Operation Epic Fury: Iran In SA Speaks Out As Airstrikes Intensify

A Growing Conflict Reaches South Africa’s Diplomatic Door

Iran has publicly broken its silence on the conflict unfolding under Operation Epic Fury, describing the widespread bombardments as illegal and insisting that the country is now forced to retaliate to defend itself. Speaking from South Africa, Dr Hamidreza Oraee, the political counsellor at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, said the situation remained volatile, with fresh strikes reported and casualty numbers still unconfirmed.

For many South Africans following the story through radio talk shows and social media debates, the comments felt like the first direct insight from Iran as the crisis escalates.

Iran Calls Strikes ‘Illegal’ As Casualty Fears Climb

Oraee described the attacks on Iran as continuous and unlawful. When pressed on the number of casualties, he said he was still waiting for official confirmation from Tehran and hoped the death toll would not increase further.

He accused the United States and Israel of striking civilian areas, referencing a school where almost 200 children were reportedly killed, as well as a street food site where civilians had gathered.

He urged the global community not to accept the argument that the airstrikes serve the interests of Iranian citizens, saying the attacks were driven by foreign strategic interests rather than humanitarian concern.

His remarks sparked lively online reaction in South Africa, where many users questioned the humanitarian impact, while others called for clarity and independent verification.

Regime Change Narrative Rejected

In the lead-up to Operation Epic Fury, some US and Israeli officials suggested that the strikes could inspire Iranians to rise up against their government. Oraee dismissed that idea, questioning how an uprising could be called for when people were sheltering from falling bombs.

He insisted Iranians rejected that justification entirely. South Africans listening to talk radio or scrolling on X were quick to draw comparisons to other global conflicts where “regime change” has been a politically contested term.

Iran Says Retaliation Targets Only US And Israeli Military Assets

Reports of strikes in the UAE and Qatar raised concerns about the conflict spilling into neighbouring countries. Oraee insisted that Iran was not targeting regional sovereignty, but was striking US and Israeli military assets based inside those territories.

He said Iran’s foreign minister had spoken directly with neighbouring governments to clarify that retaliatory action was confined to foreign military bases and infrastructure.

The reassurance comes at a critical time, with regional stability dependent on preventing miscommunication between states.

‘We Just Try To Revenge’: Iran Signals It Will Defend Itself

On the question of how far Iran was willing to go following the assassination of its supreme leader, Oraee said the country had the will to defend itself. Correcting the phrasing of the question, he said: “We cannot avenge. We just can revenge.”

He emphasised that both the slain leader and the civilians killed were “much worthier than anyone can think”, signalling a determination to continue retaliatory action.

A Conflict With Global Ripples

Although the conflict is thousands of kilometres away, Operation Epic Fury has gripped South African audiences who recall past debates about Middle Eastern instability and its global consequences. From 702 listeners to online commentators, the reaction shows a mix of worry, curiosity and fatigue as yet another international conflict threatens to widen.

As Iran continues retaliatory strikes and the United States and Israel maintain pressure, the world is watching to see whether diplomacy or escalation will define the next phase of this crisis.

{Source:EWN}

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