According to Mr. Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, the Islamic Republic of Iran's ambassador to Nigeria, Nigeria plays a crucial role in Iran's interactions with Africa and serves as a vital entry point to West Africa.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Mr. Raja stated that Nigeria is an important partner for Iran's diplomatic, economic, and cultural outreach throughout the continent because of its political clout, sizable population, and regional leadership.

He reiterated Iran's resolve to improve commerce, education, research, and cultural exchanges in order to fortify bilateral ties with Nigeria.

He said, “In our belief and foreign policy approach, Nigeria’s position in Africa is very significant. Your country is a main gate to West Africa, and we count on Nigeria as a key and important partner on the continent.”

The Iranian ambassador noted that Nigeria and Iran have maintained diplomatic relations for more than 53 years, and expressed optimism that the appointment of a new Nigerian ambassador to Tehran would further boost cooperation and deepen existing ties.

He emphasised that Iran considers Nigeria a dependable partner for joint initiatives on regional and international platforms and expressed readiness to provide opportunities for collaboration in education, including scholarship programmes for Nigerian students.

In order to encourage direct and accurate information exchange in fields including trade, industry, culture, science, and security, Mr. Raja also urged increased institutional and media involvement between the two nations.

Speaking about matters outside of Africa, the ambassador discussed the recent turmoil in Iran, claiming that the security situation there has since stabilised.

He maintained that terrorist groups and foreign agents seeking to destabilise Iran eventually took advantage of the rallies, which were first sparked by economic worries.

"We are looking for peace in the region, but at the same time we are fully vigilant and ready to defend our country, our integrity, and our territory," he declared.

Rotimi Fasan, "The separatists pretend Nigeria despises the Igbo."

Noting that internet connections had mostly been restored, Mr. Raja continued, "temporary internet restrictions imposed during the height of the unrest were necessary to prevent coordination between violent groups within Iran and their external sponsors."

"There is no doubt that hostile countries intervened through their agents and intelligence services to provoke instability and violence in Iran," he stated in response to accusations of foreign meddling.

Additionally, the envoy responded to remarks made by former US President Donald Trump, characterising them as a direct danger to Iran's sovereignty.

"No sovereign nation can tolerate a foreign president openly calling on its people to come to the streets, destabilise security, and damage public property," he declared.