WANA (Jan 11) – Esmail Baghaei, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, addressed various issues in a recent interview. He stated: “Iran has always supported resistance against occupation and oppression. Resistance is a spontaneous movement in the region, and as long as oppression and occupation exist, nations feel obliged to resist.”

 

Responding to questions regarding Iran’s efforts to combat anti-Iranian resolutions and human rights statements, Baghaei stated that human rights have been turned into a tool for political pressure. He emphasized that some countries misuse human rights claims to target Iran, despite Iran’s commitment to international agreements and periodic reporting. He added, “Anti-Iranian resolutions at the United Nations have been politically motivated for years, and this is not a new issue.”

 

Baghaei pointed out that no country has a flawless human rights record, and while countries have agreed to work toward improving human rights based on international treaties, the concept has often been used as a political weapon against some nations.

 

On the Detention of Iranian Nationals Abroad

When asked about the detention of Iranian nationals in various countries on charges such as circumventing sanctions, Baghaei clarified that many of these accusations lack international legitimacy.

 

He stated, “Unilateral sanctions have neither a legal basis nor international legitimacy. These accusations are often politically motivated cases. We address these issues diplomatically, reminding the respective governments of their obligations under international law, and follow up through official notes and political dialogue.”

 

Regarding Mohammad Reza Nouri, an Iranian citizen detained in Iraq, Baghai confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively involved since the moment of his arrest.

 

“We immediately engaged with Iraqi officials, stressing that his extradition to the U.S. should not happen. The allegations against him are baseless and merely unsupported claims. This case has been raised in all of our diplomatic meetings with Iraqi officials and continues to be pursued.”

 

Iran’s Efforts to Stop Crimes in Gaza

In response to a question about Iran’s actions to stop the war in Gaza and pursue the arrest of Netanyahu, Baghaei reiterated that ending the genocide in Gaza is a key demand of the international community, and Iran has been involved in all diplomatic efforts in this regard.

 

He mentioned, “The Islamic Republic of Iran initiated two special summits of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Gaza and has actively participated in drafting relevant resolutions in the UN General Assembly. We have supported every initiative to stop the crimes and killings in Palestine, and in many cases, we have taken the initiative ourselves.”

 

Baghaei also addressed Iran’s relationship with the International Criminal Court (ICC), stating that while Iran is not a member of the ICC, it signed its founding statute and has obligations as a signatory.

 

“From the outset of the crisis, we have written to international bodies about the necessity of activating the ICC mechanisms,” he noted. “Issuing arrest warrants, such as the recent one against Netanyahu, was a significant development, but unfortunately, we have yet to see the enforcement of these warrants or their tangible impact on stopping the crimes.”

 

Despite the ongoing crimes of the Israeli regime in Gaza, Baghaei stressed that all four categories of international crimes—war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression—are continuously being committed by Israel, extending even beyond Gaza.

 

Iran’s ICC Membership

When asked why Iran is not a member of the ICC, Baghaei explained that membership requires a careful examination of the consequences. “At the time of the finalization of the ICC statute, we signed it, but we did not deem it necessary to ratify it at that point. Since then, it has been reviewed at various times, but we have not reached a final decision regarding membership.”

 

Baghaei emphasized the importance of implementing arrest warrants and countering political pressures on the ICC. “The Israeli regime and its supporters, including the U.S., exert significant pressure to weaken the ICC process, but the international community must insist on justice and prevent the continuation of these crimes.”

 

Iran’s Position on Syria and Future Relations

Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, discussed Syria’s situation and the future of Tehran-Damascus relations. He pointed out that reports indicate efforts to stabilize Syria and prepare for its future governance. He emphasized that Iran’s position has always been clear: decisions about Syria’s future should be made by the Syrian people without foreign interference.

 

He said, “The territorial integrity and unity of Syria are of great importance to us. Syria is a key country in the West Asia region, and any instability there could spread to other nations. We hope that Syria can pass through its transition period without harmful foreign interference, and that what benefits the Syrian people will be achieved.”

 

Iran’s Engagement with Syrian Authorities

On Iran’s direct contact with the current Syrian government, Baghaei clarified that while they do not have direct contact with the ruling faction, they have engaged with various opposition groups through political processes like the Astana process and the Syrian Constitutional Committee. Additionally, through regional countries involved in Syria’s developments, Iran has sought to establish communication.

 

Iran’s Embassy in Damascus

Regarding the reopening of Iran’s embassy in Damascus, Baghaei explained that the process requires certain conditions, including ensuring the safety of diplomats and the proper political environment. He assured that the matter would be considered at the appropriate time.

 

Support for Yemen’s Resistance

In response to a question on Iran’s support for Yemen’s resistance and Israel’s aggression, Baghaei reiterated Iran’s principled stance: “Iran has always supported resistance against occupation and oppression. Resistance is a spontaneous movement in the region, and as long as oppression and occupation exist, nations feel obliged to resist.”

 

He condemned Israel’s actions in Yemen, calling them violations of international law and the UN Charter. “These acts of aggression not only violate Yemen’s sovereignty but also promote lawlessness in the international system. The UN Security Council should intervene to stop these aggressions, but unfortunately, the aggressor countries, which are members of the Security Council, prevent meaningful action.”

 

Baghaei also noted, “Iran has always declared its supportive position toward resistance and commended Yemen’s honorable support for the Palestinian cause.”

 

Iran’s Position on Nuclear Talks

Addressing a report from Japan’s Kyodo news agency regarding Iran’s offer to Japan for mediating between Iran and the U.S. for upcoming negotiations, Baghaei clarified that Iran has never walked away from the negotiating table. “We have always said we are ready for talks, provided these negotiations respect mutual benefits and mutual respect,” he said.

 

Regarding the future U.S. administration, Baghaei acknowledged that speculating about it is difficult at this stage. He noted, “The decision on future talks will depend on the actions and behavior of the opposing parties. Nuclear talks are ongoing. In late November, a meeting was held in Geneva, not focused on nuclear issues, but on a range of regional developments. In this meeting, we conveyed our concerns and demands to the European parties, highlighting their unconstructive policies. The next round of talks will be held in late January, and nuclear issues will also be on the agenda.”

 

Baghaei reaffirmed that Iran’s nuclear program has always been peaceful and is under full supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as per the NPT and safeguard agreements. “The issues raised since 2003 were resolved within the framework of the JCPOA, and we have fully demonstrated our goodwill.”

 

Efforts to Reopen the Islamic Center of Hamburg

Commenting on the closure of the Islamic Center of Hamburg, Baghaei expressed regret over Germany’s decision, emphasizing that the center has played a vital role in promoting Iran-Germany cultural relations. “From the outset, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Iranian Embassy have taken numerous actions, and the center’s administrators have continued their efforts,” he added.

 

He stated, “The Islamic Center of Hamburg was a symbol of dialogue and interaction between Iran and Europe, especially Germany. We have always used every opportunity to clarify the importance of this center, and we hope the German authorities reconsider their decision. Efforts to reopen the center continue.”

 

Consular Issues and Iran-Germany Relations

On consular relations between Iran and Germany, Baghaei confirmed that Germany’s ambassador has returned to Tehran, and both embassies are operational. However, he noted that three Iranian consulates in Germany have been closed, and efforts are underway to ensure that consular services for Iranians in Germany are not disrupted.

 

Baghaei added, “When these measures were taken, steps were implemented to reassess Germany’s embassy operations in Tehran, including reducing the embassy’s staff. Discussions are ongoing, and our goal is to make Germany aware of the inappropriate nature of their actions and minimize the negative consequences for Iranians living in Germany.”

 

He also addressed Germany’s reaction to the death of Jamshid Sharmahd, stating, “We considered him an Iranian citizen, and we know he was, but we are working to reduce the repercussions of Germany’s actions on Iranians living in the country.”

 

International Organizations and Israeli Violations

spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, outlined Iran’s ongoing efforts to hold Israel accountable for its actions against Iran, including the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh and the attack on Iran’s embassy in Damascus.

 

Baghaei emphasized the role of international organizations in these matters, noting that these organizations are essentially made up of countries, and their secretariats have limited functions such as receiving communications, documenting them, and preparing agendas.

 

He stressed that final decisions are made by member states, and these organizations do not act independently from the collective influence of the countries involved.

 

Documentation of Violations and Legal Actions

Baghaei explained that Iran had immediately registered these incidents with the United Nations Security Council and the UN Secretary-General. “After the martyrdom of Haniyeh and the attack on our embassy in Damascus, we promptly documented these matters with the UN Security Council. From the beginning, it was clear that the Israeli regime was behind the assassination of Haniyeh. To date, three official communications have been sent by Iran’s mission in New York regarding this matter. These actions have been recorded as clear violations of international law, particularly principles regarding the immunity of diplomatic and consular premises.”

 

Baghaei emphasized the importance of documenting these violations for future legal and judicial actions. “The attack on the Iranian embassy in Damascus was a direct violation of the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran and international law. According to diplomatic principles, diplomatic and consular premises must remain inviolable under all circumstances. Documenting these incidents is a necessary step for any future legal or judicial actions.”

 

Unfortunately, Baghaei noted that there are no suitable international courts to address such violations. “At the international level, there are no courts with the authority to handle such cases. The UN Security Council, as an institution responsible for preventing threats to peace and international security, should take action. However, the council is a political body and is influenced by Western countries, particularly the United States.”

 

Failure of the Security Council to Act Effectively

Baghaei further criticized the UN Security Council for its failure to take meaningful action. “The actions taken by Israel are a clear example of a threat to international peace and security. In some instances, the Security Council has convened meetings, but due to interference from Western countries, especially the U.S.’s unconditional support for Israel, it has failed to make effective decisions. A clear example of this failure is the genocide and violent actions by Israel over the past 15 months. Despite the clear and undeniable atrocities, the Security Council has failed to issue a meaningful and impactful resolution.”

 

In conclusion, Baghaei reiterated that documenting these issues is a critical step in pursuing future legal and judicial measures. “We continue to expect the international community to fulfill its responsibilities regarding the blatant violations of international law and to stop Israel’s actions as a threat to international peace and security.”