Iran has right to defend itself against attacks: Agha Ruhullah

Srinagar, June 14: Member of Parliament (MP) from Srinagar, Agha Syed Ruhullah Mehdi on Saturday said Iran has the right to defend itself in response to the Israeli strikes and urged the Government of India to expedite the safe evacuation of Kashmiri students stranded in Iran amid rising tensions.
Speaking to reporters here, Ruhullah said he had already written to India’s External Affairs Minister, urging the government to facilitate the evacuation of all Indian students studying in Iran. “I wrote a letter to the Foreign Minister of India to facilitate the evacuation of all our children in Iran who are in different universities and cities,” he said.
Ruhullah accused Israel of acting with the backing of global powers. “The Zionist regime is not a state. It is a terrorist state. Their colonial behaviour is based on the support of superpowers, particularly the United States,” he said, adding, “You can see how they have killed in Gaza and across Palestine. Gaza has become a centre of killing.”
The MP pointed to Israeli airstrikes in Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, saying the region has been repeatedly targeted without accountability. “Because of their unchecked behaviour, they are now daring to attack sovereign countries, including Iran,” he said. “Every country has the right to defend itself. The country that was attacked yesterday has the right to respond.”
He expressed hope that the global community would support efforts for peace and an end to violence in the Middle East. “If there is a solution to this, the people of Palestine and Jews can live in peace, and we will be free from Zionism,” he said. “People across the Middle East and the world can live in peace and prosperity.”
The senior NC leader said the Indian government has taken some initial steps. “As far as I know, the External Affairs Ministry has started helpline numbers from yesterday and will hopefully sensitise the Indian Embassy in Tehran,” he said, adding that a concrete evacuation plan should be framed soon.
MP Ruhullah also said that tourism, road transport, allied services, and hospitality sectors have all been affected due to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. “We are going through a difficult time. We pray that those doing their work get more opportunities and that others also get employment,” he added.