The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in India on Sunday rejected recent remarks made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accusing Washington of attempting to distort regional realities and divert attention from what it described as the “destabilising policies” of the US and Israel. 

In a press statement issued on Sunday in response to Rubio’s comments during his India visit, the Iranian Embassy said the allegations against Tehran were aimed at shifting focus away from the role of the US and the “Zionist regime” in escalating tensions in West Asia. 

The embassy asserted that Iran, as one of the world’s major oil and energy exporters, has always been willing to supply energy resources to all countries, including India. It said the disruption in global energy markets was primarily the result of US sanctions on Iranian oil exports, which Tehran described as “unlawful and unjust” and in violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. 

The statement further alleged that the US had imposed decades of hostile measures against Iran, including sanctions affecting access to medicines and medical equipment, which it claimed had caused widespread humanitarian suffering. 

Responding to Rubio’s remarks on the Strait of Hormuz, the embassy accused the United States and Israel of threatening maritime security in the region through “military, provocative, and adventurist actions”. 

“These two regimes are the principal drivers behind the escalation of global security and energy crises and seek to advance their political and military objectives through the creation of instability and insecurity,” the statement said. 

On Iran’s nuclear programme, Tehran reiterated that its nuclear activities are entirely peaceful and remain under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. 

The embassy said Iran, as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), considers the peaceful use of nuclear technology its “legitimate and inalienable right” and would not relinquish that right. 

The statement also claimed that Iran had emerged as the “true victor” in the recent conflict despite military pressure from the US and Israel. 

According to the embassy, the US and Israel had attempted to alter Iran’s political system through military aggression but failed to achieve their objectives and were eventually forced to seek a ceasefire. The embassy added that Iran’s armed forces remain fully prepared to respond to any threat against the country’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.