Baghaei: The Islamabad MoU has entered a crisis
Tehran - BORNA - Esmail Baghaei held a press briefing on Monday with domestic and foreign media, elaborating on the latest regional and international developments concerning Iran.
The spokesman said that last week was an important week for Iran and the region, commending the magnificent turnout of the people at the farewell and funeral ceremonies for the martyred leader. He added: "The world witnessed the greatness of the Iranian nation in these days."
Referring to the impressive presence of the Iraqi people at the funeral ceremony in Najaf and Karbala, he said: "July 8 was a day of brotherhood and solidarity between the Iranian and Iraqi nations. The enemies tried to extinguish the light, but at the farewell and funeral ceremony of the martyred leader, we witnessed a roaring light emanating from millions of people."
In response to a question about the public demand for justice and retribution for the martyred leader and other Iranian citizens who were martyred in the two recent imposed wars, Baghaei said: "Pursuing justice in connection with the heinous crimes committed is a fundamental principle that is not subject to time. Combating impunity and the immunity of criminals is an accepted principle in international law."
Baghaei emphasized that pursuing justice and retribution for the martyrdom of the leader and every single Iranian who fell during this war is a serious principle and a public demand. "The establishment and government have a clear duty in this regard, and the Foreign Ministry is part of this process. At the international level, we will use all our legal and international tools and opportunities to document these crimes and pursue justice."
He stressed: "Important work must also be done domestically. The Judiciary, as the body responsible for pursuing justice, is seriously following its responsibilities. Filing lawsuits on behalf of each and every individual who was martyred, injured, or whose property was damaged during these two imposed wars is a fundamental part of this process for achieving justice."
Islamabad Understanding has entered a crisis
In response to a question about the future of the Islamabad Understanding given recent US actions, Baghaei said: "There is no doubt that this matter has entered a crisis, but the Islamic Republic of Iran has never been the first to violate its commitments. Iran entered negotiations with seriousness and diligence, considering its interests, and when it reached an understanding, it acted with good faith and seriousness in fulfilling its commitments."
He added: "The party that has continuously committed violations within the framework of this understanding is the United States."
The spokesman noted that the Americans were so impatient in their breaches of promise that they did not even allow the one-month timeframe mentioned in Clause 5 of the memorandum regarding Iran's obligations in the Strait of Hormuz to be implemented, and resorted to bickering from the very first days. "The Americans mutilated various components of the 14-clause memorandum. We said from the beginning that we pursue a policy of commitment in exchange for commitment, and we demonstrated this in practice. Whenever the other side violated its commitments, we also did not implement ours. No one can accuse Iran of breaching its commitments."
He emphasized: "Our obligations and those of the other side are clear and can be clearly proven that the other side has violated the agreement's clauses with various pretexts. Going forward, as long as the other side violates its commitments, Iran will also refrain from implementing its obligations."
Safe transit of ships through Strait of Hormuz not achieved in talks with Oman
Regarding US officials' claims, including Trump's statement that "the Iranians agreed to everything in Oman and then attacked the ships," Baghaei said: "Lying has become part of the US administration's behavioral pattern, and they have become addicted to it. Saturday's talks in Muscat were solely focused on the Strait of Hormuz within the framework of Clause 5 of the memorandum. We tried, in consultation with Oman, to reach a mechanism that would ensure safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, but unfortunately, due to overt and covert US pressure on Oman, this was not achieved."
He added: "In Muscat, we were neither supposed to discuss any other issue nor did we. Therefore, what has been raised is absolutely not true."
European statement has no validity
Regarding the recent statement by three European countries against Iran, Baghaei said: "The statement by the three European countries has absolutely no validity. European countries insist on distorting reality. The reality is that everything the region and the world are facing today and suffering from stems from the aggressive action of the US and the Zionist regime in February of last year and the continuation of that same approach in the region. European countries could have and still can play a constructive and responsible role in regional developments, but apparently due to their habit of following the US, they lack such will."
He added: "It seems we will continue to see such repetitive and one-sided statements. These statements will neither help resolve the issue nor enhance Europe's standing."
Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs to travel to Afghanistan
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman announced that the Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs will travel to Afghanistan for consultations on consular cooperation and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Baghaei said that Mr. Jalali will visit Afghanistan for talks on consular cooperation. Regarding the recognition of the Taliban, he noted that cooperation in necessary areas would not be linked to the recognition issue, stating: "Recognition is a legal and political process, and whenever we reach a conclusion, we will announce it. Cooperation in necessary areas will not be delayed by this issue."
Iran has not attacked any regional country
In response to a question about Iran targeting certain Gulf countries in response to US attacks, Baghaei said: "We have not attacked and will not attack any country in the region. We must be precise in our choice of words. Iran's defensive strikes have been solely against bases, facilities, and positions used by the US to attack Iran. We have repeatedly asked regional countries not to allow the US and Israel to use their soil against Iran."
He emphasized that Iran does not hesitate in defending itself, adding: "Any part of any country used to aggress against Iran will be subject to Iran's defensive measures."
Clause 5 of the Islamabad Understanding leaves no room for US interpretation
Regarding US interpretation of Clause 5 of the memorandum on Strait of Hormuz management, Baghaei said: "Interpretation against the text is not permissible. The text is written very clearly. Due to our justified mistrust of the US, we tried to draft the text precisely so that there would be no room for interpretation. Clause 5 is not open to interpretation. The reason we included it was that during the imposed war, the strait and its southern shores were used to harm Iran. As the country with the longest coastline on the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman, we have the right and duty to take necessary measures."
He added: "We will not allow the Strait of Hormuz to become a place where Iran's national security is threatened. We have honestly and responsibly worked to ensure maritime security and safety in this route. The party that has continuously obstructed this process is the US."
Turkey's FM comparison is inappropriate
In response to comments by Turkey's Foreign Minister comparing Iran's defensive actions to Israeli crimes, Baghaei said: "It is astonishing that someone like Mr. Fidan would make such an inappropriate comparison. A country that has itself been repeatedly threatened by the Zionist regime knows well that this regime has an expansionist nature and seeks to harm the security of the entire region, including Turkey."
He emphasized: "The Islamic Republic of Iran has no proxies in the region. The only proxy force in the region is the Zionist regime, whose actions in genocide in occupied Palestine, attacks on Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and other countries are completely clear."
No access to damaged nuclear sites
In response to a question about IAEA access to damaged nuclear sites, Baghaei said: "No."
On Lindsey Graham's death
Regarding the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, Baghaei said: "Fortunately, in such cases, Azrael is just. Our people will not mourn for Lindsey of Florence. For someone whose entire life was defined by war, violence, and intimidation, who took pride in being the biggest supporter of genocide and massacre in our region, nothing but a black record will remain. His death will certainly not sadden any free human being."
France's FM is making empty claims
On the French Foreign Minister's remarks about Iran's nuclear program, Baghaei said: "The French must learn not to expect a role in matters that do not concern them or where they have excluded themselves due to their inappropriate behavior. What they raise is merely a repetition of positions that have never been our basis – whether on the nuclear issue or other matters related to Iran's national security and sovereignty."
We do not decide for others
In response to claims that Iran is making decisions for Lebanon and Oman, Baghaei said: "We do not decide for anyone. If the Islamabad Understanding emphasizes ending the war and occupation in Lebanon, it reflects Iran's responsibility and serious approach. In Clause 1 of the memorandum, we stressed that the war must end and Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Decision-making rests with Lebanon itself."
February 28 attacks from Omani territorial waters changed the situation
He noted: "Shipping has largely been conducted through Oman's territorial waters for years, and we never objected. However, on February 28, the strait was exploited to attack Iran, changing the situation. We consider it necessary to take measures to prevent such attacks. The Islamabad Understanding emphasizes that necessary measures for safe shipping arrangements in the strait should be taken in cooperation and consultation with Oman. We respected Oman's sovereignty and expected their cooperation to protect the sovereignty of the two littoral states."
Iran is not helpless
Regarding interpretations of US schemes, Baghaei said: "You may have your interpretation, but the US is not the sole decision-maker. Based on our interests and with full awareness of US treachery, we decided to use diplomacy to protect our national interests and security. We went through this process with open eyes and full vigilance, and we will continue the same way. It is not that we believe the US can scheme as it wishes. Of course, the US schemes, but thinking Iran is helpless or in an unclear process is incorrect. We have benefited from this process and will continue to do so to protect our national interests."
On US claims about Iranian elites' assets
In response to US claims that sanctioned individuals and companies were building a real estate empire for Iran's ruling elites, Baghaei said: "I don't know when Americans became concerned about the Iranian people's situation. At the highest levels, they have repeatedly emphasized their problem is with 90 million people and have even threatened Iran's civilization. They spoke of attacking bridges and power plants. Do ruling elites only use bridges and power plants? Did Iranian leaders and elites die in palaces and mansions, or in simple homes and offices?"
He called this a US psychological game aimed at domestic public opinion, stating: "Iranian public opinion, in the tens of millions, has shown they are not fooled by such games. If anyone has used governance for wealth accumulation, embezzlement, and financial abuse, one should look at US governance records. Review the statistics they have published about wealth accumulation over the years and judge for yourself whether what they claim is more fitting for themselves or applicable to Iran."
On Lebanon and disarmament
Regarding the UN envoy to Lebanon's meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister, Baghaei said: "Our positions are clear. The Lebanese know the value of resistance weapons for Lebanon's protection better than anyone. Recent developments have taught everyone that preserving a nation's entity requires the necessary defense capabilities. As long as a country is under attack and occupation, its people have the right to defend themselves and resist. The Lebanese, including the resistance, can certainly decide on this matter better than anyone else."
The problem is US interference
On the number of ships passing through the Strait in the past 24 hours, Baghaei said this question should be directed to the Ports Organization. He added: "From the day we began our commitments, the path Iran coordinated was completely safe. However, following recent US aggression, the strait faced problems. We are trying to ensure safe shipping, but the problem is US interference and obstruction of Clause 5 implementation, which has made things difficult not only for us but for the region and international shipping."
No messages exchanged on Trump assassination claims
In response to a question about messages exchanged regarding alleged assassination claims against Trump, Baghaei said: "These matters have never been part of our negotiations. There are parties seeking to exploit any development for their own destructive purposes. The victim-playing by the other side – complaining about Iranian demands for justice at gatherings – is sheer audacity. They assassinated Iranian citizens, leaders, and figures and take pride in it, yet now position themselves as victims. This is clearly a psychological war, and no one will be fooled."
Opponents of negotiations are not necessarily war-seekers
Regarding different views on negotiations, Baghaei said: "The government and nation share one priority: protecting Iran's security and national interests and defending national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Different views on negotiations do not mean opponents of negotiations seek war. The Iranian nation is peace-loving and seeks calm. The important point is that Iranians have a bitter experience of US treachery."
He added: "Diplomacy is a tool for us. Wherever diplomacy serves Iran's national interests, everyone will unanimously support it. On the method and quality of negotiations, different views are natural, but on the principle, there is fortunately complete consensus."
Diplomacy cannot be suspended
On continuing diplomacy despite recent tensions, Baghaei said: "Diplomacy, as a tool and leverage, cannot be suspended. We will use any necessary tool and method to secure our national interests and security. Mediators' work is to continue their good offices to prevent escalation. We have been in contact with Qatar and Oman – we held a meeting with the latter – and Pakistan, and these contacts continue."
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