SAEDNEWS: The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, while warning the West about activating the SnapBack mechanism, said: "We are going to define a new protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency, in accordance with the binding resolution of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, to see how we can continue cooperation."
The weekly press conference of "Esmail Baghaei", the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was held with domestic and foreign media.
In his weekly press conference, the spokesman for the Iranian diplomatic service, referring to the diplomatic developments of recent days, stated: "In parallel with the continuation of the crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza and the West Bank, the issue of genocide in occupied Palestine remains the most important international and regional issue."
He added: “We are witnessing the continuation of the Zionist regime’s crimes through bombing the oppressed Palestinian people and using the weapon of hunger and thirst to advance the plan to destroy Palestine as an identity, nation, and land. In recent days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Iran) has held many consultations with regional countries to create a regional consensus to provide assistance to the people of Gaza and stop the genocide in occupied Palestine.”
Baghaei stated in this regard: “The Foreign Minister consulted and spoke with many foreign ministers of regional and Islamic countries and officials of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Our effort is to hold an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to consider a solution to stop the crimes and provide immediate assistance to the Palestinian people.”
Referring to the Zionist regime’s policy of using basic items and food as a weapon and causing famine in the Gaza Strip, he emphasized: “This is a war crime that contradicts all international laws. In the 21st century, such a genocide is a completely unprecedented situation.”
Continuing, referring to the Iran-Europe talks in Istanbul, Baqai added: “In terms of negotiations, talks were held with three European countries on Friday.”
Iran's position on changing geopolitical borders in the South Caucasus is consistent
In response to a question about published reports on developments in the South Caucasus region, he said: "The position of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the issue of changing geopolitical borders and developments in the Caucasus has not changed. Basically, there are two issues. One issue is the issue of peace and peaceful resolution of disputes between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Armenia."
Baghaei added: "Iran has always emphasized the acceleration of the signing of the peace agreement. Delaying this process is not beneficial and could lead to the formation of new tensions."
The spokesman for the Iranian diplomatic service continued to emphasize: "On the issue of transit and transportation routes, Iran has supported the creation of such routes. Such measures are useful in developing economic cooperation between countries. But these routes should never conflict with the territorial integrity of states."
Referring to the desire for the entry of extra-regional actors into the South Caucasus, he stated: "The entry of such actors will not help the development of the countries of the region, and we have announced our position. There are agreements on this issue. Rumors about the participation of extra-regional countries were rejected by regional actors. However, Iran is closely monitoring this issue and is in close contact with both countries."
Only the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions were discussed in Istanbul
In response to a question about speculations about the outcome of the Iran-Europe talks, Baghaei emphasized: "During the talks with Europe, no issues were raised except the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions. It is not unnatural for European countries to spread a narrative. The European narrative is not Iran's narrative. The European parties do not have the authority to use the mechanism known as the SnapBack mechanism, and Iran has announced its positions."
In response to the threat of European leaders to activate the SnapBack mechanism and the possibility of Iran withdrawing from the NPT in response to this activation of this mechanism, he stated: “The European parties have long tried to use a topic in Resolution 2231 as a negotiating leverage. Iran has emphasized that this tool is ineffective. Recent events and Europe’s support for the aggression of the Zionist regime and the United States against Iran have called into question the validity of Resolution 2231 and the competence of European countries.”
Baghaei emphasized: “Given the gross violation of the JCPOA commitments by European countries, it is questionable whether such countries can consider themselves parties committed to the JCPOA. The European parties do not have the authority to use the SnapBack mechanism.”
The spokesman for the Iranian diplomatic service added: “We explicitly announced this issue before the negotiations on Friday and even during the negotiations. They know that if they use this mechanism, they will face a decisive response from Iran and the situation will become more complicated. The harm of such an action will definitely befall the non-proliferation regime and European countries. These threats have caused reactions in Iranian society.”
Baghaei emphasized: “We hope that the opposing parties will realize the consequences of any abuse of the processes of Resolution 2231 and refrain from complicating this issue.”
There is no doubt about the Zionist regime’s support for anti-Iranian terrorist groups
In response to a question about the recent terrorist attack on Zahedan and the Zionist regime’s support for the terrorists of Jaish al-Dalum, the Iranian diplomatic service spokesman said: “Unfortunately, these terrorist attacks have a history. There is no doubt about the Zionist regime’s support for anti-Iranian terrorist groups. The aim of these actions is to reduce the security of Iranian citizens. The Iranian armed forces will definitely identify the perpetrators of these crimes and deal with them.”
He added: “The Zionist regime uses every means to undermine the security of Iranians. These crimes will make Iran’s determination to confront such crimes more serious.”
The US base in Germany has been used against Iran
In response to a question about Germany’s claim that the country does not accept responsibility for the use of the Ramstein base by the US against other countries, Beqaei said: “This claim has legal flaws. International law rejects the use of country bases by another country against third countries. In recent years, we have witnessed the US use of this base against other countries, including Iran. This claim is legally flawed and even German lawyers criticized it.”
US withdrawal from UNESCO has no justification
In response to a question about the US withdrawal from UNESCO, the Iranian diplomatic spokesperson said: “According to the US, the reason for this decision was UNESCO’s support for Palestine and opposition to Israel. "This is the third time that the United States has withdrawn from UNESCO, and it is a continuation of the new US administration's trend towards international organizations. In this particular case, the US withdrawal from UNESCO due to the organization's support for Palestine is deeply troubling and has no justification. Many world officials have criticized this justification."
We have no plans to talk to the US at the moment
Baghaei continued: Iran currently has no plans to talk to the US and whenever the interests and national interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran require it, we will make a decision and announce it.
The West is partners in the genocide in Gaza
Stating that "European countries must be held accountable for the tragedies that are taking place in occupied Palestine," he said: One of the reasons for the formation of the process that has resulted in the open genocide in Gaza is these double standards and selective and unfair approaches to the Palestinian issue; that you put the victim in the place of the aggressor and condemn it is merely encouraging the aggressor.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman clarified: Those who died in Gaza from hunger, disease, and injuries caused by the bombings are not members of Hamas, but the Palestinian people. 60,000 innocent people have been killed so far and 150,000 have been injured. Gaza has become an uninhabitable place and it will take at least 40 years to clear the rubble, so you are destroying all the necessary coordinates for the formation of a state and then claiming that you are seeking recognition of the Palestinian state.
Baghaei continued: "To form a state, we need land. The little land that remains of historical Palestine has become a scorched earth. You need people; people who are all at risk of genocide. You need a government and a sovereignty that does not value any of these. So as long as the European parties do not adopt a fair approach to the Palestinian issue and unilaterally support only an occupying and racist regime, we will not see success in resolving this issue."
Raising non-nuclear issues shows the other side's confusion
In response to a question about France's attempt to raise non-nuclear issues and link them to the SnapBack mechanism issue, he said: "This action is a kind of blackmail tool. Every negotiation has two sides. The subject of our negotiations with the European side is clear. The subject is the lifting of sanctions and nuclear issues. Raising non-nuclear issues shows the other side's confusion. On the other hand, now the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic of Iran are much more determined than before to protect all their assets and their defense capabilities."
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman emphasized: "It has become clear to everyone that Iran's defense capabilities are the only thing that can defend Iran. Iran will not negotiate about these capabilities under any circumstances."
Trump's statements are made for US domestic consumption
In response to a question about US President Donald Trump's claim that Iran does not have the right to enrich uranium, he clarified: "Let me not talk about the statements that are made for US domestic consumption. The issue of Iran is clear and does not need to be repeated."
The Zionist regime's anti-Iranian claims are very shameless
In response to a question about the Zionist regime's claim that Iran wants to assassinate American officials, the Iranian diplomatic service spokesman emphasized: "This atmosphere-building began eight months ago. The purpose of this hype is to distort the situation. This is very shameless. Those who threaten Iran itself and even carried out their threats against Iran and murdered a group of the most honorable citizens of Iran are very shameless. The goals of the Zionist regime are clear. They are trying to portray the oppressed."
He added: "They are seeking to create a stir in the American media space. You cannot make ridiculous statements against the authorities of a country and expect that the people of that country will not react.”
If Iran is to remain a member of the NPT, it must benefit from its benefits
In response to a question about the issue of uranium enrichment, Baghaei emphasized: “Iran’s position on the issue of enrichment was announced by the Iranian Foreign Minister. The issue is simple. If Iran is to remain a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, it must benefit from the rights and benefits of this membership. We cannot expect to be a member of the treaty and be deprived of its rights. The future of Iran’s nuclear program and uranium enrichment program is very clear.”
He added: “We are waiting for the results of the Atomic Energy Organization’s investigation regarding the extent of damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities.”
Iran is still a party to safeguards agreements
The Iranian diplomat also said in response to a question about the cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency: "Iran is still a party to the safeguards agreements. In light of the binding resolution of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, we are going to define a new protocol with the International Atomic Energy Agency to see how we can continue cooperation. Probably within the next 2 weeks, an IAEA official will visit Iran, and we are going to discuss these technical aspects during that meeting."
Until the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people is realized, there will be no peace
In response to a question about Tehran's policy towards the Zionist regime, the Iranian diplomatic spokesman emphasized: "Iran's policy is a principled policy. We do not recognize the Zionist regime, and this regime is based on the occupation of Palestinian land. As long as the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people is not realized, there will be no peace in the region."
He added: "According to reports from international organizations, the Zionist regime has now acquired a racist nature and is committing an open genocide. Iran's position has not changed and is a principled policy."
A plan for the president's visit to Afghanistan has not been communicated to the Foreign Ministry
In response to a question, Beghaei said: "Currently, a plan for the president's visit to Afghanistan has not been communicated to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. What the president raised was an emphasis on continuing the policy of good neighborliness and brotherhood with the country of Afghanistan. It was stated that if appropriate arrangements are made, this issue will be reviewed.”
He added: “The issue of recognizing the Taliban government is a sovereign issue that countries decide on based on their interests. Iran has various contacts and exchanges with Afghanistan and intends to continue these contacts. Whenever we reach a conclusion on the issue of recognition, that decision will be announced.”
Turkey is trying to hold the Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting as soon as possible
In response to a question about the continuation of the Zionist regime’s crimes, the Iranian diplomatic spokesman emphasized: “Iran’s focus is on regional and Muslim countries. These countries feel closer to the oppressed Palestinian people in terms of religion and region. Iran has not hesitated to take the necessary measures to help the Palestinian people and it is an international duty. According to the UN Charter and the four Geneva Conventions and the Convention on the Prohibition of Genocide, all governments have the duty to take action to stop these crimes.”
He added: “Turkey, as the chairman of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, is trying to hold this summit as soon as possible. Our contacts with Saudi Arabia as the headquarters country and Turkey as the chairman of the organization continue.”
For Iran and Iraq, the 1975 Algiers Agreement remains the basis for determining border boundaries
In response to a question about increasing cooperation between Iran and Iraq and new methods for transporting Arbaeen pilgrims and using this opportunity for discussions related to border delimitation, Beghaei stated: “This requires cooperation and coordination between the parties. The legal departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior are seriously pursuing this issue. For Iran and Iraq, the 1975 Algiers Agreement remains the basis for determining border boundaries. Accordingly, our colleagues in the legal department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are seriously pursuing this issue in the form of committees related to the 1975 Algiers Agreement in an effective and constructive manner.”
Diplomacy is always a tool for protecting national interests
In another part of his remarks, he said: Diplomacy is always a tool for protecting national interests, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for monitoring developments and identifying opportunities, whenever it deems necessary, based on decisions made in the decision-making hierarchy of our country.
The Zionist regime has always violated the ceasefire
In response to a question and emphasizing that "there is no way to be sure that the Zionist regime will adhere to the promises and agreements it makes," Beghaei said: In all cases where a ceasefire has been established so far and during these eight decades, the ceasefire has been violated by this regime. Therefore, what reassures us in relation to the Zionist regime and any other party greedy for Iranian soil and water is our own defense and military capabilities, which will definitely make any aggressor regret repeating their aggressions.
Rubio publishes his fictional fabrications as truth and news
In response to a question about US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s claim that Iran requested help from Russia, China and North Korea during the imposed war, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman clarified: “The fact is that we are not going to react to every fabricated claim or irrelevant statement. He has a very strong imagination and publishes his fictional fabrications as truth and news.”
A regime that seeks to destroy the original inhabitants of Palestine is doomed to failure
In response to another question, he said: “Iran’s position on Palestine is very clear. Iran has spared no effort for the right of the Palestinian people to determine their destiny. This right is recognized in international law and all countries have an obligation to help form a Palestinian state. Iran is a country that has long proposed a plan to hold a referendum in Palestine. "The plans put forward to portray the Zionist regime as an oppressor contradict this plan. A regime that seeks to destroy the original inhabitants of Palestine is doomed to failure."
We have registered over 150 pages of documents on the crimes of the Zionist regime with the United Nations
In response to a question about Iran’s legal complaint against the Zionist regime and the United States, Beghaei said: “The first step for such an issue is to document the crimes and register documents related to violations and international crimes. We have been doing this since the day the Zionist regime’s aggression began. We have registered over 150 pages of documents; at least as correspondence and not its appendices, which are much more, with the United Nations and other relevant organizations.”
The spokesman for the Iranian diplomatic service emphasized: “A committee has been established in the Legal Office of the President, in which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its International Law Department, has an active membership and role. We are following up on this issue seriously. The issue of identifying the bases of jurisdiction and other legal aspects is also on our agenda with great seriousness.”
Istanbul was our choice of venue
In response to a question about why Istanbul was chosen as the venue for the Iran-Europe talks, he said: “We preferred that the Iran-three European meeting be held in Istanbul.”
Negotiations are not meant to be a tool for bullying and intimidating the other party
In response to a question about Iran’s conditions for resuming Iran-US talks and the need for a guarantee from the US that it would not attack Iran, Baghaei stated: “The biggest guaranteeing factor is Iran’s power. In addition to committing an international crime, the US dealt a severe blow to the principle of diplomacy and negotiation. This issue should not be underestimated. It is unprecedented that when two countries have agreed to continue negotiations, the other side encourages its proxy to invade the other country.”
He added: “The attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which were under 24-hour monitoring by the IAEA, is also unacceptable. There is no justification for carrying out this attack.”
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said: "The point that our negotiators emphasized is that the condition for any negotiation is a change in behavior and view towards the principle of negotiation. Negotiation or diplomacy is not supposed to be a tool for coercion and intimidation of the other party. As long as we ensure that our interests and benefits are secured through negotiation, we will definitely not hesitate to use diplomacy."
The developments in the Caucasus must be resolved by the countries of the region
In response to a question about the claim of some American officials regarding this country's request to lease the so-called Zangezur Corridor, Baqaei said: "Other countries have rejected this claim. We do not consider this to be in the interest of the region and we believe that the developments in the Caucasus must be resolved by the countries of the region."
The death penalty in Iran is determined for the most serious crimes
In response to a question, he said: "Countries have different views on the death penalty. The issue of determining the punishment and how to implement it is the responsibility of the countries, which decide based on their legal positions. The death penalty in Iran is set for the most serious crimes. The Iranian judiciary is trying to limit these cases to very serious crimes.”
The trilateral meeting of Iran, China and Russia focused on the nuclear issue
Baghaei also said: The trilateral meeting of Iran, China and Russia focused on the nuclear issue, Resolution 2231 and discussions related to the so-called trigger mechanism, including the threats raised. Therefore, basically, this meeting was not supposed to discuss other issues.
The issue of Arash and Helmand water right is being followed up
In response to a question about the Helmand water right and the Arash gas field, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman clarified: “This issue is raised in every meeting and conversation with the Afghan side. The issue of the Arash gas field is also being followed up continuously.”
Iran should be removed from the UN Security Council agenda
Baghaei concluded by saying: "If the UN Security Council sanctions are reimposed against Iran, we will definitely react. In principle, there is no legal basis for reinstating these sanctions. Iran insists that the Iran issue must be removed from the UN Security Council agenda at the appropriate time, and anything other than this is unacceptable in our view."
