The Iranian Ambassador to Kenya, Ali Gholampour, has said Iran’s missiles will not reach Kenyan territory.
Gholampour was seeking to reassure Nairobi amid escalating tensions in the Middle East following what Tehran describes as coordinated military aggression by the United States and Israel.
Addressing members of the media, the envoy termed it “good news” for Kenyans that Iran’s missile capability has been deliberately limited to a maximum range of 2,000 kilometres.
He stressed that the restriction was intentional and designed to demonstrate what he called Iran’s peaceful and defensive posture.
“Our missiles will not reach the Kenyan territory. Our government has deliberately, in order to show its intention, a peaceful intention, limited the range of missiles only for defensive purposes," he said.
The ambassador’s remarks came in response to concerns over whether countries hosting United States military installations could become legitimate targets in the widening confrontation.
He stated that Iran considers US military bases used to launch attacks against it as American territory.
However, he expressed confidence that Kenya would not allow its land to be used to strike Iran.
“I do not believe that Kenya will provide such a facility to attack Iran from its land,” he said, adding that Iran values its long-standing historical and diplomatic ties with Kenya and intends to preserve them.
Beyond security assurances, the envoy acknowledged that a prolonged war could have economic repercussions globally, including in Kenya.
He noted that in situations of all-out conflict, trade routes and commercial transportation corridors are often disrupted, affecting countries far from the battlefield. He referenced the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic global oil transit route, saying that although Iran is closely monitoring and controlling activities in the waterway, it remains open.
He emphasised that Tehran has shown restraint and does not intend to interrupt the flow of essential commodities, including energy supplies destined for Africa.
On the welfare of Kenyans in Iran, the ambassador said there are only a few Kenyan nationals in the country.
He assured that Iranian authorities, together with embassies and the foreign affairs ministry, are facilitating safe exit arrangements for foreigners wishing to leave through designated corridors.
While reiterating Iran’s right to self-defence under international law, the ambassador maintained that his country does not seek escalation.
For Kenya, he emphasised, there is no direct missile threat.
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