"I deeply regret that foreigners in Iran, including Vietnamese citizens, are living in a very tense situation," Mohammad Mirali Mohammadi, Iran's Charge d'affaires in Vietnam, told VnExpress today, referring to the ongoing conflict with the US and Israel.

He confirmed that Iranian officials are in continuous contact with the Vietnamese Embassy in Iran to facilitate the best support for Vietnamese citizens residing and working there.

Iran's Charge d'affaires in Vietnam Mohammad Mirali Mohammadi during a press meeting in Hanoi on 4/3. Photo: Viet Duc

Previously, Vietnamese Ambassador to Iran Nguyen Luong Ngoc reported 38 Vietnamese citizens in Iran: 13 permanent residents, two students, and 23 embassy staff and their families. No Vietnamese tourists were stranded. Following US and Israeli forces' attack on Iran on the morning of 28/2, Vietnamese citizens in the country were evacuated or promptly moved to safe areas.

Charge d'affaires Mohammadi emphasized that Iran is a peace-loving nation, does not desire war, and "was not the one to initiate the conflict". He explained that Iran's nuclear program is for "peaceful development and has achieved medical advancements".

"We are defending and protecting our sovereignty, territory, and people, while also responding to external attacks," he stated. "Therefore, only when attacks against Iran cease will we consider what next steps to take".

Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani declared on 2/3 that Iran "would not negotiate with the US" while the conflict was ongoing. He rejected reports of contact with Washington through intermediaries to resume discussions.

Larijani added, "The US President has plunged the region into chaos with 'delusional hopes' and is worried about further casualties among US soldiers".

Mohammadi affirmed Iran welcomes all mediation efforts by nations worldwide to end the current conflict.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated on 3/3 that Vietnam opposes acts of using force to attack sovereign nations, especially civilian infrastructure, causing many casualties.

Vietnam calls on all parties to act responsibly, strictly adhere to international law, the Charter and relevant United Nations resolutions, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, resume negotiations, and facilitate dialogue towards resolving differences through peaceful means. This is for the benefit of the people, and for peace, stability, and development in the region and worldwide.

US and Israeli forces launched an attack on Iran on the morning of 28/2, targeting defense and intelligence facilities, as well as several senior officials and generals. The attacks resulted in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and a number of high-ranking Iranian officials.

Iran launched a retaliatory operation targeting Israeli territory, as well as numerous bases with US forces in several Middle Eastern countries. Tehran also announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial choke point for global oil trade.

The Iranian Red Crescent Society reported on 3/3 that the conflict has resulted in 787 deaths in the country, including 165 victims in the girls' school attack. The fighting also caused at least 11 deaths in Israel, six US service members in Kuwait, and many others in Middle Eastern countries.

Ngoc Anh