The Iranian ambassador Mahmoud Barimani speaks in an interview with SRF “Rundschau” about the Iran war.screenshot srf
In an interview with SRF, the Iranian ambassador Mahmoud Barimani appears combative. At the same time, he puts the Iranian people’s protests against the regime into perspective.
March 12, 2026, 10:40March 12, 2026, 10:40
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the US had already won the war against Iran. But the Iranian ambassador in Bern continues to show fighting spirit. “As long as this war lasts, we are ready to defend ourselves,” he says Interview with SRF “Rundschau”.
The US and Israel thought the Iranian government would collapse after the attack – but that didn’t happen, on the contrary. There is no weakness.
The election of Moschtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, means “that the same line, the same path as under his father, the leader who died as a martyr, will be continued.” But this is not a “repressive course”. You shouldn’t listen to a “handful of oppositionists,” says Barimani, putting into perspective the Iranian population’s recurring protests against the regime for years.
Instead, one should listen to the “crowds” “who are now on the streets day and night – despite the bombings by Israel and the USA”. They would support the government.
Barimani: Israelis armed rioters
When asked about the recurring demonstrations, Barimani spoke of initially peaceful demonstrations. They were escalated by rioters armed by the Israelis. They were tasked with “killing as many as possible” – especially police officers. There is evidence, but Barimani does not list it.
During the most recent demonstrations at the beginning of the year – the Iranian population had already protested against the regime – it is estimated that tens of thousands of people died. The protests were brutally suppressed by the regime. The ambassador in Bern contradicts this view: There were 3,117 deaths, most of them police officers and civilians.
Protests in Iran
At the end of December 2025, nationwide anti-regime protests broke out again in Iran. The triggers were the ongoing economic crisis, high inflation and growing dissatisfaction with the political leadership. Especially at the beginning of January, many people took to the streets to campaign for a political system that respects human rights.
Iranian authorities used unprecedented and deadly force against the protests. There were numerous arrests and mass killings. (hkl)
Image: keystone
Ambassador criticizes Switzerland
When asked about Switzerland’s offer to act as a mediator between Iran, the USA and Israel, Barimani said in an interview with SRF “Rundschau”:
«Switzerland has done its good work in other matters. But Switzerland, as an independent, neutral country and guardian of the Geneva Conventions, is expected to denounce the violation of international norms and expressly condemn the act of aggression and the violation of international law.”
Nevertheless, an initiative from Switzerland would be very much welcomed. (hkl)