Tehran - BORNA - During his weekly press conference with domestic and foreign media, Baghaei opened by congratulating the arrival of the month of Rajab and the Yalda Night (Winter Solstice), expressing hope for a winter filled with abundant precipitation.
Ongoing crimes in Palestine increase countries' responsibility to stop them
Addressing the latest regional developments, Baghaei stated: "Our region is still grappling with a constant ordeal, which is nothing but the continuation of the Zionist regime’s crimes."
He added: "The developments in Gaza should not distract us from the crimes occurring in the West Bank. The continuation of arbitrary detentions, torture, the killing of Palestinians, and highly inhumane treatment are all instances of crimes against humanity."
The spokesperson noted that these actions align with what the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine has described as a project of "colonial erasure" of Palestine. "The repetition of these crimes increases the responsibility of every individual country and humanity as a whole to take effective action to curb the lawlessness of the Zionist regime."
Europe should focus on its responsibility rather than making accusations
In response to a question regarding repeated allegations of Iranian support for Russia in the Ukraine war, the Iranian diplomat said: "This is nothing more than a repetitive claim. From the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, we declared that the issues between Russia and Ukraine must be resolved through dialogue, and we have no involvement in this conflict."
He emphasized: "It is illogical for Europeans to expect every country that has friendly relations with Russia to sever its ties based on European demands. Iran-Russia relations are based on mutual respect and interests, and this does not imply hostility toward other countries." Baghaei advised European nations to focus on their own responsibilities instead of repeating such accusations.
U.S. breached its commitment regarding Iranian assets
Regarding the status of $6 billion of Iranian assets currently held in Qatar and whether Iran has access to them, Baghaei stated: "This is one of hundreds of examples of U.S. bad faith. During the understanding reached, it was agreed that the assets belonging to the Iranian nation would be accessible to the Iranian government. Unfortunately, the American side breached its commitment, and this situation continues to this day."
The Lavon Affair; a clear example of Israeli false flag operations
Baghaei emphasized that the Zionist regime has a long history of designing and executing so-called "False Flag" operations.
Explaining a clear historical example, he said: "What is known as the Lavon Affair occurred in Egypt in 1954. The Zionist regime exploited Egyptian Jews to carry out a series of bombings and sabotage operations against civilian targets belonging to the U.S. and UK in Alexandria and Cairo, including libraries and post offices. The goal was to keep British occupying forces in the Suez Canal and sabotage Egypt's relations with Western countries during Gamal Abdel Nasser's era."
He added: "The Zionist regime denied any role until 2005. However, in 2005, they officially honored the survivors of that plot. Thus, after 50 years, they officially confessed. Exposing such behaviors to public opinion is the best tool to counter a regime that stops at no inhumane means to advance its goals."
Iran's defensive capabilities developed for deterrence
Regarding claims about Iran's missile program and Israeli efforts to promote "Iran-phobia," Baghaei asserted: "Iran's missile program has been developed to defend Iran's sovereignty, not for negotiation. Therefore, Iran's defensive capabilities, developed for deterrence, are absolutely not something that can be discussed or negotiated."
The spokesperson highlighted a clear hypocrisy: "On one hand, Iran’s defensive program is viewed as a threat, while on the other, a flood of weapons is poured into a genocidal regime. This is a clear moral decay for which the U.S. and other supporters of the Zionist regime must be held accountable."
He concluded that this propaganda is part of a hybrid war designed by the Zionist regime with U.S. help. "We are focused on our work. Our armed forces know how to defend the country whenever necessary. Regardless of these malicious provocations, all branches of the country, including the armed forces, will continue their duties."
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