Baghaei: Communication Channel with the U.S. Still Exists

Tehran - BORNA - At the beginning of his Monday press conference, Esmaeil Baghaei commemorated the anniversary of the martyrdom of General Qasem Soleimani, noting that a dedicated program was held earlier today at the Foreign Ministry’s Center for Political and International Studies with the presence of the Foreign Minister.

The Zionist Regime Aims to Create Division in the Region

Regarding the Zionist regime’s recent recognition of Somaliland as independent from Somalia, Baghaei stated: "This recognition is completely meaningless, and no country has confirmed it." He added that a regime whose own legitimacy and existence are in question has taken this step solely to fragment Islamic nations and leave the region defenseless against Zionist ambitions. He noted that regional, Islamic, and African countries have unanimously opposed this move, proving that the Zionist regime’s nature is "anti-peace" and aimed at creating tension and conflict.

Welcoming Regional Efforts to Reduce Tensions

When asked about the Iraqi Prime Minister's remarks regarding hosting a dialogue between Tehran and Washington in Baghdad, Baghaei replied: "It is commendable that our friends in Iraq are concerned about regional peace and stability. We welcome the 'good offices' of regional countries to reduce tensions." However, he emphasized that starting a negotiation process requires all parties to adhere to the "etiquette of negotiations," and until that is achieved, speaking of a negotiation process is "unrealistic." He added that Iran remains committed to diplomacy as a tool to secure national interests.

The Communication Channel is Still in Place

Addressing reports that Foreign Minister Araghchi recently stated the channel with the U.S. was cut, Baghaei clarified: "Mr. Araghchi did not say the channel is cut. That channel remains in place, which is the U.S. Interests Section in Iran and the Iranian Interests Section in Washington." He explained that the specific channel between Araghchi and the U.S. Special Envoy still exists, but the Foreign Minister merely stated in that interview that there is currently "no need for contact."

No Negotiations Beyond the Nuclear Issue

Responding to the U.S. Special Envoy’s remarks at the Security Council regarding "zero enrichment," Baghaei described the statements as "completely hypocritical." He argued: "You cannot extend a hand for diplomacy while simultaneously setting an unacceptable pre-condition. We cannot determine the outcome of a negotiation before it begins." He reaffirmed: "The topic of discussion with American parties has so far been the nuclear issue, and we have declared that we will not negotiate or talk about any other matters."

Investigation into the Assassination of Afghan Nationals

Regarding the recent assassination of two Afghan citizens in Iran, including former official Akramuddin Saree, Baghaei emphasized: "We are sensitive to any action that endangers the security of society and will deal with it decisively." He stressed that the safety of everyone living in Iran—whether as refugees or travelers—is "extraordinarily important." He confirmed that security authorities are investigating these assassinations and offered his condolences to the families, stating: "We will by no means allow the security of society to be compromised."

We Pursue the Problems of Every Iranian Anywhere Based on Our Duties

In response to a question fregarding a recently released video of a young Iranian claiming that Russian police had forcibly sent him to the Ukraine battlefield, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said: "We were not informed about this issue before the video was released in cyberspace; our consular section had also not been informed that such an individual had encountered a problem."

He continued: "Based on our duties, we follow up on any Iranian who faces a problem anywhere. However, we also take into account that there is a conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and we must be careful to handle every narrative and image we see or hear with precision and verify them. If we reach the conclusion that the rights of Iranian citizens have been violated, we will certainly pursue it."

He added: "In this specific case, immediately after we became aware of the matter, the issue was pursued through our embassies in Russia and Ukraine, as well as the consular department of the Foreign Ministry."

In response to another question on this matter, suggesting that this individual is not the only Iranian citizen present in the Russian army and whether the embassy and Foreign Ministry are following their status, he noted: "As I mentioned, our embassy is following the matter."

He continued: "A few weeks ago, a paper was published in cyberspace claiming, for example, that Russia is recruiting Iranians as soldiers for the Ukraine conflict; this was immediately met with a reaction from the Russian Embassy in Iran, and the Russian Embassy denied the matter in a statement. As far as these issues concern us as the Foreign Ministry, we are investigating, and our embassy in Russia is pursuing this matter."

Iran's Relations with Russia Are Not Against the Interests of Any Third Country

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, in response to another question noting that the head of Ukrainian military intelligence recently emphasized that Iran and North Korea are not involved in Russia's missile production for operations in Ukraine—while European countries constantly accuse Iran of weapon and missile support for Russia—stated: "This admission was also made several months ago by the Ukrainian President himself; in fact, he declared that we have no evidence that Iran has given missiles to Russia."

Baghaei continued: "Iran-Russia relations in various fields are long-standing relations based on mutual interests. We have had relations with Russia for many years; our relations with Russia are not against the interests of any third country."

Referring to the claims of European countries regarding Iranian military aid to Russia in the Ukraine war, he said: "Based on this baseless claim, they proceeded to impose sanctions against Iran, whereas such a thing has no basis, and Ukrainian officials themselves have declared several times that Iran has played no role in this conflict. Therefore, European countries should reconsider stating these stereotypical claims against Iran, although one cannot be very hopeful about this matter."

The Iranian Armed Forces, Backed by the Nation, Will Overcome Any Challenge

In response to a question about reports regarding an imminent meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump and a potential plan for new attacks against Iran under the pretext of Iran’s missile capabilities, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson stated: "The power and authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran stem from the people and the country's domestic assets. Iran's Armed Forces are focused with all their might on strengthening defensive capabilities and, backed by the nation, will overcome any challenge."

Baghaei emphasized that the actions of the Zionist regime in recent years have caused Washington to be introduced to the global community as a "kitchen for warmongering and evil."

He added: "Every trip by Zionist regime officials to the U.S. is interpreted in the media as a prelude to a new adventure against regional countries, and this reflects the image that has been created in public opinion regarding this regime's relations with the U.S."

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson noted: "At one time, the claim was made that Washington is a peacemaking power—regardless of whether this was true or not—but due to Netanyahu's actions over the past two years, this country has turned into a destination for designing and planning insecurity for the region and the world."

Baghaei emphasized that the responsibility for correcting this image lies with U.S. officials, to show that they are sincere in their claims about regional and global peace. He described the Zionist regime as an "occupying and genocidal regime" that wants a defenseless region, occupies the territory of two countries, and seeks to create tension under various pretexts, including Iran's peaceful nuclear program or the country's defensive capabilities.

Baghaei noted that regional countries have reached the conclusion that the only way to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region is to "contain" the Zionist regime; a containment that will require serious action from the friends and allies of this regime.

Grossi Should Act Within the Framework of His Duties and Competencies

In response to a question regarding the IAEA Director General's use of the term "Sword of Damocles" and his statement that "without reaching a sustainable agreement with Iran, the threat of this issue will remain under the shadow of the Sword of Damocles," Baghaei said: "This talk has, of course, become very stale, and he has said other things after that as well."

He added: "The best advice for the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency is to act and express opinions within the framework of his own duties and competencies. Such political comments mostly cause us to remember the Agency's inaction and its failure to condemn the military aggression of the Zionist regime and the U.S. against Iran's nuclear facilities."

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson emphasized: "The demand of the Iranian nation from the Agency and the Director General personally remains in place. Instead of stating these provocative words, the Director General of the Agency should truly take a brave decision in line with fulfilling the Agency's duties and, for once, condemn the illegal action of the U.S. and the Zionist regime in assaulting the nuclear facilities under Iran's safeguards."

Baghaei noted: "This condemnation is not merely a moral statement, but a commitment that the Agency must fulfill to prevent the repetition of such actions; actions that strike a fatal blow to the non-proliferation regime and the structure of the IAEA."

How Many People in Contemporary History Have Strived as Much as Dr. Araghchi for the Removal of Sanctions?

In response to the question that in recent days, parts of the Foreign Minister's remarks—specifically his sentence stating that "sanctions also have blessings"—have faced many reactions in media, elite, and public circles, and that critics and defenders have offered various interpretations, Baghaei said: "We did not choose the sanctions; the sanctions were imposed on us. A sanction is a crime, and there is no doubt about this. Due to the effects it has on people's enjoyment of fundamental human rights, we consider it a crime against humanity. We have referred to sanctions as economic terrorism; therefore, there is no doubt that the imposition of sanctions by the U.S. and some Western countries is an absolutely illegal, anti-human, and criminal act."

The senior diplomat of the Islamic Republic of Iran continued: "What the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Minister personally have repeated many times is that we should not fall into stagnation and inaction due to or under the pretext of sanctions. Something that has been imposed on you is not in your own hands to lift. If you are placed in a situation where the other side demands your entire existence, dignity, and honor to lift the sanctions, while at the same time you are sure that they will not fulfill their covenant, should you sit in a corner and wait for the enemy—whose nature is enmity—to stop harassing you?"

Baghaei noted: "Fundamentally, the label that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Mr. Araghchi has no movement regarding the removal of sanctions is inconsistent with the Ministry's record in this field, the Ministry's performance, and the Minister's background. How many people in our contemporary history have strived as much as Dr. Araghchi in the field of removing sanctions? Is it not the case that he was one of the key individuals in the process of removing sanctions leading to the JCPOA in 2015?"

We Seek a Negotiation That Is Rational

Referring to the Foreign Ministry's actions regarding the removal of sanctions and neutralizing them, Baghaei emphasized: "One of our special tasks is striving to lift sanctions within the framework of a rational negotiation. If we say lifting sanctions, we must be sure that the product of a negotiation will be the removal of sanctions. A negotiation that is merely playing within the framework of the other side's public relations diplomacy will not lead to the removal of sanctions. A negotiation that is merely falling into a time-trap by the other side will also not lead to the removal of sanctions. We seek a negotiation that is rational, considers our interests and the interests of the Iranian nation, and the other side must reach the conclusion that it has no choice but to accept an equation in which the legitimate interests and concerns of the Iranian nation are considered."

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson noted: "In the current situation, all the concern of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to help various sectors of the country to identify the country's different economic capacities. To say that the Foreign Minister should not visit different parts of the country and should not be informed of the capacities, problems, and challenges of provinces is, in my opinion, a fallacy. In many countries, the name of this ministry is 'Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.' Is not the discussion of foreign trade or issues related to the duties of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs a part of border issues, exports and imports, corridors, and transit? If the Foreign Minister and his deputies are not aware of the issues occurring at a certain border or in a certain border province, how do they intend to have a comprehensive view in their interactions with other countries? Therefore, the Foreign Minister is not merely the Foreign Minister of Tehran and the capital; the Foreign Minister is the Foreign Minister of all provinces, towns, and villages of Iran as well."

Respecting the 'One China' Principle Is a Constant Principle in Iran's Positions

In response to another question reacting to the announcement of extensive U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and the blatant violation of the "One China" principle, he stated: "The principled position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is respect for the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of all countries. This is a fundamental principle. This principled position of ours does not change in any framework. In every meeting and dialogue, we emphasize the necessity of respecting the territorial integrity of countries."

He added: "Regarding China, we have also declared many times that respect for the 'One China' principle is a constant principle in the positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is based on the United Nations General Assembly resolution."

Baghaei also said: "The actions that the U.S. is performing in this region only cause provocation and increased tension among the countries of the region and are by no means accompanied by good faith. These actions put the security and stability in the region at further risk."

New Initiatives Have Been Employed by the New Economic Deputy

Regarding the position of economic diplomacy and the performance of the new economic deputy, he stated: "The economic diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been at work for a long time. Mr. Ghanbari has held the responsibility for these four months, but the structure, position, and activity of the Ministry's economic diplomacy have been continuous. In these four months, new initiatives have also been employed by the new deputy; including continuous reporting, as I believe they publish performance reports weekly on their Telegram channel."

He continued: "His activities during this period have been very diverse and extensive. Our economic diplomacy has had a great deal of activity both in identifying the country's economic capacities and in facing challenges and identifying problems at border points and various provinces. I think he has traveled to six or seven countries that are our trade destinations and with which we have good economic relations during this period. He has also traveled to various provinces, especially border provinces, to examine how economic interactions can be facilitated and streamlined. His communication with the media has also been continuous; he regularly both writes and holds dialogues. Also, in the coming days, God willing, we will arrange a detailed meeting with his presence and yours."

The Ambassador and Staff in Venezuela are Diligently Performing Their Duties as Before

In response to a question regarding news of an Iranian contractor exiting a development project in Caracas and rumors of Iranian diplomats leaving Venezuela, he said: "Regarding the first part of your question, it is absolutely not like that. The Ambassador and staff of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Venezuela are diligently performing their duties as before, and our embassy is very active. The talk regarding the departure of the Iranian embassy or its staff is merely part of the psychological war that we ourselves have also faced in recent months. This is a repetitive pattern that is now being used regarding Venezuela."

He continued: "Regarding the exit of an Iranian company from one of Venezuela's development projects, it must be said that this news is stale, and its origin dates back to about a year ago. In addition, there has been a distortion in the reflection of this issue. The matter was related to a project that was merely in the stage of discussion and negotiations; therefore, it was not as if a program had started and then was left half-finished. Absolutely no such thing is true."

Baghaei, referring to the developments in Venezuela and U.S. pressure on this country, said: "Regarding the developments in Venezuela, this issue is a concern for the international community and, in my opinion, a test for the entire normative system created in the last 80 years, which was based on the prohibition of assault on the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries."

The spokesperson for the diplomatic apparatus noted: "The actions that the U.S. is performing against Venezuela in the Caribbean region are in contradiction with all these international criteria and standards. Venezuelan officials have explicitly declared that U.S. actions are a kind of attempt at neo-colonialism and the plundering of the country's oil resources. Of course, U.S. officials have also explicitly declared in this regard that they are after Venezuela's oil and natural resources. These discussions are themselves a serious alarm for the entirety of international law, the UN Charter, and the order governing international relations, and can have very extensive and far-reaching consequences for all countries and international relations."

Preserving Yemen's Territorial Integrity and Unity is a Principle

In response to a question regarding yesterday's phone call between the acting Foreign Minister of Yemen’s Government of Change and Construction and "Sayyid Abbas Araghchi," our country's Foreign Minister, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said: "We published the news of this telephone conversation as per our usual reporting procedure. In this call, bilateral relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Yemen were discussed, and specifically, developments related to southern Yemen were examined."

Baghaei continued: "For us, preserving the territorial integrity and unity of Yemen is a principle. We believe that any process that damages Yemen's territorial integrity will only serve the motives and ambitions of the Zionist regime, cause problems for the security of the entire region, and confront neighboring countries with challenges."

Baghaei emphasized: "We believe that the only way to stabilize the situation in Yemen and consolidate stability in this country is through Yemeni-Yemeni dialogues. The roadmap previously agreed upon must be the basis for action, and we emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran will not hesitate to provide any assistance it can in this path."

Recent Events in Syria are Very Concerning

In response to the question that in the past few days, worrying news about violence and the suppression of protesters in some areas of Syria has been published—timing-wise following the terrorist incident at the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib Mosque in Homs—the spokesperson said: "Regarding the issue of Syria, we categorically condemned the terrorist explosion at the Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (PBUH) Mosque and condemn this terrorist act once again. While offering condolences to the bereaved families, we emphasize that the recent events in Syria are very concerning, and the reports received in recent days regarding the harsh treatment and suppression of segments of this country's people are a cause for sorrow and concern."

He continued: "We emphasize the responsibility of Syria's rulers in this regard to maintain the security of all Syrian citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity."

Baghaei emphasized: "We hope the Syrian people can have a worthy life in security and peace. These actions have not remained hidden from the eyes of the international community, and it is expected that the Syrian transitional government takes the necessary measures to prevent assaults on parts of society that are being suppressed these days."

Erdogan’s Visit to Tehran Will be Announced Once Planned

In response to a question about the possible visit of Turkish President "Recep Tayyip Erdogan" to Tehran in the coming days and its main goals, Baghaei said: "Whenever the planning is completed and a precise date for this trip is determined, the details of the content of this trip will be informed."

Conflict Between Ukraine and Russia Must be Resolved Peacefully

Regarding the tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the role of BRICS, the spokesperson noted: "The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia must be resolved through peaceful means. We hope these two countries resolve their issues as soon as possible through a negotiation process and we witness the end of this costly war."

He continued: "Regarding the role of BRICS and other multilateral international institutions, the decision on how to help this process lies with the countries that are members of these bodies. This crisis is an issue between two countries, and if they want to use the capacity of multilateral organizations, they themselves must first reach this conclusion."

Tourism Capacity and the "Yazdi" Dialect

In response to a student from Yazd regarding tourism and the claim that Baghaei had forgotten his home province, he replied in a Yazdi accent: "It is not that I have forgotten Yazd; rather, I am speaking Yazdi." He added: "The tourism capacities of Iran as a civilizational and historical country have always been considered by the Foreign Ministry. Part of our economic diplomacy is focused on identifying and exploiting these capacities."

Baghaei noted: "I think Yazd is the only historical city registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site; in fact, the only Iranian historical city, and therefore this opportunity must certainly be used. The planning to connect Isfahan, Yazd, and Kerman as a tourism constellation will help better utilize the tourism opportunities of Yazd province."

The Arrest of Greta Thunberg Conflicts with Human Rights Standards

Regarding the arrest of environmental and anti-war activist "Greta Thunberg" in London, Baghaei stated: "These actions are part of the supportive trend that a number of Western countries insist on performing in relation to the Zionist regime. The concept and label of terrorism are systematically used for defamation and building cases against anyone who dares to criticize the genocide in Gaza and supports Palestinians."

He added: "This is clear evidence of the lack of sincerity of Britain and similar countries regarding human rights issues. When the issue of the Zionist regime arises, all claims, standards, and human rights norms are set aside, and only the continuity of impunity for the Zionist regime and its officials is considered. This action is certainly an instance of arbitrary detention and conflicts with human rights standards. Naturally, human rights institutions, which act with heavy atmosphere-building against countries in similar cases, are expected not to remain silent here and fulfill their duties."

U.S. Knows No Limits in Using Sanctions

Regarding the U.S. visa ban on some European citizens for "censoring free speech," Baghaei said: "The information I have is that these individuals were sanctioned for activities in the field of countering online hate speech and misinformation. One of these individuals was involved in drafting the EU law to counter unethical content, including the sexual abuse of children. We hope they do not later consider this related to the Jeffrey Epstein case."

He added: "What is clear is that the U.S. habit and addiction to using the weapon of sanctions is not limited to one or a few countries. These developments should lead European countries to the conclusion that following U.S. sanction policies will also affect them. The fact that the U.S. has not even left the judges of the International Criminal Court immune from its sanctions—many of whom are nationals of European countries—shows that the U.S. knows no limits in using the tool of sanctions to advance its purposes."

Providing Grounds for Zionist Officials to Threaten Other Countries Violates International Law

Regarding the trilateral meeting between Israel, Cyprus, and Greece, and Netanyahu's threats against Iran, Baghaei said: "The mere fact that countries or officials allow themselves to meet and cooperate with an individual who is wanted by international courts and accused of committing genocide and war crimes is in conflict with international obligations, the principle of the rule of law, and countering impunity."

He added: "Providing a platform for Zionist regime officials to threaten other countries—here specifically the name of Turkey was mentioned—is contrary to international laws and regulations and a violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. Any complicity with the Zionist regime in committing its crimes and aggressions against regional countries will certainly entail the direct responsibility of the other parties."

Our Power Today is Incomparable to the Time Before June 12

Regarding anti-Iran movements by the Zionist regime, Baghaei said: "The Islamic Republic of Iran believes in its capabilities to maintain authority and defend Iran's sovereignty against any aggression or adventure. We have shown in practice how we defend ourselves. Our power today and what we know today about how to act in the field of practice is incomparable to before June 12 (23 Khordad)."

He added: "The Zionist regime by nature has an aggressive and destabilizing character. We carefully monitor the movements of the Zionist regime, constantly increase our readiness, and are certain that the repetition of any aggression or adventure will result in a harder consequence for this regime compared to the events that occurred in the 12-day war."

The Zionist Regime's Goal is Killing the Truth

Responding to a question about the status of the Tasnim reporter in the occupied territories, Baghaei said: "The Gaza Strip and the West Bank have become a slaughterhouse for media personnel and journalists in these two years. Nearly 300 journalists and cameramen were deliberately targeted and martyred by the Zionist regime. The goal is clear: killing the truth and keeping realities hidden from public opinion. We have raised these issues through various channels, including the Human Rights Council."

Using All Capacities to Secure Water Rights (Hirmand)

Regarding water rights from Afghanistan, Baghaei stated: "Securing Iran's water rights from the Hirmand is a constant and important item on the diplomatic apparatus's agenda. This is a public demand of the Islamic Republic of Iran from Afghanistan, and we use all our capacities to encourage the Afghan side to adhere to its commitments under the relevant treaty. I assure you that this issue has by no means been sidelined."

Water Rights are Separate from Extra-territorial Farming

Regarding the proposal of extra-territorial farming in exchange for water rights, he said: "The content of the Hirmand Treaty is clear and specifies the determination of Iran's water rights. This treaty remains valid for both Iran and Afghanistan. The discussion of extra-territorial farming has been under review for years and a joint task force oversees it, but the issue of water rights is separate from the issue of extra-territorial farming."

Regarding the Armenian Prime Minister’s support for a strategic partnership with Iran, Baghaei noted: "The Islamic Republic of Iran adjusts its relations based on national interests, and relations with Armenia are no exception. We have very good relations with this country and are determined to continue them. The fact that countries have relations with other parties as well, as long as it does not damage relations and interests with Iran, is respected by us."

Striving with Strength to Pursue the Case of Martyr Soleimani's Assassination

Regarding the anniversary of the martyrdom, he stated: "The case of Martyr Soleimani is not a personal case, but a national one. The Iranian nation’s seeking of justice against the perpetrators and commanders of this crime applies to both Martyr Soleimani and his martyred companions. We are pursuing this with the cooperation of the Judiciary and the Presidential Legal Department and will certainly pursue this case with strength."

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