Baghaei: Armed Forces are guarding Iran’s borders with open eyes

Tehran - BORNA - Esmaeil Baghaei, in his press conference on Monday, touched upon the arrival of the New Year, stating: "The past year was one of the worst in the 80-year history of the United Nations in terms of the desecration of the UN Charter, the violation of fundamental rules of international law, and the continued impunity of criminals and aggressors against international law, particularly in Gaza."

Condemning the repeated violations of international legal norms, the spokesperson added: "The recurring breach of international rights and rules leads to the 'law of the jungle,' and certain powers are attempting to force the world into such a state." He further noted: "Peace through force is nothing but a prelude to a world governed by the law of the jungle rather than genuine global peace."

Focus on Readiness and Vigilance

Responding to a question regarding reports that Netanyahu had conveyed a message through Putin claiming he has no intention of conflict with Tehran, Baghaei said: "I believe this news and topic were raised here a few weeks ago as well. Regardless of media discussions, Iran and its Armed Forces are guarding Iran’s borders with open eyes. We do not intend to trust or rely on the words of Zionist regime officials; the deceptive nature of the Zionist regime has been proven to us. Our focus is on strengthening the country’s readiness and maintaining vigilance to defend Iran’s territory."

Incitement to Violence and Terrorism

Regarding the interventionist remarks made by Zionist officials, including the Prime Minister, concerning Iran’s internal affairs and their expressions of "sympathy" for the Iranian people, Baghaei remarked: "The people themselves answered them in the media and social spheres. We witnessed this regime's 'sympathy' for the Iranian people during the 12-day war, which resulted in the deaths of a large number of our civilians and compatriots. This is just one example of the Zionist regime's crimes against Iran, committed in complicity with its partners, and these crimes will certainly not be forgotten through deception."

Baghaei continued: "We must note that the Zionist regime is looking to exploit any opportunity to sow division and target the national cohesion of the Iranian people. In the lexicon of international relations, the statements made by U.S. and Zionist officials regarding Iran’s internal affairs are nothing but incitement to violence, terrorism, and murder. We are grateful that the disgrace of such individuals is completely clear to the Iranian people."

Violation of International Law by One Party Does Not Authorize Repetition Elsewhere

In response to speculations regarding a potential "deal" between the U.S., China, and Russia concerning Venezuela and Maduro, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson stated: "I believe we must remain focused on the core event that has occurred. At times, interpretations and narratives of an event are presented with the aim of diverting public opinion from the severity of the action taken."

Baghaei added: "Regarding this matter, we must focus on the essence of this act, which is a law-breaking action; the fact that a power has allowed itself to resort to force without any basis and abduct the president of a country and his spouse."

He continued: "The possibility that this action could become a model and be repeated in other parts of the world is a matter whose consequences lie with the party that committed the breach of law, as well as those who supported this lawlessness through their silence. The violation of international laws by one party or one power does not grant authorization for such actions to be repeated elsewhere."

Status of Iranian Nationals in Venezuela

Regarding the safety of Iranian citizens and Iranian interests in Venezuela, Baghaei noted: "I spoke with the Iranian Ambassador to Venezuela on Friday; the Ambassador and the embassy staff are safe."

He added: "We do not have a large number of nationals in Venezuela; there are a few, and we have received no reports of any problems for them. Regarding the protection of the national interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran, we must note that the governing system in Venezuela remains the same. The Foreign Minister spoke with his Venezuelan counterpart on Friday. We are monitoring the situation closely and will take any necessary measures and decisions to support our nationals and national interests."

Changes in Governance Do Not Erase Financial Claims

When asked about the status of Iran’s financial claims in Venezuela following the recent developments, the spokesperson said: "As I mentioned, we are currently in contact with Venezuelan officials. Regardless of these developments, the economic relations between the two countries are bilateral. With changes in a government, existing claims do not disappear and their pursuit continues through its own mechanisms." He added that the Central Bank and the Ministry of Economy have been following this issue and continue to do so with seriousness.

Media Sensationalism and Regional Stability

Regarding media portrayals of U.S. military movements in Iraq, specifically the withdrawal from Ain al-Asad base, Baghaei stated: "Some media outlets use even simple events as a pretext for inflammatory analyses, interpreting a normal event as a sign of major shifts. Senior Iraqi officials have explained that this matter is within the framework of agreements between Baghdad and American/foreign parties, and the base is scheduled to be handed over to the Iraqi government in 2026. I refer you to the statements of Iraqi officials; there is no need for further explanation from our side."

Abducting a President is No Point of Pride

Referring again to Venezuela, Baghaei emphasized: "This issue is not limited to a single country; the entire international community should be concerned about the gross violation of international law principles. Just recently, the issue of Greenland was raised; therefore, all countries must know that if violations of international law are not met with decisive opposition from the global community, bullying parties will become emboldened."

He added: "Today, the UN Security Council is scheduled to meet at the request of Colombia. This issue is highly significant for Latin America. As stated before, our support is not about individuals; for us, principles are what matter. The abduction of the Venezuelan President and his wife is not a point of pride, but a completely illegal act. The UN Secretary-General and the Security Council have a direct responsibility to safeguard the principles and purposes of the UN Charter and must react to such illegal actions."

Commitment to Relations with Lebanon

Regarding relations with Beirut and the dispatch of a new ambassador, Baghaei stated: "Our relationship with Lebanon is longstanding and friendly, and we are determined to continue these ties. The new Lebanese Ambassador to Iran met with Mr. Araghchi last week and officially began his mission. The process for accepting the Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon has also been completed, and I expect him to depart for his mission in the coming weeks. Dialogue between two countries with diplomatic relations is a continuous process."

Maintaining Yemen's Integrity and Territorial Totality is Vital for the Region

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, in response to a question regarding Yemen and Iran's view on the efforts of certain countries and regimes to partition Islamic nations, including Yemen, stated: "The Islamic Republic of Iran has previously announced its position regarding Yemen through an official statement."

He added: "Preserving the integrity and territorial totality of Yemen is a critical and vital issue for all countries in the region."

The senior diplomat noted: "Iran is not oblivious to the fact that enemies of regional stability, security, and interests are seeking to create insecurity and partition Islamic countries."

He further expressed: "It is hoped that the developments of recent weeks in Yemen will lead to the strengthening of Yemeni-Yemeni dialogues and that, based on the predetermined roadmap, the process of consolidating stability and security in this country will continue with greater strength and seriousness."

IAEA Inspections of Unaffected Sites Completed Before the New Year

Regarding Iran's communications with the IAEA, Baghaei stated: "The Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Vienna, as the country's representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, is in continuous contact with the agency's directors. Iran is a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and is committed to the Safeguards Agreement; therefore, it is fully aware of its obligations."

He added: "Iran's main stance is that the Agency and the Director-General personally must inform the opposing parties of their obligations and compel them to adhere to these commitments. The main demand of the Islamic Republic of Iran from the Agency and other members of the Board of Governors is to condemn the criminal actions against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities and to be held accountable for this malice, rather than boasting about this illegal act every few days—an act that only increases their responsibility."

The spokesperson noted: "Regarding interactions with the Agency, visits to centers that were not attacked were carried out according to the agreement, and by the New Year, visits to almost all those centers were completed based on the agreed method." He clarified: "It is obvious that there is no manual or procedure for visiting damaged facilities, as this is the first time such an event has occurred. Therefore, the status of Iran's communications with the Agency in this regard is completely clear."

Iran's Relations with All Nations, Including Venezuela, are Based on Mutual Respect

In response to a question regarding the future of Iran-Venezuela relations—given reports that the administration of Venezuela might be entrusted to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio—he said: "If previously some powers invaded other countries under the pretext of realizing democracy and implementing human rights, they are now explicitly stating that this aggression is for oil. These statements remind us of eight decades ago, when we witnessed the exploitation of countries for their resources."

He emphasized: "Iran's relations with any country, including Venezuela, are based on mutual respect and mutual interests. Our approach to future relations with this country will also be on this same principled basis."

Consultation Regarding Venezuela is Inevitable

In response to another question regarding Iran's consultations with other countries about the developments in Venezuela, he added: "If we accept the premise that an assault on the national sovereignty of a UN member state is an issue relevant to all nations and creates a collective responsibility, then consultation and dialogue in this regard are inevitable."

Referring to today's UN Security Council meeting, Baghaei stressed: "We are pursuing this issue at the United Nations level. As mentioned, the UN Security Council is meeting today at Colombia's request, and this issue is on the agenda. Furthermore, in diplomatic interactions with other countries, this topic will be seriously raised and discussed."

Iran Will Show No Leniency in Defending Its Existence

Answering a question from China's Phoenix reporter regarding how Iran would defend itself if attacked by the U.S., he stated: "Regarding how we defend ourselves, it is neither within my expertise nor am I intended to speak about it. What is clear is that Iran will not show any leniency or negligence in defending its existence."

He added: "Various interpretations and inflammatory analyses are being raised; some see it as a direct action against Chinese interests in Latin America, while others speak of creating a model for other regions. What matters is that all countries, especially the UN Security Council members who have direct responsibility for international peace and security, take the law seriously and act responsibly to prevent a recurrence of such violations."

Human Rights Issues Regarding Iran Have Always Been Viewed Through a Political Lens

Regarding the recent positions of the UN Special Rapporteur, the spokesperson said: "What is disturbing and damages the credibility of international institutions is the double standards that have reached their peak in the last two to three years. On one hand, we witnessed overt genocide in Gaza and the West Bank, and on the other, we faced the inaction of institutions whose duty is to address human rights violations. Regarding Iran, it is not a new matter; unfortunately, human rights issues regarding Iran have always been viewed politically. Rapporteurs or certain countries often resort to condemnation without considering the various dimensions or realities."

Full Readiness to Face Unforeseen Events in the Diplomatic Apparatus

Asked whether Donald Trump's actions in Venezuela could be a serious threat to Iran, Baghaei emphasized: "The diplomatic apparatus of the Islamic Republic of Iran does not intend to be surprised by such developments. In the last year or two, the country has faced a flood of unexpected events; accordingly, full readiness has been established within the diplomatic apparatus. We monitor developments with agility and simultaneously act through consultation with other countries to secure and preserve the national interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

He concluded: "The diplomatic apparatus also considers it its duty to confront trends that endanger regional and international peace and security, alongside preserving national interests, and this approach will continue with seriousness."

Security Coordination Between Iran and Turkey in Counter-Terrorism is Precedented

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, responding to a question regarding Turkey's recent large-scale operations against ISIS and whether systematic cooperation exists between Tehran and Ankara, stated: "Combating terrorism is a collective duty and a commitment shared by all countries in the region."

He added: "The reality is that as long as insecurity and the occupation of regional countries persist, the ground remains fertile for the growth of terrorist and Takfiri groups; this must be a shared concern for regional nations."

Noting that "Iran and Turkey are close neighbors with a long history of coordination on security issues," Baghaei highlighted that senior Turkish defense officials recently visited Iran. "Cooperation between the two countries in the field of security and counter-terrorism is precedented and must continue with full force to ensure regional peace and stability."

Evidence of Foreign Interference in Iran’s Internal Affairs will be Documented

Regarding reports of German financial support for recent unrest in Iran, Baghaei said: "It is evident that any evidence or indications suggesting interference by foreign parties in Iran’s internal affairs, including through the incitement of violence and sabotage, will be appropriately documented and raised with the relevant countries."

The Audience has Received Larijani’s Message to Trump

In response to the recent warning by Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, to Donald Trump, Baghaei stated: "I do not intend to interpret the remarks of the honorable Secretary. It seems his statement was sufficiently clear, and the intended audience has received the message of his words quite well."

U.S. and Zionist Efforts to Maintain Psychological Warfare alongside Economic Pressure

Regarding the psychological warfare following the events in Venezuela and threats against Iran, the diplomat noted: "There is no doubt that the Zionist regime and the U.S. are attempting to maintain an atmosphere of tension and psychological warfare alongside economic pressure. Media sensationalism against the country is part of their strategy and is not a new phenomenon." He reiterated: "Our Armed Forces are vigilantly monitoring the behavior of the opposing parties and will not show the slightest negligence or leniency in defending Iran’s existence."

Domestic Laws Can Never Justify Violating the Sovereignty of Other States

Responding to U.S. claims that the detention of the Venezuelan President was the execution of a U.S. court warrant, Baghaei stated: "The answer is absolutely negative. We know well that the domestic laws of countries can in no way serve as a basis for violating the immunity of other sovereignties or assaulting the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations. This claim is merely a cover and a pseudo-justification for an illegal act that is unjustifiable before any international court or under any rule of international law."

Violation of State Sovereignty is Rejected and Condemned in All Cases

Regarding U.S. statements concerning the sovereignty of Greenland, Baghaei remarked: "If the violation of international laws and disregard for the rule of law becomes a standard procedure, no country will be immune from such lawlessness."

He emphasized: "The Islamic Republic of Iran holds a principled position regarding the necessity of respecting the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of all countries. Unlike some European friends who hold selective views and double standards, we have a consistent stance. For us, the violation of state sovereignty and assault on territorial integrity—whether in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, or against Denmark and Greenland—is rejected and condemned in all cases."

Financial Claims Do Not Vanish with a Change of Government

Addressing claims by the Syrian Finance Minister regarding compensation from Iran, Baghaei asserted: "The Islamic Republic of Iran does not intend to take a stance on every comment that lacks relevance or consistency with the foundations of international law. Economic claims and interactions between countries are subject to specific legal frameworks. Financial claims do not change or disappear with a change in government or a transformation of sovereignty; these claims remain valid, documented, and legal in nature." He added that even if a country faces fundamental problems or partition, legal obligations are transferred to the successor state.

Hope for 2026 to be a Year of Peace and Justice

Congratulating the world on the New Year, Baghaei said: "Despite all the bitterness witnessed in 2025, we congratulate the people of the world. We hope 2026 will be the year to end impunity, the year to cease the normalization of crime and lawlessness, and a year in which the world moves toward peace and justice."

The UN Secretary-General and Security Council Bear Direct Responsibility for the UN Charter

Concluding on the abduction of the Venezuelan President and the "soft" stance of the UN and EU, he noted: "This issue concerns the entire international community. If the violation of international law is not met with decisive opposition, bullying parties will become more emboldened. The UN Secretary-General and the Security Council have a direct responsibility to safeguard the principles of the Charter. A lack of clear reaction will further jeopardize the international community."

He recommended that journalists watch the 1967 film The Incident to understand the consequences of indifference and inaction in the face of coercive actions by those accustomed to bullying.

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