Baghaei: Zionist Regime Observes No Limits in Committing its Crimes
Tehran - BORNA - Esmaeil Baghaei, at the beginning of his press conference today (Sunday), offered condolences on the occasion of Fatemieh and the martyrdom of Hazrat Zahra (PBUH). He then referred to the continuation of the Zionist regime's crimes in Gaza, stating that due to these crimes, 24 innocent people were martyred in the region just yesterday.
Baghaei also mentioned reports regarding the Zionist regime's use of banned weapons, including cluster bombs, in southern Lebanon, as well as the theft of body organs of Palestinian prisoners by the Zionist regime. He stated: "These cases show that this regime observes no limits in committing its crimes and is not bound by any international commitments or laws."
Regional Security and Zionist Crimes
The senior diplomat of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in response to a question, stressed: "Undoubtedly, if the crimes of the Zionist regime are not contained in the region, their effects and consequences will surely spread to other parts of the world, and there is no doubt about this."
He added: "The actions of the Zionist regime and the positions of its officials demonstrate the regime's aggressive and supremacist nature, showing that no part of the world can consider itself safe from the actions and crimes of this regime."
Iran-US Relations and Mediation
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, responding to a question regarding reports of Saudi mediation between Iran and the US following a letter sent by the Iranian President to the Saudi Crown Prince, clarified the contents of the letter: "This letter was related to bilateral issues and the topic of Hajj. The issue here is not one of mediation. The issue goes back to the approach of the US and its lack of seriousness in negotiation."
He continued: "The US's view of negotiation is fundamentally based on dictation, rather than the conventional diplomatic practice based on give-and-take. As long as the US insists on this approach, meaningful negotiations will not take place. Given this, the discussion of mediation is a secondary issue."
Baghaei also noted the good relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia: "We are grateful to all countries that strive to expand peace and stability in the region, but as I said, the discussion here is not about mediation and negotiation."
Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions
Regarding the regional meeting on Afghanistan, facilitated by Iran and several regional countries, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said: "Security around us is very important. We spoke with various parties such as Turkey and Russia about the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. We continue our efforts so that the issue is discussed within a regional framework. Our goal is to reduce tensions between these two neighboring and Muslim countries."
IAEA Resolution and Nuclear Program
In response to a question about the anti-Iran resolution by the Board of Governors, Baghaei stated: "The Board of Governors resolution is contrary to the procedures of the Agency and the Security Council, and instead of solving the problem, it complicates the situation."
He asserted that "there was no good faith regarding this resolution," adding: "The content of this resolution is a stain on the reputation of its proponents and supporters, and it did not even make the slightest reference to the root of the problem, which is the illegal attacks by the US and the Zionist regime on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities."
Engagement with the IAEA
The Spokesperson stressed that Iran does not need mediation for engagement with the Agency: "We do not need mediation for interaction with the Agency; our representative in Vienna is active. We are a member of the Agency, and we express our positions publicly and in dialogue with Agency officials, and we consider ourselves committed as long as we are members of the NPT."
He continued: "The problem started when the US and Israel sabotaged the process of cooperation between Iran and the Agency by attacking Iranian nuclear facilities. Unfortunately, the opposing parties ignore the facts, and the Board of Governors should hold the US, the Zionist regime, and their supporters accountable for the attack on Iran, instead of talking about Iran's non-cooperation."
Baghaei addressed the statement by Grossi regarding mediation between Iran and the US, and the basis for future negotiation to resolve the current deadlock between Iran and the Agency: "There is no deadlock. We, as a member of the Agency, are making demands and expect the Agency's directors to remain committed to their technical responsibilities and not allow pressure to steer the Agency away from its professional path."
He added: "We reached an understanding with the Agency and clarified the method of cooperation in the post-military aggression conditions. This method was supposed to be the basis for interaction in the new conditions, but the three European countries, under US pressure, deprived the Agency of this opportunity and disrupted this process through moves in the Security Council and the Agency."
Commitments and the Cairo Understanding
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson emphasized: "We had announced that if the opposing parties commit any illegal act, the Cairo Understanding would be considered null and void. Iran continues its interactions with the Agency according to its commitments under the NPT, but within the framework specified by the Parliament's law."
He concluded: "Therefore, talks with the Agency will be structured in this framework, but we cannot ignore that Europe's retaliatory action against Iran has consequences, and one example of that was the invalidation of the Cairo Understanding."
Future Steps and Peaceful Nuclear Energy
Baghaei stated that the decision-making process regarding the nuclear issue is carried out at the highest levels of the country, and any decision will center on preserving Iran's rights and interests based on the NPT.
He confirmed that interactions and negotiations to strengthen and expand cooperation between Iran and Russia regarding peaceful nuclear energy continue strongly and seriously.
In response to US warnings about resuming enrichment, Baghaei said: "We certainly consider all possible options for the protection and preservation of our interests... We, as an NPT member, are entitled to the peaceful use of nuclear energy and are determined to continue on this path."
US Actions Against Venezuela and Sudan
Regarding US actions and threats against Venezuela, Baghaei said: "It is clear to everyone that the pretext of combating drug trafficking is merely a cover for advancing bullying policies, exerting pressure against an independent sovereignty, and threatening other countries."
He emphasized: "These US actions are condemned from the perspective of international law and the UN Charter. You cannot violate a country's sovereignty to combat organized crime. The US actions against Venezuela are contrary to international law."
Regarding the US readiness to intervene in the Sudan crisis, Baghaei noted: "Developments in Sudan are concerning... The very party claiming to try and resolve this crisis—the US—was one of the parties that contributed to the formation of the crisis in Sudan. US intervention in Sudan over the past few years has intensified tensions and fragmentation."
He emphasized: "We consider any interference by third parties in the internal affairs of Sudan to be detrimental, and we believe that the people and government of Sudan should be helped to decide their country's fate and future through Sudanese-Sudanese dialogues."
Theft of the Talara Cargo
The senior diplomat, in response to a question about the release of the Talara vessel and its cargo, confirmed: "This action was carried out based on a judge's order. The cargo belonged to Iran, and the action taken was in line with the duty assigned by the judicial branch to the IRGC Navy."
Chemical Weapons Convention and Germany
Regarding the upcoming visit of Iran's Foreign Minister to the Netherlands for the annual meeting of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), Baghaei said: "We use every opportunity to keep alive the bitter events of the imposed war... This is a continuous mission for Iran, to use this issue to demonstrate the inhuman nature of weapons of mass destruction and prevent the recurrence of such catastrophes in the future."
He added: "We have a specific demand from Germany, as one of the parties that played a major role in arming Saddam's regime. We demand that the verdicts issued by the German judiciary on this matter be made available to us. We are officially following up on this issue."
US has left no room for trust
Regarding the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister's comments about "armed negotiations" between Iran and the US, Baghaei concluded: "Regardless of the words, the important issue is that the US, due to its performance over the last 10 years, including withdrawing from the JCPOA, failing to return to the JCPOA, and attacking Iran, has left no room for trust. This is the main meaning and concept that we have considered in explaining our positions."
Iran-Lebanon Relations
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, responding to a question regarding the readiness of the Lebanese Foreign Minister to hold talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, stated: "We have a good relationship with Lebanon. Our relationship with Lebanon is very long-standing and based on mutual respect, and the friendship existing between the two nations of Iran and Lebanon does not require clarification or explanation."
Baghaei noted that the Lebanese Foreign Minister's comments were immediately met with a positive response from the Iranian Foreign Minister, who emphasized that Iran has no intervention in Lebanon's internal affairs, and matters within Lebanon concern only the Lebanese themselves.
He pointed to Iran's readiness to expand interactions with Lebanon, citing recent good negotiations: "Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, had a trip to Lebanon and held discussions and consultations with Lebanese parties. Also, good meetings have been held between the foreign ministers of the two countries on the sidelines of several meetings during this period."
Saudi Arabia's Arms Deal and Regional Security
In response to another question about the arms deal signed between Riyadh and Washington during the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the US, and whether this poses a threat to Iran: "We have a good and growing relationship with Saudi Arabia and the rest of the regional countries. We share the concerns of regional countries regarding the warmongering and domination-seeking of the Zionist regime. It is a consensus fact in our region that the biggest danger in the region is the Zionist regime, and regional countries must rely on internal regional capabilities to prevent the Zionist regime's warmongering."
Nuclear Issues and Sanctions
Baghaei reiterated: "The Cairo Understanding is not enforceable. This agreement can no longer be the basis for understanding between Iran and the Agency because the opposing parties prevented the progress of this positive process between Iran and Iran and the Agency."
Regarding President Trump’s threat to impose sanctions on Iran similar to those on Russia, the senior diplomat said: "We face US sanction packages against Iran daily, and Iran has been subject to these sanctions for nearly five decades."
He stated emphatically: "Sanctions certainly cause harm, but they can in no way undermine our resolve to defend our dignity and rights."
US Actions in East Asia and the One-China Principle
Responding to a question from a Chinese Phoenix network reporter regarding US arms shipments to Taiwan and provocative actions in East Asia: "The actions taken by the US, periodically sending arms to Taiwan for provocative actions against China, are rejected. The One-China principle must be respected by all governments based on several United Nations resolutions."
He reiterated Iran's rejection of US interventionist actions in East Asia: "What the international community is witnessing now is that the US is the biggest threat to regional peace and stability."
Gaza Situation and German Arms
In response to a question that the German government announced it would lift restrictions on arms shipments to the Zionist regime due to a supposed "ceasefire" in Gaza: "Firstly, it should be noted that there is no ceasefire in Gaza. In the last month, according to official statistics, about 350 people have been martyred in Gaza, and what we are witnessing now in Gaza is the continuation of the genocide policy by the Zionist regime."
He continued: "Germany’s restrictions in this regard were imposed three months ago, and it was clear from the beginning that imposing these restrictions was a display." He warned that Germany and other arms suppliers to the Zionist regime are well aware that this regime uses these weapons to kill people in Gaza and attack other countries. "They must be held accountable and know that they are partners in the Zionist regime’s crimes."
Iran-Iraq Relations
Regarding a recent meeting between Ali Larijani and Mohsen al-Hakim (a figure in the Iraqi National Wisdom Movement) who holds no official executive position in Iraq: "The relationship between Iran and the Iraqi government is very good, based on mutual trust and respect. We carefully and respectfully monitored the parliamentary elections in Iraq, considering the process an internal matter. We believe that stability and security in Iraq serve our interests and the security of the region."
He confirmed that the meeting with Al-Hakim was part of continued visits with Iraqi figures, which are effective in strengthening interactions between the two countries.
Discussions with the E3
Asked whether there would be a meeting between the Iranian Foreign Minister and the European Troika during his visit to the Netherlands: "There will be no such session. As I mentioned, Mr. Araghchi is traveling to the Netherlands to participate in the annual meeting of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in The Hague. We are not scheduled to have a specific meeting with the three European countries. Naturally, Mr. Araghchi will have meetings with foreign ministers and other participating officials on the sidelines of the summit."
Iran-US Negotiations
Regarding talks with the US and Iran’s conditions for negotiation: "A proposition is repeated by the Americans that they are seeking negotiation, but we must note that if they are not committed to its requirements, this negotiation will merely be a spectacle and a gesture... We must consider the fact that Iran was attacked during diplomatic talks with the US, which indicates how serious they are about negotiations."
The senior diplomat concluded: "In any dialogue and negotiation, securing Iran's interests is the most important principle for which we fight. But the opposing party does not believe in negotiation at all, and as long as negotiation in their lexicon means dictation, conditions for dialogue will not be created."
Diplomatic Security and US Threats Against Venezuela
In response to reports about US preparations for an attack on Venezuela and security measures for Iran's embassy in Caracas: "The core issue should not be forgotten: the US's provocative actions against Venezuela violate all international rules and regulations. The indifference and silence towards this blatant lawbreaking by a permanent member of the Security Council and host of the UN headquarters is completely unacceptable and can become a model for other countries."
He stressed that there is no legitimacy for the US’s threatening actions, calling it an "act of bullying" against a sovereign nation. He called on the UN Security Council and the Secretary-General to clearly oppose US threats.
"Regarding our diplomats, we will certainly take the necessary measures. Our embassy in Venezuela is active and continues its work, and we are in close contact with Venezuelan officials," Baghaei confirmed.
Appreciation for Russia's Position on Nuclear Cooperation
In response to a question regarding Russia's stance on nuclear cooperation with Iran, Baghaei said: "Regarding the cooperation between Iran and other countries in the nuclear field, and Russia's announcement that this cooperation should continue just like any other non-nuclear-weapon state, this is affirmed in Resolution 2231. That resolution emphasizes that after its expiration, Iran will be treated like any other non-nuclear-weapon state. This means the Islamic Republic of Iran is fully authorized to interact and cooperate with other countries in the field of peaceful nuclear energy."
He continued: "Therefore, Russia’s position is a continuation of the same principled stance it adopted against the efforts of European countries to re-impose the canceled Security Council resolutions. We are grateful for this position."
US Statements and Regional Division
Regarding US President Trump's anti-Iran remarks during his meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince: "The statements made by US officials during this trip are in line with their consistent policy of creating division among regional countries. We are confident that the regional countries will not fall into such a trap."
Baghaei added: "Regional countries are well aware that the crimes committed by the US and the Zionist regime against Iran were a flagrant violation of international peace and security. They know very well that if steps are not taken to contain the warmongering and dominance-seeking of the Zionist regime, this regime will certainly become more brazen."
He concluded: "They also know very well that the most important logistic, military, and political supporter of the Zionist regime is the US. Therefore, the US is not in the position of a third party or a neutral mediator; the US is itself part of the Zionist regime's crimes."
US Claims of Being Close to a Deal
In response to a question about the US President's statement that they are "on the verge of a deal" with Tehran: "Regarding the issue that US officials constantly repeat about an agreement, the US's actions have practically shown that they are not serious at all. They fundamentally either do not have a correct understanding of negotiation, or their behavioral nature dictates that they assign no meaning to negotiation other than dictation. Therefore, these statements must be weighed against US actions, and you will see that there is no seriousness or good faith in these claims."
Dialogue with Turkey
In response to a Turkish media reporter’s question about whether the topics of Syria or Iran-US negotiations were discussed during the phone call between Hakan Fidan (Turkish Foreign Minister) and Araghchi, following Fidan's trip to the US: "In every conversation we have with neighboring countries, we discuss a range of issues, both bilateral topics and issues we have previously discussed. It is natural that in conversations with Turkish officials, as a neighboring country with whom we constantly consult, topics related to regional security and stability, including Syria, the continuation of the Zionist regime's crimes against Gaza, occupied Palestine, and Lebanon, and also issues related to Iran’s nuclear topic, would be discussed."
Global Awakening to Genocide in Gaza
In response to a question about the new Mayor of New York emphasizing that the Zionist regime's actions in Gaza constitute genocide, and repeating these statements in front of Trump: "The fact that various countries and officials, including those in the US, acknowledge the naked reality that what is happening in occupied Palestine is a genocide, is the statement of a reality. We expect any responsible individual or country to shout this reality loud and clear."
He continued: "Moreover, we are facing a wave of awakening in European and Western countries regarding this issue. Despite all the pressure and restrictions imposed in these countries against any criticism of the regime's performance, we see large crowds coming out onto the streets in European and Western capitals, just like in other countries, protesting the genocide and crimes of the Zionist regime. This is a very important sign that the international community is finally waking up to the crimes that are happening in our region."
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