Iranian envoy rules out any attack on Kenya amid Middle East tensions

Iranian ambassador to Kenya has firmly ruled out any possibility of his country launching strikes on Kenyan soil, offering reassurances amid heightened Middle East tensions.

In a recent media briefing in Nairobi, Ambassador Ali Gholampour addressed widespread concerns triggered by the ongoing escalation between Iran, the United States, and Israel. He emphasized that Iran’s missile arsenal is intentionally capped at a maximum range of 2,000 kilometers, a deliberate policy choice to underscore Tehran’s defensive and not aggressive intentions.

“This is good news for Kenyans,” Gholampour stated. “Our missiles will not reach Kenyan territory. The government has limited their range for defensive purposes only, to show our peaceful stance.”

The distance between Iran and Kenya exceeds 3,900 kilometers, placing Nairobi well beyond the reach of Iran’s current ballistic missiles. The ambassador’s comments come against the backdrop of recent U.S.

Israeli military actions against Iran, which Tehran has described as unprovoked aggression. Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes in the region, raising fears of broader involvement for nations hosting foreign military assets.

Gholampour clarified Iran’s position on potential targets. He views U.S. military bases used to launch attacks on Iran as extensions of American territory. However, he expressed strong confidence that Kenya would never permit its land to serve such a purpose.

“I do not believe Kenya will provide any facility to attack Iran from its soil,” he said. He highlighted the deep historical and diplomatic relations between Tehran and Nairobi, vowing to protect those ties.

The ambassador also touched on wider implications. A full-scale conflict could disrupt global trade routes, including vital oil passages like the Strait of Hormuz. While Iran monitors the strait closely, he insisted it remains open and that Tehran has no plans to halt the flow of energy supplies, including those reaching Africa.

On the small number of Kenyan nationals in Iran, Gholampour assured their safety. Iranian authorities, working with embassies and the foreign ministry, are arranging secure exits for foreigners via designated corridors.

Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to self-defense under international law, the envoy stressed that escalation is not Tehran’s goal. For Kenya, he delivered a clear message: no direct threat exists from Iranian missiles.

The remarks aim to calm public anxiety in East Africa as the Middle East crisis unfolds. Kenya has already urged caution for its citizens in the region and condemned escalatory actions on all sides.