its openness and security. “Hormuz is part of the Persian Gulf and part of our responsibility. We have no intention of closing it. We aim to ensure peaceful and stable international transit.”
He also urged the international community to condemn the violation of international law by Israel and the United States.
Asked about Sri Lanka’s neutral position and reluctance to condemn the U.S. and Israeli actions directly, Dr. Delkhosh responded diplomatically.
“Sri Lanka is one of our friendly countries. We remember how Sri Lanka supported us in difficult times, and we respect that Sri Lanka maintains good relations with all nations. Iran does not expect Sri Lanka to jeopardize its relationships. We welcome their call for negotiation between both sides.”
He clarified that Iran had not requested an official condemnation. “When two countries share good relations, it’s understood that they will support what is right. We appreciate Sri Lanka’s balanced approach.”
Dr. Delkhosh said that Iran is preparing to file a formal complaint against the United States at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). “The U.S. has committed grave violations of international norms. We will ask the ICJ to assess the legality of this invasion.”
When asked whether the greater threat to Iran is the U.S. or Israel, Dr. Delkhosh said, “The real threat is the breach of international law. It could be any country, what matters is the violation of norms. However, without U.S. support, Israel would not last a day.”
“Iran’s missile response showed only a part of our capabilities. We are not a war-loving country. We believe our strength contributes to regional stability,” he said.
