Tehran - BORNA - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei began his press briefing today, Sunday, by congratulating students on the occasion of Student Day (Azar 16/December 7).
The spokesperson referenced the UN General Assembly resolution from August, stating that December 4th is designated as the International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures and Unilateral Sanctions. He noted that this designation reflects the international community's concern over the use of coercive methods by some countries to advance their goals.
Baghaei also addressed the ongoing crimes committed by the Zionist regime in Gaza and the West Bank, reporting that approximately 400 people have been martyred in the area since the ceasefire. He expressed hope that the international community would take decisive action as soon as possible to halt the Zionist regime’s crimes and aggressions in the region.
U.S. National Security Document and Israeli Agenda
Responding to a question regarding the recently published U.S. National Security Document, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson stated that Iran will certainly review the document. However, he noted that the initial observation reveals that the document "starkly exposes the reality of the actions" taken by various U.S. administrations under the guise of human rights and democracy around the world.
Baghaei continued that the document's content effectively places the U.S. in the position of a judge over all countries worldwide. He highlighted that the document makes no mention of Palestinian rights and asserted that, regarding West Asia, the document is less about U.S. national security and more a "national security document for the Zionist regime," focusing entirely on imposing the regime's dominance in the region. This, he argued, signifies U.S. complicity in the continuation of the Zionist regime's crimes in the region.
He pointed to the inclusion of the possibility of attacking Iran's nuclear facilities in the document, calling this further proof of the U.S.’s international responsibility regarding this international transgression.
Unwavering Sovereignty Over Iranian Islands
Addressing the continued insistence by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) on repeating claims regarding the three Iranian islands and the reactions from the Foreign Ministry and Ali Akbar Velayati, Baghaei was unequivocal. He stated: "Our position is clear. Historically, legally, and factually, there is no doubt or ambiguity about Iran's sovereignty over the three islands."
He reiterated that the PGCC statement is a repetition of past claims that Iran absolutely does not accept. He added that the reaction of Iranian personalities, media, and politicians to issues related to national sovereignty and Iran's territorial integrity is natural, as every Iranian is sensitive to this matter. Baghaei advised the countries involved to ensure that their statements and stances do not "play into the hands of the region’s primary enemy, the Zionist regime."
Baghaei affirmed that Iran is consistently committed to friendship and good neighborly relations with all neighboring countries and will continue this approach while unequivocally defending its national sovereignty and territorial integrity with authority.
No Interference in Lebanon and Readiness for Dialogue
In response to a question regarding reports that the Lebanese Foreign Minister had rejected an invitation from Araghchi and claimed Hezbollah is subordinate to Iran, Baghaei strongly denied any interference. "The discussion of Iranian interference in Lebanon's affairs is entirely a distractive argument. We have no interference in Lebanon's internal affairs," he stated. He added that Hezbollah is an integral, influential, and deep-rooted entity within Lebanon and the international community and makes its own decisions regarding its policies and conduct.
He clarified that Iran's concern for peace and security in the region and its condemnation of the Zionist regime’s threats do not constitute interference in the internal affairs of Lebanon or any other country; rather, this reflects Iran's sense of responsibility. Baghaei stressed that Iran is "fully ready for dialogue" with Lebanese officials on bilateral relations, noting that diplomatic relations are maintained and the new Lebanese Ambassador has recently been stationed in Tehran. He emphasized that decisions regarding Lebanon's internal issues, including its defense strategy, must be made through Lebanese-Lebanese dialogue, and the issue of resistance weapons is a matter for Lebanon and Hezbollah to decide.
Critique of Germany and E.U.
Commenting on the U.S. National Security Document mentioning the lack of freedom of expression in Europe and Germany's anger over the position, Baghaei remarked on the irony. He suggested advising these countries: "Do not wish upon others what you do not wish upon yourselves." He noted that German and European interventions in the internal affairs of other countries, including Iran, are clear, but they appear unwilling to accept similar actions against themselves.
IAEA Contacts and Regional Diplomacy
Regarding Iran's relationship with the IAEA and the role of third-party countries, the spokesperson stressed that the Islamic Republic's contacts with the International Atomic Energy Agency continue normally through customary channels. He explained that as a member of the IAEA and the NPT, Iran maintains continuous direct contact with the Agency's management, mainly through its mission in Vienna. While noting that it is natural for other parties to raise this topic in bilateral talks with the Director-General, Baghaei stressed: "However, to say that mediation or negotiation in the conventional sense is underway, no. As I mentioned, our contacts with the Agency continue normally through customary channels."
Responding to a question about Araghchi's recent phone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart regarding the nuclear issue, Baghaei clarified that the call primarily centered on bilateral relations and consultations on regional developments. He noted that regional developments are genuinely concerning. He confirmed that during the call, it was agreed to schedule a new round of political consultations between Iran and Egypt, which will take place soon. He also acknowledged that Egypt is one of the parties that have exerted their good offices in relation to the nuclear issue, and Iran appreciates the efforts of Egypt and other countries involved.
Upcoming Travel and Communication Channels
Baghaei announced that President Pezeshkian will travel to Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan in the coming days. Additionally, Foreign Minister Araghchi will visit Belarus and Russia in the coming weeks for meetings and consultations with officials from both countries.
Finally, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson confirmed that the official communication channel between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States is maintained through the interests sections of the two countries—the U.S. Interests Section in Tehran, managed by the Swiss Embassy, and Iran's Interests Section in Washington. He clarified that while it is common for other countries or regional officials to convey messages, "there is no direct channel between Iran and the United States."
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