Baghaei: Iran's Armed Forces Responded to US Ceasefire Violation
Tehran - BORNA - Esmaeil Baghaei, at the beginning of his weekly press conference on Monday, referring to recent developments in the field and diplomacy, stated: "We still witness that the Zionist regime, as the greatest enemy of humanity, is still committing crimes in Lebanon and Palestine."
He added: "In Lebanon, we witness the commission of unprecedented crimes by this regime, and the ceasefire has been repeatedly violated by the Zionist regime in Lebanon, and a large number of Lebanese citizens have been martyred; this is while the United Nations and the Security Council are, unfortunately, spectators to this situation without any movement or action."
The Spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued: "The consequences of these conditions will certainly not be limited only to our region, but will encompass the entire global community, and in fact, the continuation of the Zionist regime's impunity will undoubtedly have impacts and consequences for the entirety of global peace and security. The international community must fulfill its duty in this regard."
Establishment of Ceasefire in Lebanon Is an Inseparable Part of Any Agreement Between Iran and the US to End the War
In response to a question regarding the actions of the Zionist regime in Lebanon and Iran's reaction to the violation of the ceasefire by this regime regarding Lebanon, he said: "Our region is facing continuous warmongering by the Zionist regime, and we have witnessed this issue repeatedly over the past 80 years. The actions of the Zionist regime in Lebanon are a violation of the April 7 ceasefire, and as we have said many times, the establishment of a ceasefire in Lebanon is an inseparable part of any agreement between Iran and the United States to end the war."
The Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continued: "It is not only the Zionist regime that violates the ceasefire; we witness that the Americans also carry out this action, and on the other hand, we still witness the continuation of American maritime piracy."
This diplomat of our country emphasized: "Iran considers itself committed to taking the necessary measures against any violation of the ceasefire; the diplomatic apparatus and other relevant organs examine the developments accurately and take any necessary action to defend national security and defend a situation that secures the security of Iran and the region."
Iran’s Armed Forces Responded to US Ceasefire Violation
He further referred to the violation of the ceasefire by the Americans in relation to Iran and said: "The Armed Forces of Iran also carried out an appropriate reaction to the aggressive action of the US against Iran, which was simultaneously a violation of the ceasefire, and targeted targets at the origin of the US aggressive action."
Exchange of Messages Between Iran and the US Is Conducted in the Heart of Distrust and Suspicion
The Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in response to a question regarding the latest status of negotiations and where "the knot of the work lies," said: "This issue has clear reasons. We knew that we were negotiating under conditions of lack of trust. The negotiation started in the heart of severe suspicion and distrust, and the exchange of messages is conducted in this atmosphere."
He added: "Diplomacy or negotiation is not the product of trust between the negotiating parties. In such a situation where the opposing party constantly changes its views, raises new or contradictory demands, and gives different and contradictory media messages, it is natural that this causes the prolongation of the negotiation process. Another destructive factor in our region that has always prevented the formation of any process to reduce tension is the Zionist regime, and attention must also be paid to this issue."
Escalation of Tension in Lebanon Is Meant to Prevent Matters from Advancing in Iran-US Negotiations
Baghaei continued: "One of the very clear reasons for the Zionist regime's escalation of tension in Lebanon is nothing but destroying any possibility and glimmer of hope for diplomatic processes to lead to some sort of improvement in the situation. This is, of course, the responsibility of the US. We cannot consider the US and the Zionist regime as two separate actors. Regarding what the Zionist regime does in Lebanon and the region, the US is certainly responsible for it, and this issue stems from the unconditional support of the US for this regime."
This Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, regarding Trump's negotiation statements concerning the addition of conditions, the tightening of the agreement, and the exit of enriched uranium from Iran, said: "Whenever it becomes necessary for us to do something regarding nuclear issues, we ourselves know how to act; as we have announced many times, no negotiations have taken place regarding topics related to the nuclear issue, and our focus is on ending the war. Basically, one of the problems of negotiating with the US is the repeated changes in positions and the contradictory stances of this country's officials. Naturally, if any position is changed by one side, the opposing side must also apply its views. This situation merely disrupts the processes and lengthens the path."
Detention of Four Iranian Citizens by Kuwait Is Unjustified
Baghaei, regarding the latest status of Iranian citizens detained in Kuwait and Iran's approach toward regional countries in the post-war era, said: "We issued a statement regarding the four Iranian citizens who were unjustifiably detained by Kuwait. The Kuwaiti government is obliged to provide consular access for these citizens. Our clear expectation from Kuwait is that they clarify the situation as quickly as possible, that the embassy's consular access be provided, and that they do not allow this issue to be added to the few topics that have caused severe resentment between the two countries."
He added: "Unfortunately, the territory and facilities of some countries in the region have been used or misused for aggression against Iran. This action is completely illegal and contrary to good neighborliness, and it will have very adverse consequences for bilateral relations and the future of the region."
The Spokesman for the diplomatic apparatus, referring to the events of recent hours and the violation of the ceasefire by the US, said: "We asked the countries of the region to fulfill their commitments. Refraining from allowing aggressor countries and parties to use their territory to carry out harassing actions against a country is a fixed principle of international law. The violation of this issue by regional governments will place these countries alongside the aggressor countries and parties."
Part of the Understanding with the US Is Arranging the Necessary Conditions for Reconstructing Damages Caused by the War
Regarding the publication of news about a 300-billion-dollar investment fund for the reconstruction of Iran after the war, he said: "One of the sections of the understanding is arranging the necessary conditions for reconstructing the damages caused by the war. Regarding this issue, various options were raised, and one of the topics raised during the negotiations was that an amount be allocated for reconstructing damages. I can speak to this extent at this stage. These topics are complex and have their own specific details. If we reach an agreement on the generalities of the 14 clauses, within a time frame of 30 or 60 days, we must discuss its details."
Baghaei, regarding Europe's action in condemning Iran's retaliatory attacks on Kuwait and their solidarity with the people and government of this country, also said: "We also express solidarity with the people of Kuwait and other peoples of the region whose soil, facilities, and territory are used by the US and the Zionist regime to attack a Muslim country. But the European Union's statement is a true example of hypocrisy. You cannot ignore and justify the blatant attack of the Zionist regime against Iran, or adopt soft positions, but when Iran takes defensive action to defend itself, blame Iran. This approach is contrary to the European Union's slogans about the rule of law and respect for the sovereignty of countries, and it is a sign that the European Union does not intend to place itself in the position of a powerful, responsible actor that believes in international law."
The Spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to a question stating that despite the escalation of the Zionist regime's attacks on Lebanon, we witness a passive stance by the Lebanese government against these attacks, and occasionally Lebanese government officials have leveled criticisms against the resistance movement, and on the other hand, some time ago we witnessed that the Secretary-General of Hezbollah in Lebanon criticized the Lebanese government's performance against the crimes of the Zionist regime and the direct negotiations of the Lebanese government with the Zionist regime; what is Iran's opinion regarding these developments and stances? He said: "Defending the sovereignty of the country is among the specific functions of any government, and any government is obliged to take whatever action is necessary to protect its borders as well as the security of its citizens. The Lebanese resistance has been the greatest obstacle against the expansionism, aggression, and encroachment of the Zionist regime in Lebanon over the past few decades, and today, perhaps more than at any time, the importance and role of the Lebanese resistance in defending the existence of this country has become clear to everyone."
He added: "The duty of any sovereignty is to take the necessary actions to defend its borders, and we, as Iran, also consider ourselves committed not to hesitate to take any action we can to help Lebanon and the Lebanese resistance against the aggressions of the Zionist regime."
Regarding Blocked Funds, the Central Bank Is Pursuing the Matter
Baghaei, regarding some reports stating that the US is going to deliver 6 billion dollars of Iran's blocked assets in Qatar to Iran in the form of purchasing food data-x-items and medical equipment instead of paying cash, said: "American officials repeatedly reiterate that under the previous ruling administration of the US, billions of dollars of money were delivered to Iran. A significant part of these words is a lie. What Iran received in the framework of the JCPOA was blocked money belonging to the people of Iran, and we took our rights and are not looking to gain privileges. Now the issue is the same. We are pursuing the rights of the Iranian people that have been violated, and one of them is our money that has been frozen in some foreign banks. In what manner this work will be done and how we will devise its mechanisms so that the opposing party, like past experiences, does not renege on its commitments, is under review, and colleagues in the Central Bank and our economic diplomacy section have this matter on the agenda."
This official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the violation of the ceasefire by the US in the southern regions of Iran, said: "These violations themselves indicate the bad faith of the US and merely intensify the existing distrust. These actions of the US are not merely a violation of the ceasefire; they are an aggressive action and a violation of the United Nations Charter, and authorize us to adopt countermeasures in line with the right to legitimate self-defense."
The Spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the failures of the Gaza Peace Delegation, said: "This delegation, which from the beginning was imposed on countries through pressure and intimidation, was clear to have a temporary and show function. Many expressed concern that this could lead to the marginalization of the United Nations and the Security Council. We announced that any organization and establishment that wishes to marginalize the rights of the Palestinian people and be merely a cover for colonial genocide is doomed to failure. Only a few months after the formation of this structure, we see that the claimed philosophy they had considered for it has not been realized, and the international community realized that this was a show action to cover up the actions of the Zionist regime."
Trump’s Contradictory Statements Do Not Distract Us
Baghaei, in response to a question about the contradictory positions of US officials regarding the naval blockade, including Donald Trump's recent tweet stating that 'we lifted the naval blockade of Iran, but in practice American maritime piracy against Iranian ships continues,' said: "I once again ask the media to reflect more on the extent of taking the positions of US officials seriously, because they repeatedly change their positions and speak untruths."
He continued: "We are focused on our interests and rights, and these contradictions are not going to distract us. Of course, the possibility exists that a part of these contradictions stems from disarray in the US governance system, a disarray that the Americans must solve, and we witness a kind of indecision in the US governance system."
The Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to the question that with nearly three months passing since the disappearance of two fishermen named Anas and Samad Irandoost, who went to the open waters of the Sea of Oman with a motorboat on March 8 for fishing, still no information is available about their fate? He said: "Certainly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is pursuing their status, and it is our duty to pursue the matter in connection with any Iranian citizen who faces a problem anywhere."
He continued: "Before holding today's meeting, I spoke with our ambassador in Oman and the consular deputy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding this issue, and we will certainly pursue the status of these two Iranian citizens with seriousness."
Baghaei also, in response to a question regarding the latest status of negotiations between Iran and the US and whether, if the two countries reach an agreement, this memorandum of understanding will be signed in Islamabad? He said: "The exchange of messages between the two countries continues through the mediation of Pakistan; we have not yet reached a final conclusion, the reasons for which I explained in my previous remarks in this meeting. In what form it will ultimately be signed, whenever we reach that stage, we will make a decision about it."
Baghaei, regarding the fate of the Iranian ships stopped by the US, said: "There is no doubt that the Americans themselves announced that they act in the style of pirates. The US encroachment on Iran's commercial shipping is an instance of maritime piracy and a gross violation of international law as well as a violation of the ceasefire. At the same time, Iran has also adopted the necessary countermeasures to defend its national rights and interests and will continue these actions."
No Design Under the Title of Snapback Mechanism Exists in the Potential Understanding Between Iran and the US
The Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding some published news about the probability of designing a kind of snapback mechanism in the potential understanding between Iran and the US, said: "There is no such thing. We are still in the generalities. These 14 clauses have merely predicted the principles of the understanding. It also has a clause stating that if an agreement takes place, it should be bound to a UN Security Council resolution so that legal cover is given to it. But this does not mean at all that we consider a UN Security Council resolution as the guarantee of such an agreement."
He emphasized: "We certainly keep past experiences in mind, where the US violated a Chapter VII resolution of the UN Security Council."
The Spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to a question regarding Oman's position on the new mechanism for managing the Strait of Hormuz, said: "We had several rounds of talks. Oman also shares our concerns regarding the topics mentioned, and the process of interactions between Iran and Oman is progressing well."
Baghaei, regarding the recent media report concerning Mossad's interventions in the December riots and the probability of similar action by the US and the Zionist regime in the future, said: "We must always keep previous experiences in mind. Reports about the interventions of the Zionist regime in the unfortunate events of December are something that was announced at that time, and our official institutions, with the investigations they conducted, announced very clearly that foreign parties are behind these events. Of course, they themselves did not deny it either. Officials of the US and the Zionist regime also said in this New Year that 'we congratulate the regime's agents who infiltrated the ranks of the demonstrators on the New Year.' What they said now was manifest and clear to us, but for many of those who had doubts internally and internationally, this is merely an additional piece of evidence that the US and the regime spared no action to strike at the national cohesion and unity of Iranians."
In response to a question about the status of the Strait of Hormuz after the war, he said: "The work that the Islamic Republic of Iran did after the start of the military aggression by the US and the Zionist regime using the territory of some regional countries on the southern rim of the Persian Gulf is completely in accordance with international law. We adopted these measures to defend the sovereignty and national interests of Iran. In the future, we certainly cannot be oblivious to the experience of these three months; the experience we had in terms of the misuse of this waterway to encroach upon Iran's national security. We will formulate a mechanism with the participation of the other coastal state of the Strait to ensure the safe transit of shipping and to ensure that the Strait of Hormuz is not misused by other parties to harm Iran's national security. Navigation services and environmental protection, which are very important—we are facing a very unfortunate situation in terms of damages resulting from military aggression in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, hence measures will be adopted so that the necessary fee is received for navigation services, restoring the environmental status, and the like. What is important is that the Strait of Hormuz, as an important waterway, is both not misused for aggression against Iran and is used for the interests of the international community."
The Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to a question regarding the upcoming visit of the high-ranking security delegation of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region to Iran and the probable content of the negotiations during this trip, said: "As to what the content of the negotiations will be, allow us to explain it after the trip is conducted."
He continued: "We and Iraq have a very firm and clear memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the two countries in the field of border security and confronting terrorism."
Baghaei emphasized: "The interactions between the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, and the Iraqi Kurdistan Region have been good and effective interactions, and we expect these visits to help strengthen cooperation for protecting the national security of both countries."
The Abraham Plan Does Not Bring Peace and Security for the Region
The Spokesman for Iran's diplomatic apparatus, in response to a question regarding the reason for the cold response of Arab and Islamic countries to Trump's request for normalization of relations with the Zionist regime and joining the Abraham Accords, said: "The philosophy of the Abraham Accords is the normalization of occupation and the acceptance of colonialism and genocide in occupied Palestine. Unfortunately, at present, we witness the consequences of a part of this process in our region. The countries of the region, by learning lessons from the experience of these few years, have certainly reached the conclusion that such a plan is merely in line with expanding the dominance-seeking and expanding the racist actions of the Zionist regime, and this approach cannot bring peace and security for our region."
Regarding the statement of the President of France concerning the cessation of war in Lebanon, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and negotiation over Iran's missile program, he said: "Regarding the necessity of stopping the crimes of the Zionist regime in Lebanon, I think the entire international community has a consensus in this field. What is important is that all parties who consider themselves influential and effective take action. France, along with the US, is considered among the guarantors of the ceasefire in Lebanon from two years ago, but unfortunately, it has taken no serious action to hold the Zionist regime accountable and prevent the crimes of this regime."
Baghaei, regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, also said: "The European parties must address the American and Zionist side because the situation created in the region results from their actions."
The Spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also said: "Regarding Iran's missile issue, European friends must update themselves. Because it has been a long time since we said that even at the media level, we do not talk about topics related to defending the existence of Iran."
The US Decision-Making System Is Disarrayed
In response to the question that Trump has claimed that Iran agrees in any potential agreement not only not to have a nuclear weapon, but also that it will not purchase any nuclear weapon; were we supposed to buy a nuclear weapon from somewhere or someone? He said: "The position of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding the nuclear debate is very clear. Repeating this proposition that Iran must not pursue a nuclear weapon cannot create a change in this reality that, basically, Iran's nuclear program is peaceful, and all the necessary conditions and mechanisms for assurance regarding Iran's nuclear issue were seen in that very JCPOA agreement. American officials have shown many times that based on fabrication, merely to please the Zionist regime, they utter statements and claims without having a real equivalent. Put these debates alongside the big lie they express about the danger of Iran's atomic bomb."
Baghaei, in response to the question, 'To what extent are Trump's claims about progress in the negotiations aimed at managing the oil and energy market in the US?', said: "All of these are probable, but do not consider this probability far from mind either, that this situation indicates disarray in the US decision-making system. Given that a large number of US officials have resigned or been dismissed, a chaotic situation has prevailed there, and this itself has caused contradictory and conflicting statements from American officials."
The Spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding relations with China given Trump's actions in this regard and also Iran's action in appointing a special representative in connection with interaction with China, said: "We do our work. Strategy is not supposed to change because of every issue. It is natural that in regulating relations with any country, given the circumstances, the necessary adjustments are made."
He added: "Our relations with China are very important, and we have a strategic partnership. Certainly, the horizon of Iran-China relations is very bright and positive. We have a consensus on many international issues and regional security. The selection of Mr. Ghalibaf as the special representative in China affairs will certainly have a positive role in advancing the programs of political, diplomatic, and economic relations between Iran and China."
A Responsible and Wise Actor Does Not Accept the Risk of Entering the Strait of Hormuz
Baghaei, in the continuation of this press conference, regarding the stance of NATO officials and Europeans about conducting missions and plans in the Strait of Hormuz, also said: "Any movement that leads to making the situation in the region more complex is definitely not wise, and no responsible and wise actor will take such a risk. NATO and European countries, if they want to fulfill their responsibility, must hold the US and the Zionist regime accountable, because they are the cause of this situation. Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz before their military aggression flowed in a normal manner. Now we have also emphasized that based on international law, Iran, as a coastal country, is authorized to adopt measures to secure its security and national interests. Many ships also pass through the Strait in coordination with Iran. The main problem and cause of the emergence of this situation is the military aggression of the US and the Zionist regime, which in recent weeks has intensified due to another illegal action of the US, namely encroachment on international shipping."
Regarding the raised issue of transferring Iran's uranium to Kazakhstan, which was stated by Grossi, he said: "Regarding the reason for raising this issue, it must be asked of Mr. Grossi himself. Every now and then, he likes to attract attention in the media. Currently, we have no conversation regarding the details of the nuclear debate."
The Spokesman for the diplomatic apparatus also, in connection with the amendments proposed in the negotiations, said: "This is a continuous process, and it is not the case that one or two cases are transferred from one side to the other side and then they wait for an amendment to be given, and then a reciprocal amendment is presented. Simultaneously, this exchange of messages and views continues. One of the reasons this process becomes long is this very change of views. Naturally, regarding any proposal, any observation or amendment, we also formulate our viewpoints and views and transfer them to the opposing party."
In response to a question about the negotiations being fruitless through indirect means, he said: "I do not think the problem was with the method of advancing the negotiations. The problem has been the seriousness or at least the good faith of the opposing party toward us. We basically do not hold that the US has any good faith toward us, but good faith as a requirement for advancing a diplomatic process is necessary. If the opposing party possessed this good faith, direct or indirect discussion would not have prevented and does not prevent the advancement of negotiations."
Baghaei, regarding Iran's preparations following the repeated threats of the Zionist regime and the US, said: "In the preparations we think of, it will become clear to everyone in the field of action in what manner we have prepared and devised for defending the existence of Iran, and you will see on the day of action, and others will see too."
He added: "That we must be ready for any occurrence, there is no doubt. We are in this region and we possess experience, which requires us to be ready for any event and any probability at any moment. Certainly, the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran step in this path with full readiness and possess the necessary readiness."
The Spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to a question about some analysts saying that Egypt and Turkey will probably be the next targets of tensions in the region, said: "Even Europeans are not safe, because the Zionist regime has no qualms about raising its colonial and racist ambitions in frameworks such as Greater Israel. They have announced this matter explicitly. All countries of the region and the entire international community must be vigilant regarding the consequences of indifference and inaction toward the aggressive and dominance-seeking actions of the Zionist regime."
In response to this question that some Western media have claimed in recent days that the level of UAE's complicity with the US and Israel against Iran has been very high, and the UAE has had a direct role in helping to carry out the military aggression of the US and Israel against Iran, and even some countries of the region, including Saudi Arabia, have been opposed to this issue; what is your position toward this action? He said: "We have our assessment regarding the performance of regional countries. We certainly look at the reports of Western sources, which are presented at specific times, with doubt and skepticism, because we are highly suspicious of their approach, we know they do not want the good of regional countries, and we also know that one of their tools is using the media to create differences of opinion and problems between regional countries."
He added: "But we have our independent assessment and we stated before, we have no doubt that some countries of the region, despite Iran's warnings, did not observe their legal, moral, and neighborly commitments and placed their facilities at the disposal of the US and the Zionist regime for attacking Iran. We have a permanent demand from these countries to correct their past approach, learn lessons from recent events, and not allow the presence of the US and the Zionist regime in the region to cause permanent insecurity."
Attack on the Students' Dormitory in Luhansk Is a War Crime
The Spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the killing of a number of students and civilians in the recent drone attack by Ukraine on a students' dormitory in the Luhansk region of Russia and the lack of reaction from Western governments and international institutions to this incident, said: "We strongly condemn this crime. Attacking women and children, attacking a girls' dormitory by the Ukrainian regime, is not compatible with any rule or standard of law or morality. This action is definitely a war crime and requires that European countries, which always adopt very tough positions in similar cases, also adopt fixed positions far from hypocritical and double approaches in cases that really relate to the topic of international humanitarian law. Unfortunately, we are far from this situation and are facing completely selective approaches toward gross violations of human rights and humanitarian law."
The Negotiation Delegation's Trip to Qatar Was Positive and Useful
The Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to this question that given the repeated change of positions by the Americans, the text exchange, which has apparently been accompanied by amendments from both sides, is specifically focused on what topics? Is the topic of releasing assets or the Strait of Hormuz raised, or both topics, and what were the results of the trip of Foreign Minister Araghchi and the negotiating delegation to Qatar? Given that it is heard that Qatar is playing a prominent role in the negotiations between Iran and the US, he said: "The mediator of our negotiations is Pakistan, and Pakistan plays the main role in this process. Of course, some other countries, including countries of the region like Qatar, have also tried to help in this process. We have always appreciated the good offices of Qatar and other countries that have played a role in this field."
He added: "The negotiation delegation's trip to Qatar was a positive and useful trip, and some aspects related to the final agreement and ending the war were discussed during that trip. As you mentioned, financial topics and Iran's blocked capitals were also one of the topics raised."
Baghaei noted: "Regarding what topics we talk about, I can state that all topics are discussed; because the opposing party changes its views in many cases. As you also witness in the media, their positions undergo change, and various topics are raised in the exchange of messages as well."
He added: "It is natural that to examine any topic, we must also go through the relevant consultative processes. Therefore, I can state to you that during recent days, discussions have been raised not just about one or two topics, but about any topic that is part of the topics under discussion in these 14 clauses, and reciprocally, we have also transferred our views through Pakistan."
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