Ouagadougou: The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Burkina Faso, Mojtaba Faghihi, denounced the "war of aggression" by the United States and Israel against Iran during a press conference in Ouagadougou. He also reaffirmed Tehran's strong support for the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and highlighted the robust relations between Iran and Burkina Faso.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Iranian diplomat stated that the United States and Israel launched air attacks on February 28 against civilian and institutional targets in Iran amid ongoing negotiations with Washington for a peaceful resolution of disputes. He reported that these attacks resulted in significant casualties, including the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of his family, and high-ranking military officials. He also mentioned the bombing of the Shajareh Tayyib© girls' school in Minab, leading to the deaths of 168 students and teachers.
The ambassador provided a grim death toll of 3,468 people, including 383 children, and more than 30,000 injured, among them 5,200 women and children. He noted that 2,115 children were among the injured, along with 26 medical personnel killed and over 120 wounded. He further detailed the destruction of 138,000 civilian units, including 113,000 homes, and over 340 healthcare facilities. Education infrastructure was also heavily affected, with 1,025 schools and 30 universities impacted.
Mojtaba Faghihi highlighted the destruction of civilian aircraft, the "Tawfiq Darou" pharmaceutical factory, the Pasteur Institute, the largest suspension bridge in the Middle East, and significant industrial facilities. He criticized the actions of the United States and Israel, describing them as manifestations of American democracy and liberalism, which, according to him, rely solely on bombs and missiles.
He argued that these acts of aggression against Iran are a flagrant violation of Article 2 of the Charter of the United Nations and the fundamental principles of international law. He urged for prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC), citing these actions as crimes against humanity under the Geneva Conventions.
In terms of bilateral relations, Mojtaba Faghihi praised the strong ties between Iran and Burkina Faso, which he believes are at their peak historically. He expressed support for the leadership of Burkina Faso's President, Captain Ibrahim Traor©, and assured that Iranian commitments to partners, including Burkina Faso, will be honored. He announced the upcoming second session of the joint commission between the two countries.
The ambassador reaffirmed Iran's support for the ESA states, which include Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, and encouraged them to pursue political, economic, and security independence. He also called on West African peoples to value governance models inspired by their traditions while remaining open to foreign experiences suited to their realities.