Baghaei: True Diplomacy Goes Beyond Physical Presence at Summits

Tehran - BORNA - In a recent interview, Baghaei explained that the summit did not qualify as a truly international event.

“It was neither held under the supervision of the United Nations nor attended by all countries. In total, around 30 delegations participated, mostly from selected states or international organizations. Many countries, including China and Russia, were not invited,” he said.

Iran’s Priority: Ending Genocide in Gaza

The spokesman reiterated that Iran’s foremost priority remains ending the genocide and mass killing of innocent civilians in Gaza.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently stressed that stopping the humanitarian catastrophe, ensuring the return of displaced persons, providing safe shelters for the people of Gaza, and the withdrawal of Zionist occupiers must top the international agenda,” he stated.

The spokesman reiterated: “What has taken place over the past two years is not only a grave violation of international law but also an assault on morality and humanity itself.”

Participation Without Principles Can Be Detrimental

Responding to claims that Iran’s absence meant losing a diplomatic opportunity, Baghaei firmly rejected the notion.

“Not at all. International influence is not confined to attending meetings. Sometimes, participation without careful calculation can harm a country’s position,” he noted.

He referred to the recent U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian territory: “Only a few months ago, in June, Iran was subjected to an illegal and criminal act of aggression by the United States, with Israel’s cooperation and approval. Naturally, we cannot participate in a summit chaired by a party that openly boasts about such an act.”

Past Peace Initiatives Have Undermined Palestinian Rights

Addressing broader concerns about so-called peace initiatives in the region, Baghaei remarked: “For more than a century, numerous plans under the banner of peace and reconciliation have been proposed on the Palestinian issue — yet the result has been the continued erosion of Palestinian rights. What we witness today — ethnic cleansing, the killing of over 70,000 civilians, and the destruction of 90 percent of Gaza — is the direct outcome of those failed approaches. Until the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination is recognized, no plan will lead to genuine peace.”

“Diplomacy Will Never Be Suspended”

Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to diplomacy as a central pillar of its foreign policy: “Perhaps more than any other nation, the Islamic Republic of Iran has engaged in diplomatic processes over the past decades. We have always used diplomacy to safeguard our national interests and to promote peace and international security,” he said.

He added: “The fact that Iran was attacked illegally in the midst of a diplomatic process will be recorded in history. At the same time, the Iranian people’s defense of their sovereignty proved that we can protect ourselves whenever necessary. Diplomacy will never be suspended, and we will continue to use it in the future in line with our national interests.”

Baghaei concluded by reaffirming Iran’s firm and principled position in international affairs and praised the efforts of the Foreign Ministry in defending the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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