Baghaei: We demand no concessions from US, Iran's proximity to nuclear weapon is a 'big lie'

Tehran - BORNA - Esmaeil Baghaei, in an interview with the American network VICE NEWS, responded to a question regarding Iran’s proposal transmitted through Pakistan to end hostilities with the United States, stating: "We want no concessions from the United States; we simply want our rights. Sanctions must be lifted, and Iran's frozen assets must be released and placed at the country's disposal."

Emphasizing the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program, he added: "Iran has been a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) since 1970 and has advocated for a nuclear-weapon-free Middle East since 1974. The Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, has also issued a fatwa declaring the development of nuclear weapons forbidden (Haram)."

Pointing to the 2015 nuclear deal, Baghaei clarified: "It was the United States that unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018. Iran waited for a full year for the remaining members to compensate for the U.S. withdrawal, but when that did not materialize, it decided to reduce its commitments step by step."

In response to a question on why Iran continues its nuclear program despite vast oil and gas reserves, the spokesperson noted: "Iran is a large country with an advanced industrial infrastructure and requires nuclear energy for its development and prosperity. Nuclear energy is not solely for electricity generation; it has numerous applications in fields such as medicine and healthcare."

Reacting to statements by the U.S. President claiming that Iran is "begging" for a deal, he asserted: "As a proud nation and an independent member of the United Nations, we make our decisions based on our national interests, and we remain steadfast and determined regarding the nation's interests and dignity."

On the solution to ending the war and tensions, Baghaei emphasized: "Iran did not initiate this war. It was the United States, alongside Israel, that launched an aggressive war against Iran. We attempted to resolve the issue through diplomacy twice, but the U.S. destroyed the negotiating table and betrayed the institution of diplomacy."

Stating that "the only actor in the region that genuinely does not want peace is the Israeli regime," he added: "The people of the region view America’s Middle East policy merely as subservience to Israel's desires."

In another part of the interview, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson characterized claims regarding Iran's proximity to manufacturing a nuclear weapon as a "big lie," stating: "For three decades, they have been claiming that Iran is weeks or months away from a nuclear weapon. Iran's program has been subject to the most stringent inspection regime in the history of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)."

Regarding developments in the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei stated: "Iran has always been the guardian of this waterway. Under wartime conditions, we reserve the right to prevent enemies from utilizing this passage to harm Iran's national security."

He emphasized: "The U.S. and Israel exploited the territory of our neighbors in the Persian Gulf to attack Iran, and we were compelled to take action to protect our people."

On the future of the crisis, the spokesperson added: "This issue largely depends on U.S. actions and reactions. The sooner they decide to rationally and responsibly exit this quagmire, the better it will be for the region, the international community, and even the American people."

Pointing to the U.S. utilization of regional bases against Iran, Baghaei stated: "Months ago, we warned our neighbors not to allow the United States to use their territory and military bases to launch a war against Iran."

He added: "We had no intention of expanding the war, but if this trend continues, no one will be able to control the boundaries of the conflict. War is like fire; if you do not extinguish it, it will spread."

Responding to a question regarding the West's perspective on Iran, Baghaei remarked: "The Americans suffer from an inherent arrogance and do not view their interlocutor as an equal partner. This outlook has formed a thick wall of mistrust and misunderstanding."

He emphasized: "You cannot expect Iran to yield concessions under pressure while its legitimate rights are ignored. You cannot force Iran to surrender."

Addressing the public and youth in the West, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated: "They ought to learn about Iran's culture, history, and civilization from firsthand sources and not rely on the propaganda campaigns of Western mainstream media. The Iranian people bear no hostility toward any nation."

Recalling the history of Iran-US relations, Baghaei added: "Since the 1953 coup, the U.S. has done nothing to restore trust. On the contrary, its record includes supporting Saddam Hussein, imposing crippling sanctions, and launching aggressive wars."

He concluded: "Iran has fallen victim to an unprovoked act of aggression. We hope for the best, but we have learned to be prepared for any scenario."

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