WANA (Dec 23) – Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that a new round of talks between Iran and three European countries is likely to take place in January. He stated that the discussions will cover various issues, including nuclear matters.

 

Speaking at a press briefing, Baghaei, while congratulating the birth of Hazrat Fatima, Women’s and Mother’s Day in Iran, and the birthday of Jesus Christ, expressed hope that the shared values of the Abrahamic religions would serve as a foundation for understanding, peace, and justice among different religions and across the world.

 

U.S. Interference in Other Countries’ Affairs

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded to recent U.S. remarks about interfering in Iran’s internal affairs, stating that this behavior is not new. The U.S. has a long history of meddling in the internal matters of independent nations. Such actions violate international law and the UN Charter, and the U.S. should be held accountable for its interventions. These remarks and interferences are condemned as part of the ongoing U.S. interference in Iran’s affairs.

 

No Direct Relations with Syria’s Ruling Authority

The spokesperson clarified that Iran does not have direct relations with the ruling authority in Syria. He emphasized that the Syrian people are capable of making their own decisions regarding their future and relations with regional and Islamic countries and criticized U.S. officials for their attempts to dictate others’ affairs.

 

Upcoming Talks with European Countries

The spokesperson mentioned that a new round of talks with three European countries is likely to take place in the last week of January. These discussions will cover a range of issues, including nuclear matters. The talks will focus on dialogue, not negotiations, as agreed in the previous round.

 

No Need for a Proxy

In response to a claim that Iran is creating a proxy network of children against Israel, Baghaei called the allegation baseless and absurd, stating that Iran has never had, nor needs, a proxy. Iran stands on its own.

 

No Information on Trump’s Message

The spokesperson responded to rumors about Trump sending a message through Oman to Iran for negotiations, stating that he had no information on the matter.

 

Iran-Russia Cooperation Agreement Signing in Late January

Baghaei announced that the comprehensive cooperation agreement between Iran and Russia will likely be signed in late January during a bilateral visit.

 

Commitment to Negotiation

The spokesperson emphasized that Iran has never left the negotiation table and remains committed to discussions aimed at safeguarding national interests.

 

Eurasian Economic Council Meeting in Russia

Baghaei confirmed the upcoming Eurasian Economic Council meeting in Russia, where Iran’s Minister of Industry, Mine, and Trade will attend. A key agenda item will be Iran’s observer membership in the union.

 

Clarification on the Killing of Two Iranians in France

He expressed the need for clarification on the murder of two Iranians in northern France. He stated that the Iranian embassy in France is following up, awaiting details on whether the incident was terrorism-related or motivated by racism, and urged French authorities to provide updates.

 

Iran Investigates Murder of Russian Citizen in Northern Iran

Regarding the murder of a Russian citizen, Baghaei said that Iranian judicial authorities are investigating the murder of a Russian citizen in northern Iran following a request from the Russian Embassy. The incident is being treated as a criminal case and is under active investigation, said the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

 

Iran Demands Clarity on Martyrdom of Iranian Embassy Worker in Syria

Iran is actively pursuing the case of an Iranian embassy worker in Syria who was killed during a shooting incident, and in response to a question, Baghaei, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, stated that the ministry is committed to fully investigating the circumstances of the death.

 

He clarified that it remains unclear which terrorist groups or individuals were responsible for the killing. The incident occurred on the same day Damascus fell while the embassy worker was attempting to leave the city. Baghaei added that Iran has requested that the interim Syrian government and the ruling authorities provide clarity on the matter.

 

Iran Responds to Claims of Espionage Activity in Occupied Territories

In response to Hebrew media claims that Iran is seeking to recruit spies from among the residents of the occupied territories, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is not obligated to respond to every unfounded claim.

 

Iran-Turkey Relations Based on Good Neighborliness

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson affirmed that relations between Iran and Turkey have always been based on good neighborliness. In response to a question about potential agreements between the two countries regarding Syria, the spokesperson emphasized that Iran remains committed to maintaining these relations and continues to engage with Turkey seriously. He also mentioned that if disagreements arise, both nations address them openly, underscoring the ongoing dialogue between the two countries.

 

Iranian Citizens Should Avoid Traveling to Syria

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson advised Iranian citizens against traveling to Syria due to the current situation. Efforts by Iran’s embassies in Damascus and Beirut successfully evacuated Iranian nationals, including military advisers, embassy staff, and others, from Syria.

 

U.S. Terrorism Sponsorship Lists as a Political Tool

The spokesperson criticized the U.S. for using lists like those of “terrorism sponsors” as a tool to exert pressure and promote its foreign policy objectives, asserting that such actions lack a true basis and are politically motivated.

 

Positive Trend in Iran-Egypt Relations

Regarding the recent visit of Iran’s deputy speaker to Cairo, the spokesperson stated that relations with Egypt are progressing positively, especially with Egypt’s significant role in the region and the Muslim world. Talks at the D-8 summit and bilateral consultations are seen as vital for enhancing cooperation.

 

Iran’s Stance on Syrian Sovereignty

On the Iran-Turkey talks regarding Syria, the spokesperson reiterated Iran’s firm stance on maintaining Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing the importance of resolving Syria’s future without external interference, a position widely supported regionally and globally.

 

Violations in Yemen

The spokesperson condemned the continued military aggression against Yemen by the U.S., UK, and Israel, describing it as a blatant violation of humanitarian law and a war crime. Civilian infrastructure and historical buildings have been targeted, further exacerbating the situation.

 

Normalization with Israel is Unacceptable

In response to efforts by some regional countries to normalize relations with Israel, the spokesperson rejected such moves, stating that they cannot erase the ongoing crimes and genocide against Palestinians. He emphasized that all nations, including the UN, must hold Israel accountable for its actions.

 

Iran Acts Independently Against Threats

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that Iran, as an independent and resolute country, will act against any threat or aggression. He added that other resistance groups, based on their faith in confronting injustice and occupation, also carry out their duties.

 

Hope for Stability in Syria

The spokesperson expressed hope that Syria’s transition process will prevent further instability, avoiding the spread of insecurity to neighboring countries and the rise of extremist movements. He emphasized that Iran has raised this issue in discussions with regional countries and hopes all nations will act according to international law.

 

Support for Azerbaijan’s D-8 Membership

Regarding Azerbaijan’s membership in the D-8, the spokesperson confirmed that Iran has supported Azerbaijan’s application for several years as part of its neighborhood policy. He congratulated Azerbaijan on its membership and expressed hope that it would enhance cooperation among Islamic nations, particularly in the economic domain.

 

Iran Will Defend Itself Against Any Aggression

The spokesperson responded to questions about threats, including potential Israeli attacks, by stating that Iran will act with full authority to defend itself and will retaliate against any party that attempts aggression against Iran.

 

Future of Iran-Syria Relations Based on Syrian Leadership

The spokesperson stated that Iran has always been a supporter of the Syrian people, helping them overcome terrorism and extremism. However, decisions about the future of relations with Syria will be based on the behavior and actions of the ruling factions in Syria.

 

Respect for Syrian Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity

The spokesperson emphasized that respecting Syria’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty is a fundamental principle, and all parties involved must adopt a comprehensive, forward-looking approach. He also strongly criticized the ongoing U.S. occupation of parts of Syria.