Iranian professor's research featured on American Chemical Society journal cover

Tehran - BORNA - Speaking to reporters, Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei congratulated journalists on Iranian Journalist Day and commemorated the Iranian diplomats martyred in Mazar-i-Sharif. He also honored the memory of journalists killed in Lebanon and Palestine over the past two to three years by the Zionist regime.

In response to a question regarding the Mecca Agreement ("Defense Pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey") and the views and analyses raised on this issue, the Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that from one perspective, this topic demonstrates a shift in how regional countries perceive security. He noted that following the developments of the past three years, regional states have realized that security is not a commodity to be bought from false security brokers, and Iran’s principled policy has always maintained that regional countries must cooperate to achieve endogenous security without relying on actors outside the region.

He added that another point is that following the developments of October three years ago and the crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza and Lebanon, regional countries reached the conclusion that the Zionist regime is the greatest threat to the stability and security of regional nations and the global community. The ambitions of the Zionist regime are fully evident, including the disgraceful "Greater Israel" scheme that targets the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of several regional countries.

Mecca Agreement means regional countries can no longer rely on the U.S.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said that this scheme represents a threat to regional countries, including those participating in this trilateral understanding, which reinforces the growing perception that regional nations can no longer rely on claims of providing security made by the United States—a United States that is itself part of creating insecurity in the region.

The Foreign Ministry official continued that Iran believes security in the region is indivisible, and any plan rooted in the region's historical and geopolitical realities that is comprehensive and correctly identifies the enemy and the threat stands a chance at strengthening regional security and preventing instability in the region.

Closure of sole Iranian school in Kuwait is a political decision

In response to a question about the Kuwaiti government's action in closing the sole Iranian school in that country and the status of four detained Iranians there, the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran stated that regarding the Iranian citizens, follow-ups have continued, but the Kuwaiti government has withheld consular access without regard for international obligations. He emphasized that this is a legitimate and lawful request from Iran, expressing hope that the Kuwaiti government will reconsider its decision.

He added that regarding the school for Iranians, this is another strange action. Retaliating against the most innocent segments who use this school to gain education cannot be justified under any circumstances. This school has a long history, operating for decades without any issues, and it appears this decision is political. Iran's embassy is following up on the matter, and he expressed hope that the issue will be resolved.

Baghaei stated that Iran's expectation from regional countries and Kuwait is that instead of projecting blame, they refrain from placing their territory and assets at the disposal of aggressive actions against Iran. He noted that this is not a high expectation and aligns with good-neighborliness and the commitments of the Kuwaiti government.

Regarding the requests of Venezuela and Chad to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), he stated that these two countries are not the only ones to submit such requests, as four or five countries had previously raised similar demands. This is a sign of the international community's disappointment with a tribunal established with the goal of ending impunity, but which failed to emerge successfully from tests in recent years due to pressure from the U.S. and its allies on the court. Baghaei noted that the world witnessed U.S. threats against the prosecutor and judges of this court. All of this led countries to the conclusion that they face selective justice, where the ICC's mission is to pursue justice in cases where the interests of certain powers require it, while exhibiting entirely different behavior in other cases. This situation has dealt a serious setback to the multi-decade plan that began after the World Wars to combat the most severe international crimes, with responsibility resting on the United States and countries that remained indifferent to the crimes of the Zionist regime.

Iran was informed about the Mecca Pact in advance

Continuing his remarks on the Turkish Foreign Minister's comment that Iran was informed prior to the signing of the Mecca Agreement among Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said that "yes, more or less."

He also responded to a question regarding the President's potential trip to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly and the President's plans during this visit, stating that discussions should take place as the dates for the General Assembly draw closer.

Presidential attendance at UN General Assembly depends on conditions

Stating that a definitive decision has not yet been taken in this regard, Baghaei stated that Iranian presidents usually attend the United Nations General Assembly—which is the most important UN meeting—to express the views and positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and this year Iran intends to utilize this opportunity, though it naturally depends on circumstances and conditions as well.

He noted that further information regarding this matter would be announced in the coming weeks.

In response to an question regarding statements by Turkish and Pakistani officials that other countries could join the Mecca Agreement—with some referring to it as an "Islamic NATO"—and asking for Iran's view on joining this agreement given that Iran itself presented proposals like the "Hormuz Peace Endeavor" in recent years, as well as why these plans were not pursued over the years and whether that was due to lack of follow-up from Iran or lack of reception from regional countries, Baghaei noted that as noted earlier, Iran was a pioneer in this field and emphasized pursuing endogenous regional security mechanisms without the intervention of extra-regional actors.

Referring to Iran's proposals in this regard, Baghaei said that cooperation frameworks still exist and can be updated according to current developments.

He continued that Iran remains in contact with neighboring and regional countries, expressing hope that all regional states, by learning lessons from recent developments, will adopt the best path toward strengthening collective security in the region.

No reason to be concerned about the Mecca Pact

In response to another question regarding the Mecca Agreement and analyses suggesting potential Iranian concern over it, the diplomatic spokesperson stated that Iran shares deep religious, historical, and civilizational bonds with Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, so there is no reason to be concerned that this pact is directed against Iran. The intertwined cultural ties among the nations of Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey are completely clear. This development is an important signal that regional countries have concluded they cannot rely on security claims made by the U.S. and certain other actors outside the region, and are attempting to test another method by relying on their own capabilities and perspectives independent of destructive foreign interventions.

Decision on Caspian Convention rests with Parliament

Regarding the timing selected for referring the Caspian Convention to Parliament for ratification and the analyses raised in this context, Baghaei stated that whenever chosen, one can analyze whether the timing for ratifying an international document is suitable or unsuitable. In any case, since its signing in 2018, various dimensions of this document have been discussed and evaluated—not only in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but across other competent authorities as well.

He added that the Islamic Republic of Iran decides independently regarding its national interests and concerns, expressing that further explanation is unnecessary as Iran has shown that decisions regarding membership in international instruments are made exclusively by considering the country's interests.

Baghaei continued that this document has 5 members, and 4 other countries have signed it. The desire of a country or countries for this document to enter into force sooner stems from the fact that until all 5 countries accede to it, it cannot be implemented, which is entirely natural. In any case, countries that decide to draft a document to secure their common interests or counter shared concerns prefer that the document becomes enforceable. From this perspective, it is completely natural that the other four countries are inclined toward the early entry into force of this document.

Stating that "we consider our own interests regarding the Caspian Sea," he noted that it appears over the past 7 years a final conclusion had not been reached to send this document to Parliament. Linking this matter to developments related to the imposed war lacks much foundation. Views differ, and Iran respects them.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman added that ultimately, the decision rests with the Islamic Consultative Assembly. In accordance with the Constitution, the Foreign Ministry as the diplomatic apparatus has performed its duties, and moving forward along this path it must continue to clarify and explain while listening to various viewpoints. However, determining the final status of this document after seven to eight years naturally rests with the Islamic Consultative Assembly, which will hopefully be accomplished.

Foreign Ministry acts in full coordination with top security council

In response to a question regarding changes within the Supreme National Security Council and whether Foreign Minister Araghchi or newly appointed SNSC Secretary Mohsen Rezaei would lead negotiations, Baghaei remarked that he believes the entire world, especially over the past year and a half, has clearly seen that Iran is a nation of institutions rather than individuals. If Iran has been able to navigate existing challenges over the past year and a half, it is because decisions and policy-making are carried out within institutions, and the process for decision-making is completely clear.

Congratulating Mohsen Rezaei on his appointment as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, he stated that the Foreign Ministry will certainly make every effort, just as in the past, to move and work in complete coordination with the Supreme National Security Council to advance the nation's interests and concerns.

Joint Iran-Oman statement regarding the Sea of Oman under review

Regarding a query about whether maritime transit fees between Iran and Oman will be divided or belong exclusively to Iran, the Foreign Ministry official stated that such details are not being discussed at this stage. As stated previously, discussions are ongoing. Regarding the transit route map, an agreement has been reached, and concerning the joint statement, certain technical points remain under review, though negotiations are proceeding very smoothly and constructively. Regarding these details, there is no discussion at present. What is clear is that mechanisms will be established to monitor safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz while arranging measures for environmental matters, cooperation in providing maritime services, and combating crime. Naturally, when maritime services are provided, corresponding fees must be collected in return. Naturally, decisions on these details will also be made in due course within the framework of agreements.

Invitations received for Araghchi and Qalibaf to visit Pakistan

In response to a question regarding news published about Pakistan extending invitations to Mr. Araghchi and Mr. Qalibaf to visit the country and the objectives behind these invitations, the Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that exchanges between two neighboring countries with very close and expanding relations occur routinely, as evidenced by several Pakistani officials visiting Iran recently and Iranian officials making reciprocal visits to Pakistan, including visits by Iran's Minister of Industry, Minister of Economy, and Minister of Interior.

The senior diplomat of the Islamic Republic of Iran noted that invitations for visits by Mr. Araghchi and Mr. Qalibaf to Pakistan have been received, and whenever suitable grounds are established, the trips will take place.

He noted that these visits primarily concern bilateral relations, as ties between the two countries are important and have grown even more important over the past seven to eight months, reiterating that such exchanges between Iran and Pakistan are entirely natural and a normal part of bilateral relations.

Adapting diplomatic tools to audience and situation

In response to a question regarding the language used when responding to the enemy, Baghaei stated that in confronting the enemy, Iran utilizes all its assets, including its rich literary, cultural, and civilizational heritage. He noted that he does not believe Iran has deviated from its longstanding approach, but the important point is that practical requirements of the field sometimes necessitate using different expressive tools to clarify positions. For instance, quoting an English thinker—I believe George Bernard Shaw—who said: "Never wrestle with pigs, you get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it," this shows that getting muddy is sometimes part of the nature of a struggle that has been imposed upon us. This change in tone does not mean departing from principles, but rather using all communicative and cultural capacities intelligently when facing new conditions. In essence, we remain steadfast in our principles, but we adjust our tools of expression to suit the audience and the situation in order to convey our message clearly.

He noted once again regarding Iran-Oman negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz that the Strait of Hormuz was not closed due to a disagreement between Iran and Oman; rather, the reason for its closure was the military aggression of the U.S. and the Zionist regime against Iran and the misuse of the Strait of Hormuz and military bases located on the southern coast of the Persian Gulf to attack Iran. Therefore, it is natural that negotiations between Iran and Oman to determine ship transit routes are bilateral matters between these two countries. Of course, its effects and consequences will affect international shipping and other countries, but in itself, this negotiation is bilateral between two coastal states with a very specific goal, which is agreement on a safe transit route for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Reopening of Strait of Hormuz contingent on Iran's conditions

Baghaei added that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is contingent on fulfilling the conditions imposed on the Islamic Republic of Iran. This action has affected the entire region due to the military aggression of the U.S. and the Zionist regime. It must be kept in mind that we are still in a state of war. As long as the U.S. naval blockade continues—which according to UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 constitutes an act of aggression—and as long as other U.S. violations persist, the necessary conditions to say that the Strait of Hormuz has become a safe waterway will not exist. Therefore, it is up to the American side to stop its illegal and destructive actions, which began just 21 days after the signing of the war termination memorandum of understanding and still continue, and compensate for them so that we can speak about next steps.

In response to a question regarding whether the Supreme National Security Council must approve the Iran-Oman negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz, the diplomatic spokesperson stated that the decision-making process is clear. Any negotiation conducted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is under the supervision of the Supreme National Security Council, reporting is done continuously, and the process is pursued based on guidelines issued by higher authorities, and in this case as well, it will naturally function in the same manner.

Exchange of messages with U.S. conducted via intermediaries

Continuing, he stated regarding whether there are currently negotiations with the U.S. that as stated before, and as Dr. Araghchi noted yesterday as well, Iran has no negotiations with the U.S. The exchange of messages through intermediaries on current issues is a natural matter that occurs, but what the next step will be depends on conditions. Currently, Iran is focused on negotiations with Oman to clarify the shipping transit route.

Netanyahu uttering nonsense

The Foreign Ministry spokesman, in response to a reporter's question noting that the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime had uttered nonsense against Iran in yesterday's cabinet meeting and asking for Iran's view on these statements, addressed the reporter saying that as noted, these are nonsense statements.

Regarding the Zionist Prime Minister's statements that the regime does not accept the 15-point document related to ending the war in Gaza, Baghaei stated that the U.S. President must answer in this regard. We saw that the Americans proudly announced in Sharm El-Sheikh that this plan could bring about security in the region and lead to an end to the war. Iran said at that very time that the Zionist regime is committed to no treaty or promise and cannot be trusted. Now regarding these statements as well, the U.S. must be held accountable as the party supporting the Zionist regime across various dimensions.

Baghaei explains Israeli origin of fabricated quote attributed to General Vahidi

In response to another question noting that recently Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of the Zionist regime, claimed that General Vahidi, commander of the IRGC, stated "as long as Israel and the U.S. have nuclear weapons, Iran will also continue working on them," and then claimed Iran finally admitted to this, following an earlier tweet of the same claim by Netanyahu's son, Baghaei explained Iran's Foreign Ministry position regarding this claim. He stated that this is a very clear example of lie fabrication by the Zionist regime that media also addressed—a lie generated from a Twitter account in India, published hours later in Zionist regime media, and subsequently commented on by the Zionist regime Prime Minister. They essentially turned a lie into reality, which serves as a handful showing the pile that all claims of the Zionist regime against Iran, including its claim regarding Iran's attempt to acquire a nuclear bomb, have been based on the same pattern.

Traffic management plan for Strait of Hormuz advances in Parliament with Foreign Ministry coordination

In response to a question about a plan under review in Parliament to ban the passage of American and Israeli ships through the Strait of Hormuz, asking what conditions this creates for potential future negotiations, whether Strait of Hormuz traffic will be discussed in those negotiations, how this affects potential talks with Oman, and whether this indicates a lack of trust by Parliament in the diplomatic process and negotiations with the U.S., Baghaei stated that no, that is not the case. Sovereign institutions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Foreign Ministry, are fully coordinated with the Islamic Consultative Assembly. He noted that the plan being pursued in parliamentary committees concerns "Strait of Hormuz traffic management," which is currently under review with the Foreign Ministry participating in the proceedings and raising its views.

He added that just this morning, prior to this session, Dr. Araghchi held a very useful and valuable meeting with members of the Parliamentary National Security and Foreign Policy Committee. Discussions took place on a spectrum of issues raised today. Close contacts and consultations exist between the Foreign Ministry and Parliament, and this coordination will certainly help advance national interests in a unified manner.

Iran has always guarded shipping passage in Strait of Hormuz

Regarding the New York Times claim about Iran presenting a list of demands affecting the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the Foreign Ministry official stated that such media atmosphere-creation mainly aims to whitewash the root cause. In any analysis regarding the current status of the Strait of Hormuz, the primary cause must be noted immediately. The Strait of Hormuz was open from the creation of Adam until February 28, 2026. Despite facing cruel and oppressive Western sanctions over the past 47 years, Iran served as the guardian of passing ships, with a significant portion of global energy passing through this waterway without any incident occurring to passing vessels. It must not be forgotten that the issues arising for the Strait of Hormuz stemmed from military aggression by the U.S. and the Zionist regime and still continue. Regarding claims that Iran set conditions, they should refer to their own government.

He added that the U.S. government still proudly announces that it maintains a blockade on Iranian ports and harasses Iranian ships. Under these conditions, the U.S. holds no moral or legal standing to complain about the Strait of Hormuz not being open. "Self-inflicted harm has no cure." This is a problem created by the U.S., and as long as these violations, including the naval blockade against Iran which constitutes a continuation of aggressive action, persist, international shipping will hardly dare to pass through this route. These conditions exist because the U.S. continues to insist on its aggressive actions by maintaining the naval blockade against Iran.

In response to a question about the U.S. and Saudi attack on Iraq and the Foreign Ministry's assessment regarding the future of Iran-Iraq security relations, the spokesman stated that efforts must be made to ensure a bright outlook for relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Iraq across all fields, including security. The process is moving in this direction, and consultations between the two countries are continuous. Iran is aware of threats and hazards threatening the security of both countries' borders. Reassurances have consistently been provided by officials in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq that they deploy every effort to prevent the misuse of Iraqi territory by terrorist groups and destructive extra-regional actors, including the U.S., to harm Iranian interests. Cooperation remains positive, and it is hoped that this process expands daily based on the security agreement concluded between the two countries a few years ago.

Iranians are notable chess players

Reacting to Trump's claim that he "prefers economic pressure over military action and that confrontation with Iran is like a chess game with lights-out negotiations continuing," Baghaei stated that whether lights are off or on, Iranians are notable chess players.

If Ukraine does not compensate, Iran will

Regarding the Ukrainian President's acknowledgment of the intentional nature of the attack on an Iranian ship and Zelensky's recent comments regarding a security memorandum with the Zionist regime and weapon purchases, Baghaei stated that Iran stated its position clearly, swiftly, and decisively in an official statement. Iran remains unconvinced by claims from the Ukrainian side that this action was unintentional. Having heard their statement, and given the admission by senior Ukrainian officials that such an infringement occurred, they must provide compensation. Naturally, if they fail to compensate, Iran will do so itself.

No credibility given to reports on U.S. capability levels

In response to a question on whether reports of declining U.S. missile stockpiles alter U.S. calculations for continuing attacks and whether Iran views this as a sign of military depletion, Baghaei stated that Iran gives no credibility to any report, whether positive or negative, regarding U.S. capability levels. The critical matter for Iran is maintaining its own readiness at the highest level. That the U.S. has suffered erosion—not just military erosion, but erosion of credibility, morale, and political standing—is beyond doubt. The crimes committed by the U.S. and its miscalculations unprecedentedly destroyed U.S. standing across all domains. Regardless of media claims, Iran remains determined to stay vigilant and continuously enhance its capabilities to confront any eventuality.

Regarding negotiations on collective security among regional countries in talks with Oman, the Foreign Ministry spokesman noted that in every discussion with Oman or other regional countries, Iran discusses the necessity of cooperation and building trust among regional states to achieve an endogenous security mechanism, hoping that developments over the past two years pave the way for all countries to move along that path.

Use of phosphorus bombs and cluster munitions in war against Iran being pursued

Regarding reports on the U.S. use of phosphorus bombs in the attack on Lamerd, Baghaei stated that over the past four to five months, three names stood out prominently: Minab, Lamerd, and Qeshm. However, these three titles must not distract from the thousands of war crime instances committed by the U.S. and the Zionist regime during the military aggression. All these cases are being documented. Every day, a new aspect of the Lamerd crime comes to light, including a technical report on the use of phosphorus in a missile that hit a stadium in Lamerd. This comes in addition to another aspect of munitions used—namely cluster munitions with hundreds of thousands of shrapnel pieces designed to inflict greater pain and suffering on victims. These cases have been reflected to relevant international bodies and will definitely be pursued. It must also be remembered that in the ruins of the Shajarah Tayyibah school in Minab, searchers are still looking for small body pieces of children, and these crimes must always remain alive so it is known what savage aggressors the Iranian people faced.

Regarding legal follow-ups on crimes by the U.S. and the Zionist regime against Iran over the past year, Baghaei stated that the most important task is opening files and issuing indictments for perpetrators and commanders of crimes committed during both imposed wars. This task must be conducted in domestic courts, as raising the matter in international courts requires completing judicial stages in domestic courts first. Closer cooperation between the Foreign Ministry and the Judiciary will greatly aid documentation and raising issues internationally. Documentation is ongoing continuously. The document recently published by the Ministry of Health regarding the Lamerd crime and the U.S. use of prohibited weapons is an important document reflected to human rights bodies and relevant international institutions, and this path will be pursued with seriousness.

Southern route of Strait of Hormuz was never an authorized safe route

In response to a question regarding comments that even if an agreement is reached with Oman, until the midline is cleared of mines, northern and southern routes must still be used, asking whether Iran possesses the capability to monitor entering and exiting ships and addressing reports that Iran might request other countries to participate in mine clearance, Baghaei stated that Paragraph 5 of the memorandum of understanding violated by the U.S. clearly specified Iran's role. Responsibility for future management of the Strait of Hormuz rested with Iran, as did security provision including necessary measures for safety and mine clearance. This matter will continue to be conducted in the same manner between the two coastal states, and the necessary capabilities exist. The northern and southern routes will naturally turn into an agreed middle route between Iran and Oman following an agreement, serving as the safe route.

Baghaei stated that the southern route was never an authorized or safe route. The main reason the fires of war reignited on July 8 was precisely this breach of promise by the U.S. and its insistence on opening an unsafe, unauthorized route in complete violation of the memorandum of understanding. They began passing commercial and occasionally military vessels through the southern route with trackers turned off, causing incidents that complicated conditions. The objective of negotiations is for Iran and Oman to reach a middle route, which will remain temporary until a new TSS is agreed upon.

Yemen and Palestine should be invited to Mecca Pact

In response to a question regarding the potential accession of countries like Egypt to the Mecca Pact and views framing it as a response to Yemeni threats against Saudi Arabia or as a core Islamic defense alliance against Zionist expansionism, asking what practical action these countries should take to prove the agreement is not against any Islamic country including Yemen, Baghaei stated that they should invite Yemen and Palestine to join this pact.

Caspian Convention should not be viewed through stereotypical assumptions

Responding to critics claiming the Caspian Sea Legal Status Convention was sent to Parliament despite opposition from military, security, and SNSC forces by taking advantage of war conditions, Baghaei stated that this is a simplistic claim. Contrary to claims that the Foreign Ministry's Legal and International Deputy asked media not to cover the topic, Mr. Gharibabadi met with chief editors and managing directors last week to explain the details. This is not something to be done secretly.

He added that ten days ago, when the bill was to be submitted, it was explicitly stated that citizens have the right to be fully informed about a matter affecting national security and interests. Media, country elites, and legal scholars should debate it based on the text of the convention and its history. Certain comments regarding the convention clearly rely on stereotypical assumptions with no basis in the text, negotiation history, or records in decision-making bodies.

The Foreign Ministry official noted that regarding Iran's share of seabed and subsoil resources, claims of 50 percent, 20 percent, or other numbers are raised, whereas this document does not address baselines at all. Until baselines are determined, Iran's exact share cannot be discussed, which is set to occur in bilateral formats with Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. The Foreign Ministry and Cabinet concluded that after seven to eight years, and with four other coastal states having joined, presenting the document now is appropriate as it provides a legal framework preventing the militarization of the Caspian Sea alongside other beneficial provisions. Debates should assist the decision-making process in Parliament based on text and merits.

Naval blockade cannot be lifted through diplomacy alone

In response to a question referencing Dr. Araghchi's statement that no negotiations will take place with the U.S. until compensation is made, asking whether a mechanism has been established for compensation, Baghaei stated that Dr. Araghchi did not refer to a single specific instance. The reference emphasized that current focus remains on negotiations with Oman for safe shipping transit, which is separate from reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as the latter requires compensating for all ongoing U.S. violations including the naval blockade.

In response to a question about Trump's statements on pursuing sanctions and blockades instead of military attacks, asking whether Iran plans to address the blockade diplomatically, Baghaei stated: "Did the U.S. welcome diplomacy when it first decided on military aggression against Iran? Diplomacy is part of our battle to protect national interests, but the opposing side insists on force. A naval blockade is not a diplomatic action to be lifted through diplomacy alone. One must counter U.S. malice through authority, military power, and accompanying diplomacy, which is precisely what is being done."

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