Iran ready to increase imports from Sri Lanka amid Middle East tensions

• Ambassador says Iran respects Sri Lanka’s neutral position

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

In the wake of the current Middle- East crisis sparked by a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel involving the United States, Iran yesterday expressed readiness to enhance trade relations with Sri Lanka, particularly in importing tea.   
Speaking at a media briefing, Iranian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dr. Alireza Delkhosh said that Iran remains committed to strengthening economic ties with Sri Lanka despite regional instability.   
“During these 12 days, there were some disruptions, not specifically with tea imports, but due to the overall instability in the region. All ports were under special conditions,” Ambassador Delkhosh said. “But following the ceasefire, ports are now open, routes are secure, and tea exports are functioning normally,” he said.   
Trade between Iran and Sri Lanka holds strategic and economic importance, driven by energy cooperation and Sri Lanka’s tea exports. The Ambassador reaffirmed Iran’s interest in maximizing imports from Sri Lanka, noting the resilience of bilateral ties through turbulent times.   
From June 13 to June 24, 2025, Iran and Israel engaged in an intense 12-day confrontation also involving the United States. “We are not people of war and aggression. After our attack on the American base in Qatar, and considering that the Zionist regime was affected by our missile responses, they requested a ceasefire. Since we are not seeking tension or adventurism, we agreed to the ceasefire proposal made by the Zionist regime on June 24,” the Ambassador said.   
“The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran were gravely violated by unlawful and aggressive military actions carried out by Israel and subsequently by the United States,”Dr. Delkhosh said.   
He said that the conflict had caused temporary closures of airports and instability in the Persian Gulf. “Now, our military is ensuring safe transport routes. As long as the ceasefire is not violated by the other side, Iran will respect it,” he said.   
On Wednesday, Dr. Delkhosh met with Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath to brief him on the situation and discuss trade matters.   
“We had a good discussion with the Foreign Minister. He asked about increasing tea exports, and I confirmed that Iran is ready to maximize imports from Sri Lanka,” he told the reporters.   
When asked whether Iran would pursue further military or diplomatic responses, Dr. Delkhosh said, “We are a country of diplomacy. War is the failure of diplomacy. However, if our sovereignty is threatened again, we are prepared to respond, even more strongly than before.”   
He placed responsibility for the escalation on the United States and Israel.  >>A2