Iran Assures Kenya: Our Missiles Cannot Reach Your Territory

Iran’s ambassador to Kenya has said that Iranian missiles cannot reach Kenyan territory and that Tehran does not intend to target the country.

Speaking in Nairobi on Monday, 2 March, Ambassador Ali Gholampour stated that Iran’s military posture is defensive. He said the government had deliberately limited the range of its missiles to demonstrate peaceful intentions. 

“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. Iran will not target Kenya. Kenya doesn’t provide a US military facility with the capability to attack Iran,” he told reporters.

His remarks come at a time of heightened tension linked to Iran’s disputes with the United States and Israel. Gulf says have also been affected by the rising strain. The ambassador’s comments appeared aimed at reassuring Kenyan officials and the public that the country would not be drawn into the conflict because of its security ties with Washington.

The United States maintains a military presence in Kenya, including at Camp Simba in Lamu County. The facility, located within the Kenyan Navy Base at Manda Bay, supports operations by US Africa Command, particularly counterterrorism efforts against Al-Shabaab and other armed groups. 

Although Gholampour acknowledged the presence of US forces, he said the base does not pose a direct threat to Iran. Iran has consistently described its missile programme as defensive and limited in range.