Baghaei: Missile Program is for National Defense, Not Negotiation
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."
Did we cause the halt in cooperation with the IAEA?
Iran's senior diplomat emphasized that Tehran’s contacts with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are ongoing.
"As long as we are a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and committed to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, we know how to fulfill our obligations," he stated. Baghaei noted that the specific issues repeatedly raised by the IAEA Director General should be addressed by those who caused the current situation.
He reminded that Iran’s safeguarded facilities were attacked at a time when they were under the highest level of international inspections. "Did we cause the halt in this process, or those who illegally and criminally attacked our facilities?" he asked, adding that there is no existing protocol for inspecting damaged facilities—a situation he described as "unprecedented."
Failure to condemn the attack on Iran encourages repetition of these crimes
Baghaei stressed that there is no reason for a crisis in nuclear cooperation as Iran has consistently fulfilled its obligations.
He criticized the IAEA and the international community for failing to issue even a simple condemnation of the U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran’s nuclear sites. "This condemnation is not for our satisfaction but a legal necessity. Failure to condemn these acts is not just indifference; it can be interpreted as encouragement to repeat such crimes," he warned. He reiterated the demand for the IAEA Director General to officially condemn the June 2025 (Khordad 1404) attacks.
Rubio's remarks are a continuation of psychological warfare
Regarding recent comments by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Iran’s internal affairs and nuclear program, Baghaei dismissed them as repetitive and hypocritical.
"The U.S. Secretary of State claims pressure on Iran’s UN mission is out of 'compassion' for the Iranian people. This is so hypocritical that it’s like saying Jeffrey Epstein was a supporter of the rights of women and girls," he remarked. He characterized these statements as part of a psychological war, adding that the U.S. must eventually be held accountable for its illegal actions.
Resistance is rooted and innate
Addressing regional instability, Baghaei stated that the Zionist regime’s aggression stems from its "fear of continued isolation."
He described resistance as an innate response to occupation and racism. "As long as occupation and injustice continue, resistance will naturally flourish. Periodic ups and downs should not create the illusion that resistance is weakened; it lives in the hearts of the people because they face an unnatural, racist occupational entity."
Washington Post claim is sheer lies
The spokesperson described as "sheer lies and fabrications" the report by The Washington Post claiming that Donald Trump made a secret offer to Tehran for total sanctions relief following the Israeli strikes. The report had claimed the offer was contingent on Iran stopping uranium enrichment and ending support for resistance groups.
Criminals think everyone is like themselves
In response to claims by some Zionist and Western media that an Iranian was involved in the death of a U.S. nuclear scientist, Baghaei used a proverb: "Criminals think everyone shares their own nature." He noted that given the Zionist regime's long history of assassinations and global terrorism, they naturally seek to blame others for such incidents using their own methods.
The signed document can strengthen Iran-Russia consultations
Regarding the document signed between Foreign Ministers Araghchi and Lavrov last week, Baghaei explained it marks the start of a new process following the expiration of a previous three-year agreement. "Given that the Iran-Russia Strategic Partnership Agreement has become legally binding, this document is of double importance and will expand cooperation across various sectors including economy, trade, and energy."
Canada's tactics are no longer effective
Baghaei reacted to the recent UN General Assembly resolution against Iran, calling it a "repetitive and purely political" move initiated by Canada.
He pointed out that out of 193 members, nearly 120 countries either voted against, abstained, or chose not to participate. "This tactic is no longer effective. If they could previously deceive communities with human rights tools, they will fail today—especially given their performance in occupied Palestine." He criticized Canada's hypocrisy for supporting sanctions and the Zionist regime while claiming to care for human rights.
Israel's actions pave the way for ISIS growth
Regarding the resurgence of ISIS in Syria and Iraq, Baghaei stated that those who created the group should be held accountable. He referenced Donald Trump’s own past campaign statements acknowledging the U.S. role in the rise of ISIS.
"Those who rewarded terrorism by assassinating the greatest force against ISIS, General Qasem Soleimani, must answer for this," he said. He warned that Israeli attacks on Syria and efforts to turn it into a "failed state" provide the perfect ground for the reproduction of terrorism.
We have always opposed terrorist acts
Criticizing the double standards of Western countries like Australia, Baghaei stated that Iran’s condemnation of the Sydney incident was based on the principle that targeting civilians is illegitimate anywhere.
He added: "The Australian government must still explain its actions regarding bilateral relations, which were based on blatant lies fabricated by Zionist security agencies."
Those claiming peace cannot be partners in aggression and genocide
Clarifying Minister Araghchi’s interview with Al Jazeera regarding Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize, Baghaei emphasized that the context was highlighting U.S. contradictions.
"Those who seek to introduce themselves as saviors of international peace cannot simultaneously support a genocide or be complicit in aggression. The core of the argument is logical: you cannot claim peace while being a partner in war crimes."
Iran will respond appropriately to any infringement on its national interests
On the U.S. seizing tankers near Venezuela, Baghaei called it a "gross violation of international law" and a threat to global stability. He asserted that such actions show the "dissolution of international rules" that have governed the world for eight decades. "The Islamic Republic of Iran will certainly show an appropriate reaction to any encroachment on its national interests in a manner it deems fit."
Europeans should take a responsible stance on illegal US actions
Responding to differing European views on the U.S. naval blockade of Venezuela, Baghaei urged all states, especially those claiming to value the "rule of law," to take a responsible stand against U.S. lawlessness. He noted that indifference toward such actions threatens global security.
Avoidance of endless wars is nothing but talk
Baghaei stated that the Zionist regime has been a "burden" on the U.S. economy and politics for decades.
"The U.S. claim of avoiding 'endless wars' is just talk. The Zionist regime has succeeded in dragging the U.S. into its wars at the expense of American taxpayers. This reality is what terrifies the regime, leading to their frequent trips to Washington to create new fears against Iran and the resistance."
Diplomatic traffic between Iran and Russia is natural
He described the recent simultaneous visits of Iranian and Russian officials as a "natural coincidence" reflecting the depth of bilateral ties. He emphasized that both sides are determined to utilize the capacities of the newly implemented Strategic Partnership Agreement.
Stoking certain debates is not beneficial for Iran-Russia relations
Regarding Foreign Minister Lavrov’s recent comments on the "Snapback" mechanism, Baghaei stated: "What we speak of is not a 'narrative' but the statement of facts, which have been documented in detail. While the accurate account is the one provided by Iranian negotiators, I do not see further debate on this historical issue as being in the national interest. Our relations with Russia are growing in all areas, and stoking such debates is not beneficial."
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