The Iranian ambassador to Kenya, Dr Ali Gholampour, has reassured that bilateral relations between Tehran and Nairobi remain intact.

This is despite soaring tensions following coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel against the country, sparking conflict across the Middle East.

Speaking in Nairobi on Monday, the Iranian envoy reiterated that Iran values its long-standing diplomatic and economic ties with Kenya and emphasised that the outbreak of hostilities should not derail cooperation between the two nations. Although regional instability has disrupted travel, trade and security calculations globally, he said that Tehran continues to see Kenya as a partner in diplomacy and economic exchange.

“Iran and Kenya share a history of diplomatic engagement and mutual respect,” the ambassador said, referring to longstanding bilateral relations that have seen cooperation in trade, education and cultural ties.

Kenya had explored expanded links with Tehran in the past, including trade in energy and educational exchanges, although some deals, such as an oil supply agreement, were later affected by external pressures and sanctions.

The ambassador’s comments come against the backdrop of a sharp escalation in hostilities that began last weekend when the US and Israel launched joint air strikes on Iranian territory. Tehran described the strikes as a “flagrant violation” of international law and its sovereignty, denouncing them as acts of aggression that undermined ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Iran’s subsequent retaliation involved missile and drone attacks targeting US and Israeli military installations across the region.

The Iranian ambassador stressed that, despite the turbulence in the Middle East, there is no quarrel between Tehran and Nairobi. Kenya currently hosts a US military base in Manda, Lamu County. Asked if Iran will also be targeting Kenya for hosting US troops, Ambassador Gholampour’s answer was simple.

His government, he said, has deliberately demonstrated its peaceful intentions by ensuring that their missile capabilities are strictly defensive in nature.

“We have intentionally limited the range of our missiles to a maximum of 2,000 kilometres. We value our historical ties with Kenya and are committed to preserving that relationship. We do not believe that the Government of Kenya would permit its territory to be used as a base for launching attacks against Iran. That is something we consider absolutely impossible,” he said.

International law 

His sentiments came a few hours after Kenyan President, William Ruto, posted on his X platform condemning attacks on countries neighbouring Iran- a post which many view as an indirect criticising of Tehran’s move to hit US military bases across Middle East.

Asked if President Ruto’s response to the ongoing war would affect the Tehran and Nairobi’s relations, the diplomat downplayed the matter.

“I do not believe this will affect our relations. All governments that are members of the United Nations, as well as those in the Non-Aligned Movement, have a responsibility to defend international peace and security for all.

“I believe every country has an obligation to uphold international law and to do its utmost to de-escalate tensions in order to ensure peace for all nations, including those in Africa and Kenya,” he said.

While the crisis has triggered international calls for restraint — including from the United Nations Secretary-General and several world powers urging de-escalation — Iran’s messaging to Kenya conveyed both defiance and a plea for collective action to prevent broader conflagration.

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Kenya, for its part, has already emphasised the importance of restraint. The government has issued advisories urging Kenyan citizens living or working in the Middle East to exercise caution as tensions remain high in Iran, Israel and the surrounding Gulf states. Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei emphasised Nairobi’s support for peaceful, UN-law-based mechanisms to resolve disputes.

The Kenyan government’s advisory followed reports of airspace closures affecting flights and security concerns for thousands of Kenyan workers in the region. Authorities also encouraged nationals to register with embassies and remain in contact with diplomatic missions for updates and support.

Iran’s message echoed widespread international concern over the ramifications of the conflict. At an emergency United Nations Security Council session convened over the weekend, the UN secretary-general called for an immediate halt to hostilities and stressed that military escalation threatens civilians and regional stability.

Other nations, including Pakistan, have independently warned the conflict could spiral into a wider regional conflagration and urged renewed diplomatic dialogue.

The Iranian ambassador in Nairobi reinforced this position, saying that only collective diplomatic pressure rooted in respect for sovereignty and the international legal order can avert further escalation. He urged countries bound by the UN Charter — including Kenya — to speak out against violations of territorial integrity and support return to negotiations.

Beyond immediate security concerns, global markets and trade routes could also feel the effects of continued conflict. Disruptions through key transit corridors in the Middle East could impact Kenya’s economy, particularly trade routes for fuel, agricultural exports and remittances from workers in the Gulf.

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