The Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Ahdavi Raja, has rejected US President Donald Trump’s claims about being involved in Iran’s leadership selection after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Raja said Iran will independently determine its political future and leadership without foreign interference.

Raja condemned the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, describing them as violations of UN Charter Article 2(4) and international humanitarian law. He noted civilian infrastructure, including schools and hospitals, had been affected, calling the targeting of children “a clear war crime.”

The ambassador affirmed that Nigerians living in Iran remain safe and that bilateral relations between Nigeria and Iran, spanning over five decades, continue to be cordial. He also highlighted ongoing cooperation in politics, energy, agriculture, and education between the two countries.

Raja emphasised that Iran seeks peace and regional stability but will defend its sovereignty and people. He criticised the United Nations and the European Union for inaction, arguing that the global body’s legitimacy is waning, and accused the US of repeated military interventions while Iran has not initiated war in over 200 years.