Iran Rejects US 'Will Imposition' on Venezuela
Tehran - BORNA - Esmaeil Baghaei, Spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held his weekly press conference on Sunday, beginning with congratulations on the occasion of Transportation and Drivers' Day. He expressed gratitude for the efforts of drivers, including martyr Mohammad Dalvand, who worked tirelessly during the 12-day war.
Baghaei provided a report on last week's trilateral meeting between Iran, China, and Saudi Arabia held in Tehran. He also noted that the Foreign Minister is scheduled to visit Belarus and Russia this week, and that a meeting of the Special Representatives of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries is being held in Tehran today.
He also provided an update on the recent visit of the President to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, adding that "we continue to witness the aggression of the Zionist regime in the West Asia region, including in Gaza."
Iran's Diplomatic Relationship with Lebanon is Long-Standing
Responding to a question regarding reports that Lebanon’s Foreign Minister may be hindering the administrative process for introducing Iran’s new Ambassador, Baghaei stated: "The diplomatic relationship between Iran and Lebanon is a long-standing one that continues. We have an Ambassador in Lebanon, and Lebanon's new Ambassador recently settled in Tehran. The relevant process for Iran's new Ambassador to Lebanon has been carried out and initiated for some time now, and we hope that this process will proceed naturally in Lebanon and our new Ambassador will be stationed in the country."
The Spokesperson added: "Regarding other discussions concerning Iran-Lebanon relations, our preference is to refrain from any statement that would distract Lebanon from focusing on safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Baghaei pointed to the Zionist regime's threats against Lebanon, noting: "We have always invited our Lebanese friends to reach an internal consensus in this country regarding the threats that challenge its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and this threat is nothing but the excesses of the Zionist regime."
Venezuela, as an Independent Country, Can Decide on its Foreign Relations Based on its National Interests
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson also responded to a question regarding remarks by Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and recent Nobel Peace Prize recipient, who alleged that Iran interferes in Venezuela's internal affairs and that "Iranian agents" have attacked Venezuela.
"I believe it is inappropriate to respond to the words of an individual who has no value or affection for her homeland," Baghaei said, suggesting she was merely repeating a narrative "to please the parties who gave her the Nobel Peace Prize."
Baghaei rejected reports by some Western media regarding Iran-Venezuela relations and claims of Tehran's interference in Caracas' domestic affairs, stating: "These statements are irrelevant. As an independent country, Venezuela can decide on its foreign relations based on its national interests and maintain ties with countries that interact with it based on mutual respect, thus regulating its foreign policy."
He continued: "The parties that should be held accountable are those who seek to violate the national sovereignty of Venezuela and want to impose their will on other countries, including Venezuela."
The Spokesperson criticized the US policy towards Venezuela and other Caribbean nations, stating: "The US seeks to impose its demands and views on an independent country, and this is contrary to all international laws and regulations."
US Must Avoid Politicization of Cultural and Sporting Issues
Baghaei addressed concerns that the US might refuse to issue visas for some members and accompanying staff of Iran's national football team for the upcoming World Cup, following the US's failure to issue visas for some delegation members attending the draw ceremony.
"According to FIFA regulations, it is the commitment of the US, as one of the host countries for the World Cup, to provide all necessary arrangements for the participation of the participating teams," Baghaei stated.
He continued: "So far, the US has violated its commitment by failing to issue visas for some members of the Iranian delegation to attend the World Cup draw ceremony, and we have protested this issue to FIFA and the US Interests Section in Tehran."
He stressed: "It is the right of the country's football community to participate in this competition without any problem. We expect FIFA officials to fulfill their duties and hope that the US will, for once, refrain from politicizing cultural and sporting issues."
Mahdieh Esfandiari's Trial Will Be Held in About One Month
Regarding the latest status of Iranian citizen Mahdieh Esfandiari in France, who is currently released on bail, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said: "We are waiting for the time of her court hearing. Based on what has been announced, her trial will be held in about one month, meaning mid-January. We hope that with this session, the necessary preparations for her final release and return to the country will be provided."
It Was Afghanistan's Decision Not to Participate in the Tehran Meeting
Responding to a question about the meeting of Afghanistan's neighboring countries in Iran, the absence of an Afghan representative, and whether recent conflicts between Islamabad and Kabul would be discussed, Baghaei said: "Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, plus Russia, are participating in this meeting. The Special Representatives of Russia and Uzbekistan are representatives of their Presidents, and there is also a representative from Pakistan on behalf of the Prime Minister."
He added: "The goal of this meeting is dialogue and exchange of views on developments in Afghanistan, and naturally, all events and developments somehow related to Afghanistan will be reviewed in this meeting."
Baghaei continued: "The neighborhood environment is very important to us. Security and stability in the east of the country are key. We share a total of about two thousand kilometers of border with Afghanistan and Pakistan, and any tension between these two countries will inevitably affect us as well. Other countries also have similar concerns, and we invited all of them to participate."
Referring to the invitation extended to Afghanistan, he said: "We would have liked Afghanistan to participate. We believe that Afghanistan's participation in such processes will help strengthen understanding and resolve problems between Afghanistan and neighboring countries. However, it was Afghanistan's decision not to participate, and we respect that decision."
Regarding the potential discussion of the Afghanistan-Pakistan issue, the Spokesperson stated: "It is natural that countries will raise their points in such a meeting. But the goal of the Islamic Republic of Iran is to use this meeting and the discussions held to help regional consensus and find solutions that contribute to strengthening stability and security in the surrounding environment and among the countries of the region."
The ICJ Ruling Once Again Confirms the Commission of Crimes in the Palestinian Territory by Israel
Responding to a question about the recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion on the necessity of halting the Zionist regime's crimes, Baghaei stated: "What is happening in Gaza is an obvious genocide. This is not our opinion or position, but the statement of a reality confirmed by the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and other international bodies."
He added that the ruling "is one of hundreds of rulings issued condemning the actions of the occupying regime." He emphasized: "The Zionist regime has disrespected and violated all these rules. The commission of war crimes and crimes against humanity are two crimes raised in the indictment of the International Criminal Court against the authorities of the Zionist regime, attesting to this reality. Furthermore, the crime of genocide, raised against the Zionist regime in the International Court of Justice, proves this once again."
Baghaei stressed: "This ruling once again confirms the commission of crimes in the Palestinian Territory by the Zionist regime and emphasizes the responsibility of every single government to act to stop these crimes."
Serious Attention from the International Community to End the Occupation and Aggression in Syria is Necessary
Addressing a question about videos showing Syrian soldiers chanting support for Gaza and against Israel, and the killing of several US soldiers in Syria by unknown individuals, Baghaei stated: "The Golan Heights were previously occupied by the Zionist regime, but in recent years, especially over the past year, they have been under continuous aggression by the Zionist regime... Therefore, no one in our region is surprised by this development."
He added: "We have always warned against the conversion of Syria into a place for strengthening and spreading terrorism. The continuation of the Zionist regime's crimes and the occupying regime's attacks on Syria, alongside the continued occupation of significant parts of this country by various parties, including the US, can prevent the return of stability and security to Syria."
Baghaei noted: "This situation is a source of concern for all countries in the region and highlights the necessity of serious attention from the international community to end the occupation and aggression in Syria."
We Are Waiting to Receive Accurate Information Regarding the Attack on the Cargo Ship En Route to Iran
Regarding a Wall Street Journal report that US forces attacked and unloaded cargo from a ship traveling from China toward Iran last month, Baghaei said: "We are waiting to receive accurate information from the relevant authorities. We have not yet received such information from the competent authorities and are waiting for precise information from them."
2 to 3 Documents Will Be Signed During Araghchi's Visit to Belarus
Commenting on the importance of the Foreign Minister's visit to Belarus and Russia, Baghaei said: "This trip is very important and is a continuation of the continuous consultations that Tehran has with these two countries."
He noted that during Mr. Araghchi's visit to Belarus, he will meet with the President of Belarus in addition to the Foreign Minister, where various aspects of cooperation between the two countries will be discussed. He added that "two to three documents are also likely to be signed between the two countries during this trip."
Baghaei also mentioned Araghchi's trip to Russia, stating that he will consult and dialogue with representatives of the Russian Duma in addition to the Foreign Minister, covering a diverse range of topics.
The US Action Against the Venezuelan Oil Tanker Has No International Basis or Legitimacy
In response to the US seizure of the Venezuelan oil tanker, Baghaei said: "This action has no basis. One of the things Americans do is try to create a basis for their illegal actions at the international level. The US action against the Venezuelan oil tanker has no international basis or legitimacy and is based on something that is itself considered a crime under international law."
He added: "Citing domestic laws to commit an international crime in no way legitimizes that action. The US action is a real instance of maritime piracy and armed robbery at sea."
Baghaei emphasized: "As I said before, if these violations of the law become commonplace and turn into a trend, all countries and the entire international community will suffer from it. Therefore, this is one of the cases where all governments and international institutions must truly condemn the US action as an international violation."
Resolution of Afghanistan-Related Issues Passes Through Dialogue and Interaction Between Different Parties
Responding to a question about the ongoing meeting of Afghanistan's neighboring countries in Tehran and the recent statement by Afghan opposition groups emphasizing Afghan-Afghan dialogue, Baghaei said: "Generally, we believe that the resolution of issues related to Afghanistan passes through dialogue and interaction between different parties. The very holding of the meeting of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries in Tehran attests to our belief in this matter: that we must help strengthen stability and security in this country by reinforcing understanding and trust between the various stakeholders in Afghanistan."
He added that this is a prerequisite for economic development and improving the overall situation of the Afghan people, emphasizing: "This is our fundamental belief, and we structure our foreign policy concerning the region and Afghanistan based on it."
The Only Solution in Yemen is Dialogue and Internal Understanding to Preserve the Stability and Integrity of Their Country
Regarding Iran's position on developments in Yemen and continued military interventions by some regional countries, Baghaei stated that the situation in Yemen should be a concern for many regional countries because it aligns with the Zionist regime's policy of disintegrating regional states.
"We have always emphasized the necessity of dialogue between different Yemeni parties to establish stability and safeguard the unity and territorial integrity of Yemen," he noted. "Any action that truly opposes this is merely pouring water into the mill of the enemies of regional security and stability."
Baghaei concluded: "The only solution is dialogue and internal understanding among the Yemenis to preserve the stability and integrity of their country."
The Content Published in the US National Security Document is an Attempt to Fabricate Pretexts for its Unlawful Actions
Responding to the US National Security Document, which recently labeled Iran as a factor of instability in the region, Baghaei said: "There is nothing new here. The explanations and content published in this document are in line with the US's attempts to fabricate pretexts or create a basis to justify its unlawful actions. This country always resorts to these phrases to discredit other countries internationally, and these terms have become so repetitive and hollow that I do not think anyone believes them."
He stressed that claims of human rights violations and supporting terrorism are "repeated phrases in US political literature and have absolutely no real basis, except as a pretext for applying pressure against independent countries."
Guterres' Visit Was Important for Iraq
Commenting on the UN Secretary-General's recent visit to Iraq to announce the end of the UNAMI mission, Baghaei described it as an important trip, highlighting the announced end of UNAMI's mission and the planned withdrawal of forces deployed under the pretext of countering ISIS by September 2026.
"We respect the decision of the Iraqi government as a sovereign and independent country," he said.
Regarding the US actions against commercial ships in international waters, Baghaei reiterated: "The US action is a genuine example of state piracy... Using military force by a state against another country's commercial vessel in open waters or off the coasts of a country has absolutely no legal basis or justification and is an international wrongful act."
There is No Room for Indulgence or Compromise Regarding the Country's Territorial Integrity
Addressing recent claims by the UAE regarding the three Iranian islands (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa), Baghaei stated: "We have spoken about the islands many times. There is no room for indulgence or compromise regarding the country's territorial integrity. We will defend our country's territorial integrity with might, and we will absolutely not allow any party to raise a discussion about the belonging of these islands to Iran; such discussions are entirely rejected."
He urged the UAE and other supporting parties to consider the region's interests in their claims, emphasizing that the region needs a strong stance against the greatest threat, which is the dominance-seeking of the Zionist regime.
The Armed Forces are Fully Prepared to Deal with Any Eventuality
Speaking about Iran's national power and defensive readiness, Baghaei affirmed: "What is evident does not need to be stated; Iran has fully proven its power and capability in various fields. Diplomacy is also one of our tools for safeguarding Iran's national interests, which we use whenever necessary and conditions allow."
He stressed that Iran's Armed Forces are "fully prepared to deal with any eventuality" and will confront any adventurism with full might.
The Repetition of Certain Statements by Grossi Will Not Change the Existing Realities
In response to repeated statements by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi about Iran's nuclear activities, Baghaei stated that the repetition of certain phrases will not change the existing realities.
"The existing reality is that Iran, as a party that is still a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, has proven its commitment to the Safeguards Agreement and is aware of its obligations," he said.
He criticized Grossi and the Board of Governors for refraining from even a passing reference to the fact that Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities were illegally attacked by the US and the Zionist regime, stating that such a one-sided approach cannot solve the problem.
Contacts Between Iran and the IAEA Continue
On the outlook for Iran-IAEA relations, Baghaei confirmed: "Contacts between Iran and the Agency continue. We are a member of the Agency, and from this perspective, I do not think there is a problem." He emphasized that the basis for the Islamic Republic of Iran's interaction with the Agency is currently the law approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis), which clearly defines the framework.
In Practice, Freedom of Expression and Respectful Treatment of Different Individuals Do Not Exist in America
Commenting on the dismissal of Iranian-American professor Shirin Saeedi from the University of Arkansas for calling Israel a "genocidal regime" and supporting Iran, Baghaei said: "This issue demonstrates the absolutely discriminatory approach present in America... This incident is nothing but a statement of the existing reality and indicates that what is claimed as freedom of expression and respectful treatment of individuals with different views is not realized in practice in America."
The President's Recent Visits to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan Were of Special Importance
Speaking about the achievements of the President's visits to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, Baghaei highlighted the signing of several documents in various economic and commercial fields during the bilateral trip to Kazakhstan. The trip to Turkmenistan was for the international "Peace and Trust" Summit and was described as a "turning point" in strengthening Iran's coordination and cooperation with countries in the Central Asia and Caucasus region.
US Continues on the Path of Interference in the Internal Affairs of the Region and its Countries
Responding to remarks by the US Special Envoy for Syria, which seemingly admitted to a policy of intervention, Baghaei stated: "The words of the US Special Envoy for Syria, very explicitly and transparently, are an admission that US policies are based on interventionism in the region and in other countries... This admission, while showing that this policy has failed, also expresses the reality that this failed policy has had terrifying consequences for the involved countries."
He criticized the US for continuing this path despite its acknowledged mistakes, emphasizing that the US National Security Document's sole concern in West Asia is ensuring the dominance of the Zionist regime.
Resolution 2231 Has Terminated
Finally, regarding the UN Security Council's anticipated report on Resolution 2231, Baghaei stated: "This report has no legal basis. It must be noted that this report is based solely on a resolution that has no real or legal existence. Resolution 2231 has terminated, in our view... The reference by the three European countries to the JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism was made under US pressure and with a purely political motive, and had no legal basis."
He concluded that an action that lacked legitimacy from the beginning should not have any effect, and insisted that the continued reliance of the UN Secretariat and some Security Council members on a resolution that has terminated according to its own provisions lacks any basis or legitimacy.
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