Baghaei: Iran to Host Pakistani Delegation Today Following Islamabad Talks

Tehran - BORNA - Esmaeil Baghaei, at the beginning of his weekly press conference with reporters, offered condolences on the martyrdom of Kamal Kharrazi, the head of the Strategic Council on Foreign Relations and former Foreign Minister, emphasizing that Mr. Kharrazi was one of the pillars of Iranian diplomacy.

Stating that this assassination and martyrdom are further signs of the enmity held by the Zionist regime and the U.S. toward peace, diplomacy, and logic, he noted: "During the Zionist regime's attacks on Iran, a large number of people, including women and children, were martyred."

Baghaei added that Mr. Kharrazi and his wife were martyred during the U.S. and Zionist aggression, saying: "This martyrdom further strengthens our resolve within the diplomatic apparatus to pursue the interests and rights of the Iranian nation."

In response to a question regarding claims that the Iranian delegation left the Islamabad negotiations in a "huff" (protest), the spokesperson said: "A huff for what? Someone who possesses logic does not act in such a way."

The Iranian diplomat also commented on the exchange of messages between Iran and the U.S. through Pakistan, stating: "Regarding the dialogues and negotiations, the exchange of messages between the parties continues. Since Sunday, when the Iranian delegation returned to Tehran, until today, numerous messages have been exchanged through the Pakistani side."

Baghaei added: "Our positions were very clearly stated there, and during the exchange of messages, these positions have also been expressed clearly."

Regarding reports of a potential visit by a Pakistani delegation to Iran on Wednesday, the spokesperson said: "We will likely host a Pakistani delegation today. This trip is a continuation of the Islamabad talks. The Pakistani side has had consultations and discussions with the Americans, and during today's visit, we will speak in detail about positions and viewpoints."

Responding to a question about Pakistani officials mentioning the resumption of Iran-U.S. talks while the U.S. Vice President made statements against Iran's nuclear activities, he said: "Regarding nuclear weapons, I do not know in what other language Iran's position must be stated. The fact that U.S. officials insist on pretending they are unaware of Iran's stance is a sign of bad faith. Iran's position on nuclear weapons is clear; it is rooted in our principles, our religious teachings, and our doctrine—that we are not seeking nuclear weapons."

Baghaei stated: "U.S. remarks about what will happen 'if Iran does not pursue nuclear weapons' are a sign of their confusion and a trap set for them by the Zionist regime."

He added: "In this situation, they expect us to prove a negative; one cannot prove the non-existence of something that does not exist. We know how to flourish our own economy. Those who claimed to return Iran to the Stone Age are in no position for anyone to accept such claims from them."

Referencing the remarks of JD Vance, Baghaei cited a passage from the Persian poet Saadi's Golestan: "A poet went to the chief of a gang of thieves and sang his praises. The chief ordered his clothes to be stripped off and for him to be driven out of the village. The poor man was walking naked in the cold, and dogs followed at his heels. He tried to pick up a stone to drive the dogs away, but the ground was frozen; he was helpless. He said: 'What bastards these people are; they have let the dogs loose and tied down the stones!' The chief saw and heard this from his balcony and laughed. He said: 'O wise man! Ask something of me.' The poet replied: 'I want my own clothes, if you would bestow them. We are satisfied with your departure as your gift. One hopes for good from people; I have no hope for your good, just do me no harm.'"

Regarding the composition of the high-level Iranian delegation in the Islamabad talks, the diplomat stated: "The message is clear; the negotiations this time were aimed at a total cessation of war, the realization of Iran's rights—including the lifting of sanctions—and compensation for damages inflicted on Iran during the war. Since the level of the delegations was elevated, the opposing side participated at the Vice Presidential level, and Iran was represented by Dr. Qalibaf, who holds the Speakership of the Parliament and represents a key branch of the country. Other relevant officials, such as representatives from the Central Bank, also participated."

Iran Must Continue Enrichment Based on Its Needs

Regarding reports on the duration of a potential enrichment suspension by Iran, Baghaei noted: "Every understanding has a general framework, and as long as the whole is not agreed upon, details cannot be discussed."

He clarified: "None of the speculations by Western media are confirmed. Iran's inherent rights based on international law are non-negotiable. No one granted Iran the right to use peaceful nuclear energy for them to now take it away; this right is part of the NPT." He added: "We have always said that issues regarding the level and type of enrichment are negotiable, but we emphasize that Iran must be able to continue enrichment based on its own needs."

Support for the Resistance and the Lebanon Ceasefire

In response to claims that Iran ignored its allies in the Resistance during recent developments, Baghaei strongly denied this, stating that Iran has always supported and praised the legitimate resistance of the Lebanese people. "We have pursued the issue of a ceasefire in Lebanon with seriousness in the Islamabad talks and other consultations. Claims that Iran has been indifferent to other fronts are false; the ceasefire understanding emphasizes its implementation in Lebanon as well."

The Release of Mahdieh Esfandiari and U.S. Harassment of Iranians

Regarding the release of Mahdieh Esfandiari, who returned to Tehran this morning, and the detention of Iranian citizens in the U.S., Baghaei welcomed her back and noted the extensive efforts made for her freedom.

He also mentioned: "A few days ago, two French convicts were released in Iran. Our agreement with the French side was for their government to withdraw its case against Iran at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which was done. Simultaneously, it was agreed that Ms. Esfandiari, who was detained without crime and solely for defending Palestine, would be released."

He slammed the U.S. government's actions against Iranian nationals as harassment rather than law enforcement. "The way U.S. officials, including their President, speak about Iranians—using terms I am ashamed to repeat—or talk about the destruction of Iranian civilization, explains their conduct in harassing Iranian citizens."

Armed Forces Ready for Any Adventure

Regarding Russian claims that the U.S. and the Zionist regime might use peace talks as a cover for a ground invasion of Iran, Baghaei stated: "While we pursue a diplomatic path, our Armed Forces are monitoring the situation more vigilantly than ever, are in full readiness, and are prepared to confront any movement or adventure."

Disagreements in Islamabad and the Role of Pakistan

Regarding the main points of contention in the Islamabad talks, Baghaei said: "One cannot believe U.S. rhetoric about 'economic incentives.' We presented our 10-point proposal in detail, covering nuclear issues, compensation, and the lifting of sanctions. One of the main points of persistence from the U.S. is the nuclear issue, where their views are one-sided and unacceptable to us."

Finally, regarding regional consultations, he clarified: "While we consult with countries like Turkey and Egypt, the only mediator at present is Pakistan." He also emphasized that Iran has documented all instances where regional soil or airspace was used for aggression against Iran, stating: "Any assistance to the aggressors is considered complicity in an illegal act against Iran, and these countries must be held accountable."

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, in response to a question from a Russian media outlet regarding whether Iran technically needs Russia's help for the dilution of enriched uranium and the storage of its nuclear materials, noted: "We have very good relations with Russia, and there is a good track record between the two countries in connection with the nuclear issue, including during the implementation of the JCPOA. Russian officials have repeatedly announced their readiness to advance the diplomatic process, and we have always appreciated this outlook of Russia. At the same time, one must wait and see where the future of the negotiations leads; whether we will be able to reach an agreement with the American side regarding the proposed areas or not? And after that, we can talk about the how-to of implementing various parts of that agreement, including the nuclear discussion."

The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iranian nation never accept such an imposition

Baghaei said regarding the Americans' conditions for Iran: "Our criteria are the interests and rights of the Iranian nation. If a negotiation is based on this, that the condition of one side is imposed on the other side, this is not called negotiation; this is dictation and imposition, and you know that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iranian nation never accept such an imposition."

The Spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, regarding the remarks of JD Vance, the U.S. Vice President, that the Americans have given proposals to Iran, said: "We had a 10-point package that was presented in response to their so-called 15-point plan. Our positions were expressed very clearly in various cases in this package. It is natural in any negotiation that the parties raise their views in exchanges of opinions. That the American side wants to propose a package to us and expect Iran to accept it without omission or addition is not feasible."

Baghaei, in the continuation of this press conference in response to a question, noted: "No specific time has been set for future negotiations."

He, in response to how the U.S. plan mentioned by the U.S. Under Secretary of State fits with Iran's 10-point proposal, said: "Regarding some of the subjects that we had proposed, they raised their own views which were, from our perspective, illogical and unrealistic. We expressed our own opinions very quickly at that same time. There was no new subject involved either, and in previous negotiations, they were also familiar with our positions in this regard, which was mainly the same nuclear discussion."

The Spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, regarding the "Good Cop and Bad Cop" policy mentioned about the U.S. and the Zionist regime, said: "From our perspective, they are not cops; they are criminals; therefore, we do not have good or bad criminals. This is part of a media campaign they have launched since a long time ago. The very essence of Iran's nuclear subject, which was raised as an international issue, resulted from this same media campaign based on lies."

He added: "In relation to the ceasefire, it was very clear. This is not only our saying; the Pakistani side, the Prime Minister of Pakistan as the mediator, explicitly announced that the cessation of war in Lebanon is part of the understanding and this is America's responsibility. Such an understanding between Iran and the U.S. with the mediation of Pakistan has existed, and any justification, excuse, or pretext they bring is not acceptable from our side."

We did not reach a final conclusion regarding the release of Iran's frozen assets

Baghaei, in response to this question that "news was published stating that the American side has agreed to the release of Iran's blocked assets. On the other hand, we witnessed the presence of the Central Bank Governor in the negotiating delegation. Did such an agreement take place during the negotiations or not?", said: "This was one of the subjects talked about. The release of Iran's assets is not a concession from our perspective; it is Iran's rights that have been infringed. It is like a thief taking your property, then wanting to return it to you as a concession. This is a very clear discussion. This discussion was one of our demands and was raised there, but the reality is that we did not reach a final conclusion, just as conclusions were not reached regarding the rest of the subjects."

He added: "The reason for the presence of the Central Bank Governor in the negotiations was also so that all sections and experts necessary to be present in the negotiation process and give consultation would be accessible."

Baghaei, in response to a question about Iran's future relations with regional countries, said: "We see the outlook of Iran's relations with regional countries as bright; provided that everyone learns a lesson from what passed. The first lesson is that U.S. military presence in the region fuels insecurity and is not security-building. Second, that regional security will not be realized except with the cooperation and assistance of regional countries. Third, that regional countries do not allow the U.S. and the Zionist regime to use their territory and facilities against another country. What happened in the past 40 days showed that the U.S. and the Zionist regime do not give any weight to the security of the region and the people of the region, and their presence merely causes division in the region."

Baghaei noted: "We still emphasize that relations between Iran and regional countries must be based on friendship, good-neighborliness, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we also announced this grievance that some regional countries, intentionally or unintentionally, allowed their facilities and territory to be misused for an attack on Iran, and this must stop."

The Spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, in response to a question regarding the problems created for Iranians abroad, including in the Persian Gulf countries during the 40-day war, said: "Regarding Iranians residing in the UAE, our consular section is following the subject very strictly. That their rights have been violated and their property taken, these cases are reported to the consular section and we follow up."

The rights of Iranian nationals must not be violated during the war

He emphasized: "The fire they set against Iran, which unfortunately the regional countries got involved in, should not become an excuse for the rights of Iranian nationals, especially Iranians who had a significant role in the growth and economic development of this country, to be violated."

The Spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, in response to another question regarding the possibility of extending the ceasefire and also the details of the Islamabad negotiations, said: "We are facing a side that has a long record of changing positions, expressing contradictory positions, and lack of commitment to understandings. We are talking in difficult conditions. One cannot separate parts of an understanding, and these cases must be allowed to move forward. Speculations regarding the extension of the ceasefire and other cases are none of them confirmable for now. Dialogues continue through the Pakistani intermediary and it must be seen how much the opposite side is committed to the claims it makes about diplomacy. It is America that must prove its seriousness, because they have destroyed the negotiation table several times so far."

The U.S. naval blockade is a provocative act and against international law

He, regarding the Americans' claim about the naval blockade of Iran, said: "Iran is not blockade-able. If you do not succeed in a diplomatic process and want to use another tool for applying pressure, you will definitely not succeed. This is a provocative act and against international law. This act can be a prelude to the violation of the ceasefire. Iran's Armed Forces are accurately monitoring the situation and will show a reaction wherever necessary."

The Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, regarding the establishment of diplomatic channels between Iran and Germany after a period of darkened relations and some published news stating that parallel to the Islamabad dialogues, a team from Germany was supposed to be present in Pakistan and meet with Iranian officials, said: "The honorable people of Iran are noble but they do not forget the past. Germany's incorrect positions will always be considered. In Pakistan, other than the meeting with the Pakistani side and the trilateral meeting with America, we had no other meeting. Our diplomatic relations with Germany are established, and wherever necessary, dialogue and contact take place."

Baghaei, regarding Trump's insult to the Pope and the Foreign Ministry's position on Trump's insults to religious leaders, said: "I think we witnessed the worst insult to a great religious leader in Iran. The cowardly assassination of the Leader of the Revolution as a great religious personality is a stain on America's record that will never be forgotten. If we witness indifference in the face of an incorrect act, its results will catch everyone. The insult to Christian religious officials is in the continuation of a pattern that existed before. The Pope had talked in condemnation of the war and the necessity of ending the war against Iran, and that the Americans cannot tolerate even this to this extent is meaningful and indicates that if the international community does not have a proper reaction in case of the continuation of law-breaking and crimes, this situation will involve the whole world."

He, regarding the material published in the Washington Post by the Zionist lobby "Foundation for Defense of Democracies" which had threatened Iranian negotiators with assassination, said: "This is not just an article. This is a line of thought, because some American officials had raised it before. Even in the dark ages of the Middle Ages, you granted immunity for diplomatic couriers and envoys of countries. That in the 21st century and in a country that claimed democracy, the negotiators of a country are threatened with murder, should wake the world from sleep. These individuals must be put on trial in a fair court for the crime of inciting state terrorism because you effectively state that you can assassinate the negotiators of a country simply because they stood on the principles of their country. This is against all human standards."

The Spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, regarding the Europeans' idea for forming a coalition on the subject of the security of the Strait of Hormuz in the time of peace, said: "The security of the Strait of Hormuz has been provided by Iran for several decades and Iran has been its guardian. That in these 40 days the security of this waterway faced problems resulted from the aggression of the U.S. and the Zionist regime." He emphasized: "Any movement in the affairs of the region merely leads to the further complication of the situation. We are happy that in many European countries, this intelligence exists not to fall into the trap that the U.S. and the Zionist regime have spread. Iran, with the help of regional countries, can well manage the provision of security for this waterway, provided that the U.S.-imposed war comes to an end."

Baghaei, regarding the Kremlin's proposal for accepting enriched uranium as part of the agreement, said: "Regarding various components of any understanding in the nuclear discussion, multiple options exist. We tested specific methods during the era of the JCPOA. We have not reached that stage now because in both processes, we faced America's breach of promise. Now it must be seen where the continuation of this path will lead and which option will be agreed upon."

The Spokesperson of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, in response to a question stating that "what use is negotiating with a person like Trump who constantly repeats his lie about Iran seeking nuclear weapons?", said: "This is a serious question for the whole public opinion and the international community. This contradiction-telling cannot be justified. In the Agency's and the Director General's reports, it has been repeated many times that this proposition that Iran was a few weeks away from a nuclear bomb is not correct. Mr. Grossi, however, with his contradiction-telling, gave excuses to the opposite side, but this subject showed that even the Director General of the Agency himself cannot ignore it. The repetition of this claim that Iran must give up nuclear weapons fuels this subject that the alleged U.S. concern about the nuclear subject is a pretext for applying pressure on Iran."

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