• Says Strait of Hormuz accessible to SL
• ‘We don’t want SL to suffer’ 

Iran offered to supply emergency oil and essential goods to Sri Lanka, signalling its readiness to support the island nation as it faces mounting energy concerns linked to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo yesterday (23), Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Alireza Delkhosh said Tehran would step in to ensure that Sri Lanka does not face fuel shortages or power disruptions.

“Sri Lanka is our friend country,” Delkhosh told reporters. “In any case, if Sri Lanka requests oil or any other necessary goods, Iran will supply and provide these to Sri Lanka. We do not want to see Sri Lanka in trouble.”

His remarks come as Iran has declared the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, a 'war zone'. Clarifying the situation, the Ambassador said access would remain open for friendly nations.

“While the Strait is closed for hostile countries, friendly countries like Sri Lanka can use it, and we are ready to provide the necessary support, including escorting vessels if required,” he indicated.

The Ambassador’s comments were delivered against the backdrop of the controversial sinking of the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena earlier this month, which Tehran alleges was targeted by a United States submarine while positioned approximately 1,100 nautical miles from any active battlefield.

Providing details, Delkhosh said the vessel had not been engaged in combat operations at the time of the incident.

“According to our information, IRIS Dena was not ready for war. It was not here for conflict,” he said. “It had participated in peaceful exercises in India, and during its presence there in February, it was invited by the Sri Lankan side to come to Sri Lankan waters for a friendly visit.”

He further alleged that the attack was carried out without prior warning.

“They attacked it without any war, without any alert,” Delkhosh said, adding that many of those killed were not combat personnel. “Most of these killed people were not armed personnel, they were part of a musical band.”

According to Iranian officials, 104 unarmed sailors were killed in the incident.

Addressing reports that the vessel had sought permission to enter Sri Lankan waters prior to the attack, and that there had been a delay in granting such clearance, the Ambassador said Iran had only recently become aware of those claims.

“According to our information, IRIS Dena was in an urgent position and asked for permission to enter the waters,” he said. However, he added, “I don’t have any documentary and confirmed information whether they asked for urgent permission or not.”

Delkhosh, however, stressed that, irrespective of geopolitical considerations, countries have obligations under international norms.

“According to international humanitarian law, all countries, including neutral countries, have some responsibility to give help to other ships,” he said. “Neutral or non-neutral, all countries should have some responsibility, even from a humanitarian point of view.”

Responding to questions regarding the condition of injured personnel from IRIS Dena and IRIS Bushehr, the Ambassador said the majority of the wounded were recovering.

“The wounded persons fortunately are good, except two or three of them,” he said. “The others are in a good situation and they don’t have any serious problems.”

He added that Iranian personnel currently in Sri Lanka were being well looked after, but were eager to return home.

“They are good and they are happy, no problem, no issue,” he said. “Just their worry is that they are separated from their family and they want to come back as soon as possible.”

Delkhosh noted that Iran is in discussions with Sri Lankan authorities to facilitate repatriation efforts.

“We are talking and we are following this issue with the Sri Lankan Government, and I do hope that we can solve this problem as soon as possible,” he said.

He also pointed out that, according to Indian authorities, more than 100 Iranian sailors had already been repatriated to Iran last Friday.

Delkhosh also expressed appreciation for the Sri Lankan Government’s handling of Iranian personnel currently in the country.

“We are thankful to the Sri Lankan Government for the very good hospitality. Sri Lanka is a very hospitable country and we do not have any issue or problem,” he said.

Beyond the immediate crisis, the Ambassador assured that Sri Lankan nationals in Iran remain safe.

“If they request, we are ready to facilitate their return through Turkey or Armenia,” he said.

He further said that the existing Tea for Oil barter arrangement between the two countries has been temporarily suspended due to instability affecting port operations, but expressed confidence that it would resume once conditions stabilise.

The Sri Lankan Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not issued an official response at the time of publication regarding Iran’s offer of emergency fuel supplies or the Ambassador’s remarks on the IRIS Dena incident.