Tehran - BORNA - Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the top international issue remains the situation in Gaza and Palestine, emphasizing that the decision regarding Iran’s participation in the Sharm el-Sheikh summit was taken based on what best serves the country’s national interests.
Speaking at his weekly press conference on Monday, Baghaei stated, “The foremost issue in international affairs continues to be the developments in Gaza and Palestine. After two years of atrocities committed by the Zionist regime, a consensus was finally reached that these crimes must come to an end. We have expressed our position on this matter very clearly.”
Iran Following Up Seriously on Release of Mahdieh Esfandiari
Commenting on the case of Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian citizen detained in France, Baghaei said Tehran is pursuing the issue with seriousness and determination.
“The necessary arrangements on our part have been made, and we hope her release will take place as soon as possible,” he added.
Invitation to Sharm el-Sheikh Summit Came from Egypt’s President
In response to a question about whether Iran had been invited to the Sharm el-Sheikh summit by the United States or Egypt, Baghaei clarified:
“We received an official invitation from the President of Egypt addressed to President Pezeshkian.”
He explained that the positive and negative aspects of attending or not attending the summit were carefully reviewed both within and outside the Foreign Ministry.
“Ultimately, a decision was made and announced that best ensures the interests and welfare of the country,” he said.
Iran’s Regional Role Not Defined by Physical Presence at Events
Baghaei dismissed claims that Iran’s absence from the summit could limit its regional influence.
“Regional and international influence is not determined by mere physical participation in an event. Iran’s role and impact go far beyond that,” he noted.
He added that over the past two years, Iran has been among the most active countries exerting pressure on the Zionist regime and its supporters to halt the genocide in Gaza, maintaining effective interactions with regional and Islamic countries toward that goal.
“We continue to work actively and are confident that Iran’s influence will be felt wherever necessary,” the spokesman affirmed.
Iranian Ambassadors Return to European Posts after Consultations
Baghaei also confirmed that Iran’s ambassadors to Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, who had been recalled to Tehran for consultations, have now returned to their respective missions following a series of meetings.
Baghaei Criticizes Nobel Peace Prize Selections
In response to a question regarding this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, Baghaei said such awards should not be considered a valid measure of genuine commitment to peace.
“Some nominees and recipients of these awards have no clear record of advancing peace — in some cases, quite the opposite,” he stated.
He noted that several past laureates included Israeli leaders and U.S. politicians known for their roles in wars and aggression.
“When you look at this pattern, it would not be surprising if one day even Netanyahu claimed he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize — even if he never receives it,” Baghaei added pointedly.
Iran Will Continue to Defend Itself against Foreign Aggression
Asked about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities “paved the way for peace in Gaza,” the spokesman said:
“That is a question for the Americans themselves to answer.”
He stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always defended its national interests decisively, using all available capacities to counter any foreign adventurism or aggression.
“Iran has done so in the past and will continue to do so whenever necessary,” Baghaei concluded.
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