Reuven Azar, Israeli Ambassador to India, has criticised Western nations, accusing the United States and Israel of acting outside international law, saying their statements and actions are contradictory amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18Azar described allegations from countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain and France as “ridiculous.” He argued that the Iranian regime had been “terrorising not just Israel but the entire region” while pursuing weapons of mass destruction and ignoring international law.
Azar said Israel’s military actions are aimed at eliminating existential threats posed by Iran’s nuclear programme and ballistic missile capabilities. “We are concentrating on our aims — to obliterate the existential threats coming from Iran on the state of Israel, their nuclear programme and ballistic missiles,” he said, adding that neutralising these threats would make the region safer.
At the same time, he said several Western countries that have criticised the strikes are quietly supporting the United States’ military efforts. According to Azar, some are allowing the US to use their military bases, deploying ships to protect Cyprus and preparing measures to safeguard the vital Strait of Hormuz. “The actions and words of these nations are not matching,” he said.
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Addressing concerns over maritime security, Azar accused Iran of trying to intimidate commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. He said Washington and its allies are working on measures to ensure safe passage for ships, adding that recent US strikes on the Iranian navy would significantly reduce Tehran’s ability to threaten the key shipping route.
The ambassador also clarified that Israel is not involved in operations in the Indian Ocean and that its military focus remains on Iran. Responding to reports about maritime clashes near Sri LankaAzar said such operations fall under US command and are outside Israel’s operational reach.
“We are coordinating a very complicated military operation that is basically intended around Iran,” he said, reiterating that Israel’s priority remains countering threats posed by Tehran.
