Iran’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Ahdavi Raja, has clapped back at United States President Donald Trump over comments suggesting Washington could influence who becomes Iran’s next leader after the reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Saturday’s attack.
Speaking during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, the envoy declared that Iran would determine its leadership without any foreign interference.
“The United States is always interfering in our domestic issues. We are an independent country. We will not let the United States interfere in our domestic affairs,” he said.
Trump’s Remarks Stir Outrage
The ambassador’s reaction followed remarks by Trump after confirmation of Khamenei’s death.
Posting on his Truth Social account, Trump urged Iranians to take control of their country and leadership.
During a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the White House, the US president also claimed that US-Israeli attacks had wiped out several figures believed to be in line for top military leadership roles in Iran.
“Most of the people we had in mind are dead. I guess the worst case would be, we do this, and then somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person, right? We’d like to see somebody in there that’s going to bring it back for the people,” Trump said.
In a separate interview with Axios on Thursday, Trump insisted he must play a role in deciding Iran’s next leader.
“I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy in Venezuela”, Trump said.
‘Iran Will Decide Its Future’
Responding to the claim, Raja dismissed the idea outright, insisting that only Iranians would decide who leads their country.
“We are an independent country. We decide ourselves about our leadership, about our future, and all the decisions which we are taking are based on the people in order to preserve the interests of our country,” he said.
Nigerians In Iran Safe
The envoy also moved to calm fears about Nigerians living in Iran amid the rising tensions.
“Your citizens in Iran are safe and secure because some of your citizens are in Tehran. Some of them are in Qom and other cities.
“So far, we haven’t received any reports regarding Nigerian casualties or injuries. So they are secure,” he said.
Iran-Nigeria Ties Still Strong
Despite the crisis, the ambassador said relations between Nigeria and Iran remain solid, noting that diplomatic ties between the two countries span more than five decades.
“Our relationship goes back more than 55 years. During these decades, we have had good relations. We are satisfied with the level of the relationship between the two countries,” the envoy said.
According to him, both nations continue to cooperate in sectors including politics, agriculture, energy, oil and gas, industry, and education.
‘UN Silent Because Of US’
Raja also condemned the attack on Iran, describing it as a deliberate act of military aggression that violates international law and the United Nations Charter.
He argued that ending the conflict is the responsibility of the aggressors and the international community.
“It’s not our responsibility to find a solution for ending the war. It’s the responsibility of the aggressors; it’s the responsibility of the international community. It’s the responsibility of international bodies to intervene in this conflict. But all of them are silent.
“Where is the European Union now? Where is the position of the United Nations? Specifically, the body responsible for security, which is the Security Council. Why haven’t they even held an urgent session? The whole region is facing conflict, but you can see that the Security Council has kept silent,” he said.
He further accused the United Nations of operating under US influence.
“Because it’s the hand of the United States. Because it’s a tool of the United States. The United Nations is under the hand of the United States. No actions have been taken against acts of terror, acts of assassination, or acts of aggression. No action,” he said.
“They are responsible; they were created in order to manage the security of the world, but nowadays they haven’t done anything in this regard,” he stated.
‘Iran Hasn’t Started A War In 200 Years’
The envoy maintained that Iran has not initiated war against any country for more than two centuries.
“Iran has not initiated an attack on any country. Iran has not attacked for 200 years now. We were attacked by other countries, but we haven’t started any war,” he said.
By contrast, he accused the United States of repeatedly invading other countries since World War II.
“The United States, since the end of the Second World War, has invaded more than 50 countries. Who is seeking the conflict? Iran or the United States?” he asked.
Raja described the joint attacks by Israel and the United States as a violation of Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter.
“What has been done against Iran is not merely a military operation; it is a flagrant violation of Article 2, paragraph 4 of the UN Charter,” he said.
He also cited Article 51 of the charter, stressing Iran’s right to defend itself.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, has the inherent and legitimate right to defend itself against armed aggression. Iran’s defensive measures are exercised strictly within this legal and rightful framework,” he said.
‘Targeting Children Is A War Crime’
The ambassador also claimed that civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, had been hit during the attacks.
“Let me state clearly: targeting children in a school is not a wartime accident; it is an unmistakable war crime,” he said.
He added that the strikes happened while Iran was still engaged in diplomatic talks with the United States.
“At the time these attacks occurred, Iran was actively engaged in diplomatic negotiations with the United States. Yet, once again, the United States chose to carry out a military attack in the midst of an ongoing diplomatic process,” he said.
Despite the escalating tensions, Raja insisted Iran is not seeking war but will defend its sovereignty.
“We are committed to defending ourselves, and we will do all that we can, but Iran is not a country seeking war. We are seeking peace and stability for the region,” he said.
