Baghaei: Various Mediators Working to Bridge Iran-US Views
Tehran - BORNA - Esmaeil Baghaei, at the beginning of his press conference today (Monday), referred to the arrival of November 3rd (Aban 13th), stating: "November 3rd remains etched in the minds of us Iranians as a symbol of the effort to preserve independence and freedom, and I congratulate our dear students on the arrival of this day."
He continued: "Developments in our region are rapid and fluid, and we are still witnessing the continuation of genocide and occupation in the region."
UN Security Council Inaction on Gaza Continues
Baghaei stated that since the start of the ceasefire in Palestine, 200 Palestinians have been martyred and 600 injured due to the continuation of the Zionist regime's crimes, adding: "In this regard, the guarantors of the Gaza ceasefire have an important responsibility, and unfortunately, we are still witnessing the inaction of the United Nations Security Council."
Iran's Annual Human Rights Report on US and UK Forthcoming
This senior diplomat of the Islamic Republic of Iran also stated: "The Iranian Foreign Ministry's annual report on human rights violations in the United States and the United Kingdom has been prepared and will be released soon."
No Message Transferred from US During Ravanchi's Visit to Oman
In response to a question about the latest news regarding Iran-US negotiations, given recent reports, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman said: "I believe the comments made in this regard have not been studied accurately enough."
He stated that "during Mr. Ravanchi's recent visit to Oman, as Mr. Araghchi mentioned, no message from the US was transferred," adding: "However, as I have said before, various mediators are working to bring the views and perspectives between the two sides closer, and this is a common and usual matter."
He stressed: "However, it should be noted that these efforts do not signify the start of a negotiation process between Iran and the United States."
We consider the stances and threats of American officials to be interference in Iraq's internal affairs
The Foreign Ministry Spokesman also responded to a question from the Al Jazeera correspondent about recent US threats concerning Iraq and Iraqi groups, and whether these issues were discussed during the recent visit of Iraq's National Security Advisor to Iran: "Naturally, in any dialogue we have with neighboring countries, including Iraq, we discuss regional security and matters related to the security of both countries."
He continued: "We consider these stances and threats by American officials to be interference in Iraq's internal affairs, especially since we are now on the verge of parliamentary elections in Iraq, and it seems that these statements and threats are aimed at influencing this matter."
Baghaei added: "Such statements and interferences are contrary to Iraq's national sovereignty and principle of independence and are a sign of US interventionism in the affairs of other countries."
The Foreign Ministry Spokesman stressed: "Such agitation will not affect the determination of the Iraqi people to choose what is worthy and beneficial for the people of Iraq, and the Iraqi people will act on whatever is in their country's best interest."
The Austrian Ambassador to Tehran has been stationed at the embassy
He also responded to a question about the latest status of the Austrian Embassy in Iran: "As far as we know, the Austrian Ambassador to Tehran has been stationed at the embassy, and we have been told that the necessary arrangements have been made to activate various sections of this embassy, including the visa and consular sections."
Iran's Consulate in 'Bonn' will be reactivated
Baghaei also announced: "In our discussions with the German side, we obtained the necessary permits for our Consulate General in 'Bonn' to be reactivated, and talks regarding the reactivation of other consulates with the German side are ongoing."
The Zionist regime's threats against Lebanon violate international law
In response to a question about increased threats by the US and the Zionist regime against Lebanon and their pursuit of disarming Hezbollah, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman said: "Threats against Lebanon are constant threats and not a new matter."
He continued: "In the past few months, during which we have witnessed a ceasefire in Lebanon, approximately 5,000 ceasefire violations have been committed by the Zionist regime in Lebanon. A large number of civilian targets have been struck, and they are essentially targeting the development and prosperity of Lebanon."
The Foreign Ministry Spokesman added: "The actions and threats of the Zionist regime violate international law, and unfortunately, this regime has never paid attention to this matter."
Baghaei said: "Lebanon, as a sovereign state, has the right to self-defense, and it is natural that it must also possess the means necessary for the defense of its security."
The Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman also responded to a question from the Phoenix correspondent about whether Putin is scheduled to visit Tehran: "I should ask the President's Office about this, and at least I do not have any information on this matter at the moment."
The admission of US officials to attacking Iran further burdens their responsibility for a clear lawbreaking
He also responded to another question about US officials repeatedly mentioning the impact of the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities and referring to it as an effective action: "Every time the American parties have confessed to this clear lawbreaking, they have, in fact, further burdened their responsibility for a clear violation of law, and certainly attacking another country is no source of pride."
The Foreign Ministry Spokesman continued: "Their claim that the attack on Iran's nuclear facilities was a prelude to other events is incorrect and baseless, and these statements are made to appease the Zionists."
Venezuela is well capable of defending itself
In response to a question about Venezuela requesting support from Iran given US threats, Baghaei noted: "Venezuela, as an independent country with a determined people, is well capable of defending itself, and we, as a country with a good history of relations with Venezuela, continue our cooperation with this country within the framework of mutual respect and the commitments we share."
The Americans have shown that they are not committed to the prerequisites of a negotiation based on mutual interests
In response to a question about what point Iran and the US must reach for conditions for negotiation to be met, he noted: "In any analysis regarding this matter, attention must be paid to the point that Iran was attacked by the Zionist regime with the green light of the US while diplomatic negotiations were underway, and Iranians can never forget this matter."
He stressed: "The Americans have shown that they are not committed to the prerequisites of a negotiation based on mutual interests, and we can only speak about achieving conditions for reasonable negotiation between Iran and the US when both sides pay attention to the issue of mutual interests and consider the concerns of both sides. In contrast, the Americans have shown in practice that they want to act unilaterally. This is no longer negotiation, but dictation, and such a process will certainly not work with Iran."
Iran and China continue their cooperation irrespective of other developments
This senior diplomat of the Islamic Republic of Iran also referred to the 25-year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement between Iran and China in response to a question about how improved US-China relations might affect Tehran-Beijing ties, stating: "The commitments and agreements between Iran and China are clear, and the two countries continue their cooperation irrespective of other developments."
He added that Iran and China are two influential countries in the region and in international developments, and officials at high levels are determined to continue their relations in various fields, expressing hope that the benefits of this matter for the people of the two countries will increase further.
Epstein's role in anti-Iranian actions is highly significant
Reacting to the release of emails attributed to Jeffrey Epstein that mention anti-Iranian actions, the Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman said: "This type of action has a precedent, and the United States has a long history of hostility toward the Iranian nation."
Referring to Epstein's controversial background, Baghaei stated: "It is highly significant that an individual with a clear record of corruption, human trafficking of women and children, and extensive ties with official figures in the US and some other countries, should have a role in such anti-Iranian actions."
He added: "Hostility toward Iran is not limited to these cases. The recent confession by the US Director of National Intelligence about Washington's interventionist policies in various countries and the acknowledgment that these policies have only led to violence must be considered alongside these actions. However, unfortunately, American politicians have not learned from these bitter experiences."
The Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman expressed hope that the crimes committed in the West Asia region will be subjected to international prosecution and that public opinion in the West will also realize that the policies of some Western politicians in the region, including in Syria and Sudan, have brought nothing but terrorism, violence, chaos, and anarchy.
We will not be willing in any negotiation to unilaterally forgo our inalienable rights
Responding to speculation about new conditions in negotiations between Tehran and Washington and the potential composition of the Iranian team in future talks, he emphasized: "Whenever negotiations begin, the decision on the composition of the negotiating team will also be on the agenda."
Referring to the clear frameworks for negotiations, Baghaei stated: "The conditions and subjects related to negotiation are clear and do not need repetition. The rights and interests of the Iranian nation must be respected, and the opposing parties must accept that the Islamic Republic of Iran possesses inalienable rights based on the recognized principles of international law and the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)."
He added: "Undoubtedly, Iran will not be willing in any negotiation to unilaterally forgo its inalienable rights. If the opposing parties achieve realism and a realistic perspective, it can be said that the conditions for meaningful dialogue will be provided. But in the current situation, such an atmosphere does not exist."
Araghchi's meeting with Beizaei's family is in line with supporting Iranian nationals
In response to a question about Foreign Minister Araghchi's recent meeting with the family of Ahmadreza Beizaei, an Iranian prisoner in Turkey, and the latest follow-up on his case, Baghaei said: "The meeting that took place was in line with support for Iranian nationals who may be in trouble in any region. Mr. Beizaei's family had requested to convey some points, so the opportunity of the trip to Tabriz was used, and this meeting took place."
He added: "The Foreign Ministry, within the framework of its duties, has followed up, and is following up, on his case and that of other compatriots who may have encountered problems in various parts of the world."
The security of Iran's borders guarantees the security of the entire region
The Spokesman of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, emphasizing "the importance of the security of the country's borders," said in response to a question: "The security of the borders of the Islamic Republic of Iran guarantees the security of the entire region." The country's armed forces meticulously monitor movements and developments 24 hours a day and are in close contact with neighboring countries, especially Iraq.
We are in a region where maintaining defensive readiness is a permanent necessity
Referring to Iran's defensive approach, Baghaei added: "The Islamic Republic of Iran has stood up with all its might and will in defense of its dignity, independence, and borders, and has demonstrated this in practice."
He also clarified: "We are confident that security, respect, independence, and dignity are also highly important for all neighboring countries, especially Iraq, and these countries are capable of defending themselves against any malice."
The Foreign Ministry Spokesman referred to the regional conditions: "We are in a region where maintaining defensive readiness is a permanent necessity, because we are facing a malicious regime that adheres to no legal rules."
Contacts by Egypt do not mean the start of mediation
Continuing his press conference, Baghaei responded to another question regarding negotiations and some efforts by several countries, including the Egyptian Foreign Minister: "It is not a new matter that various mediators and countries consult with Iran and the opposing parties and try to assist in bringing viewpoints closer. However, to say that these contacts signify the formation of a mediation process, no."
What is happening in Gaza today is a full-fledged genocide
The Foreign Ministry Spokesman, stating that "yesterday was the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, and this day is very important for all of us," emphasized: "Whenever journalism and the safety of journalists are discussed, attention is inevitably drawn to the crimes that have occurred in the occupied Palestine over the past two years."
According to Baghaei, during the Zionist regime's actions in Gaza recently, approximately 270 journalists and cameramen have been killed; a statistic unprecedented in the history of conflicts.
He added: "These figures have been repeated so much that they seem to have become ordinary for public opinion, but the reality is that the killing of this number of journalists in such a short period is itself clear testimony to the catastrophic and inhumane nature of these events."
He clarified: "What is happening in Gaza today is not war; it is a full-fledged genocide."
In another part of his speech, Baghaei, referring to recent remarks by the Omani Foreign Minister on regional security developments, emphasized that there is no doubt among the region's countries that the main threat originates from the Zionist regime.
He added: "One should not even use the word 'threat,' because the region is practically at war with this regime."
The recent speech by the Omani Foreign Minister expressed a shared understanding of the necessity to confront the Zionist regime's threats
Referring to the actions of the Zionist regime over the past two years, he said: "The killings in occupied Palestine, the attack on several countries in the region, the occupation in Syria and Lebanon, and repeated threats against neighboring countries all indicate the aggressive nature of this regime."
Baghaei also spoke of a regional consensus on the nature of the threat and emphasized: "The countries of the region need understanding and cooperation to guarantee collective security. The recent speech by the Omani Foreign Minister was also in this vein, expressing a shared understanding of the necessity to confront the threats of the Zionist regime."
The IAEA must refrain from stating propositions that seek warmongering and pretext-building against Iran's nuclear program
The Spokesman of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, emphasizing "the peaceful nature of the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear program," said in response to a question about recent remarks by Grossi concerning Iran's nuclear activities: "It is completely clear that Iran's nuclear program has always been peaceful, and there has been no sign of diversion towards military activities."
Baghaei added: "This fact must be the basis for the performance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and this institution is obligated to adhere to it within the framework of its specialized and technical duties."
Critiquing some recent stances, he clarified: "The Agency must refrain from stating propositions that merely repeat the baseless claims and speculations of parties seeking warmongering and pretext-building against Iran's nuclear program."
We are dissatisfied with Afghanistan's performance regarding water rights
In response to another question about the diplomatic apparatus's plans to secure the water rights for the eastern provinces from the Hirmand and Harirod rivers in the new water year, given that only 16% of the share was realized last year, the non-realization of water share for Khorasan and Mashhad from Harirod, and the effect of lacking a codified and agreed-upon legal regime between the two countries regarding this river, Baghaei, emphasizing "We are dissatisfied with Afghanistan's performance regarding water rights," said: "We have used every opportunity to persuade relevant officials in Afghanistan to adhere to their commitments, both under the Hirmand Treaty, which is clear, and regarding the Harirod."
The Spokesman of the country's Foreign Ministry added: "The absence of a treaty regarding the Harirod does not mean that regulations in this area and Iran's share of this river do not exist."
He clarified: "Based on international custom regarding shared rivers, the upstream country, meaning Afghanistan, has commitments regarding our country's share and right to this river, which it must fulfill."
This senior Foreign Ministry official continued: "We recently heard that the Salma Dam has been opened for autumn cultivation, and we hope the water flow reaches the Friendship Dam."
Baghaei also referred to the recent visit of Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, to Afghanistan and his negotiations with officials of the Afghan caretaker government, saying: "This was an important trip, and serious negotiations took place on three important issues, one of which was the subject of water rights and the implementation of agreements made in this regard."
The Spokesman for the country's diplomatic apparatus noted: "In these negotiations and meetings, it was agreed that the technical committees related to the water rights issue would be formed by the two countries within a short period and hold meetings to review the current situation and implement the agreements."
He added: "During this very technical and specific trip, our points of view were conveyed to the Afghan sides, and we hope that through these interactions we can secure Iran's water rights from the two rivers."
Threats against Venezuela have no legal validity
The Spokesman of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Foreign Ministry once again condemned the US military movements in the Caribbean and Latin American region at this meeting, deeming these actions detrimental to international peace and security.
Baghaei emphasized: "The US claim about combating drug trafficking has been tested repeatedly in the same region and lacks legal validity. Based on customary principles and international law regulations, no country is permitted to encroach upon the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of another country solely under the pretext of combating transnational organized crimes, including drug trafficking."
He also referred to the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, recalling: "This international document explicitly emphasizes that actions related to drug control should not lead to the violation of countries' national sovereignty. Therefore, the threats raised against Venezuela and some other Latin American countries have no legal validity."
No new message has been received from the US
In response to the question of whether Iran has received a new message from the US, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman said: "No new message has been received, meaning no message was transferred during Mr. Takht Ravanchi's recent visit to Oman."
Experts' opinions do not in any way reflect Iran's official position
This senior diplomat of the Islamic Republic of Iran also responded to a question about recent remarks by Mohammad Javad Larijani that "we can build an atomic bomb in two weeks, but we do not do this because of the Supreme Leader's fatwa," stating: "In our country, freedom of expression exists, and experts may express their interpretations on various issues, including nuclear matters. This does not in any way reflect Iran's official position, and the country's official stance is expressed by the spokesmen."
He noted: "Iran's nuclear activities are peaceful, and the IAEA reports also confirm this matter."
Formal membership in the Cybercrime Agreement requires the approval stages in the Islamic Consultative Assembly
Baghaei addressed the question regarding a warning by Mr. Kuchakzadeh, a Tehran representative in the Parliament, that why Mr. Jalalzadeh, the Deputy Foreign Minister, signed the UN Convention on Cybercrime during his visit to Vietnam without the Parliament's permission. He said: "The issue raised is related to a convention or treaty recently proposed for signing by various countries. This agreement is about countering cybercrime and has been negotiated at the UN level over three to four years."
He added: "According to current laws and compulsory regulations for signing any international document, we are obliged to obtain the necessary authorization from the Council of Ministers. This signing is currently considered only a provisional signature and does not create any commitment for us."
He noted: "For the Islamic Republic of Iran to gain official membership in this document, the approval stages in the Islamic Consultative Assembly [Parliament] must certainly be completed, and only after these stages and final ratification will it be considered a compulsory treaty. Therefore, so far, only provisional approval through signing has been carried out, and it has no compulsory aspect."
The three islands are an inseparable part of the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran
The Foreign Ministry Spokesman responded to a question about the UAE's interference in the internal affairs of Iraq and Sudan, and its claims of ownership over Iran's three islands: "Of course, we do not conflate these issues."
He continued: "The status of Iran's three islands is completely clear; these islands are an inseparable part of the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we absolutely do not accept any foreign claims regarding this area or any other part of the soil of our beloved country."
Any interference in Sudan's internal affairs will only result in slaughter and chaos
This senior Iranian diplomat noted: "What is happening in Sudan and some countries in the region is a cause for concern. Any interference in the internal affairs of these countries is harmful, and certainly such interventions will result in nothing but slaughter and chaos."
He referred to developments in Sudan over the past few decades, saying: "Sudan, at one stage, faced currents that divided the country into two halves in the name of democracy and human rights, and unfortunately, internal conflicts continued thereafter."
Baghaei added: "Now, the events in Al-Fasher city and the killing of civilians are very shocking. We have called on all conflicting parties to support the central government and properly fulfill their responsibilities. We believe that any interference in the internal affairs of Sudan and other countries in the region will lead to extensive damages and harm, not only for those countries but for the entire region."
The Zionist regime does not address the issue of torture and abuse of Palestinian prisoners even domestically
In another part of his speech, regarding news about the abuse of Palestinian prisoners at the "Sde Teiman" base and prison, he stated: "The charge brought against the Zionist regime's military prosecutor was about the reason for the disclosure of the incident; meaning the core issue was not addressed, and the Zionist regime does not address the issue of torture and abuse of Palestinian prisoners even domestically."
The appointment of a special rapporteur for Iran's human rights lacks legitimacy
The Foreign Ministry Spokesman responded to a question about the recent report by the UN Special Rapporteur and the head of the so-called fact-finding committee on the human rights situation in Iran: "We have a clear stance regarding the so-called country reports."
Baghaei noted: "Fundamentally, the appointment of a special rapporteur for Iran's human rights was a political move and lacks legitimacy; this was initiated and continued by several Western countries from the outset. Regarding the fact-finding committee, the matter is very clear; this committee was founded by the former German Foreign Minister and unfortunately raised a mix of false claims and accusations against Iran at various times."
The senior diplomat of the Islamic Republic of Iran clarified in this regard: "The point that might be significant is that in this report, despite being full of baseless claims regarding human rights, the crime of the Zionist regime was so evident and clear that they could not ignore it; the report explicitly rejected the action of the Zionist regime in aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran as a violation of international law."
The most significant factor in the proliferation of WMDs are the countries that possess these weapons themselves
Baghaei also responded to another question regarding efforts by the US and France to conduct nuclear tests: "These stances are truly hypocritical; because on one hand, the same countries express concern about the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and nuclear weapons, and put pressure on a country's peaceful nuclear program for which there has been and is no evidence or proof of military nature. On the other hand, they themselves, without any restrictions, violate their international commitments within the framework of the NPT and other related disarmament or arms limitation treaties."
He stressed: "This behavior is very regrettable and shows the reality that everyone witnesses; namely, the most significant factor in the proliferation of WMDs are the countries that possess these weapons themselves."
We have always supported the right of self-determination for the people of Western Sahara
The Foreign Ministry Spokesman responded to a question about the UN Security Council's vote on Friday (October 31st) in favor of the US-proposed resolution for real autonomy for Western Sahara under Moroccan sovereignty: "We have always supported the right of self-determination for the people of Western Sahara, as you mentioned, the text of the resolution includes references to the necessity of taking necessary measures to provide autonomy to the people of Western Sahara."
He added: "We hope this UN resolution will pave the way for determining the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara and does not complicate the issues in the region."
End Article