WANA (Mar 03) – Esmail Baghaei, Iran’s FM spokesman, held his weekly presser today and answered reporters’ questions regarding various issues, including Iran’s negotiations with the US, the IAEA Director General’s recent remarks, etc.

 

During the press conference, as many times Iranian officials had emphasized that Iran would not negotiate with the US under pressure, threats and sanctions, Baghaei responded to a question about Iran-US relations if there be no change of mind in Iran’s plan to negotiate: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has always been committed to a diplomatic approach and engagement. We have never adopted a confrontational stance because we are confident in the peaceful nature of our nuclear program. On the other hand, we see no justification for others to bring up the issue of confrontation. That is their (American) choice, but naturally, confrontation will be met with confrontation.”

 

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, had recently voiced concerns over the absence of communication between Iran and the United States while stating that Iran is close to reaching nuclear weapons.

 

Following these remarks, Iran’s FM spokesman stated: “I must reiterate our longstanding position that we expect the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to act strictly within the limits of his authority and responsibilities as outlined in the Agency’s Statute. Making statements based on speculation or political conjecture neither falls within the Director General’s mandate nor contributes to resolving the issue. Such remarks only serve to inflame the atmosphere of constructive engagement. These kinds of assertions or conceptualizations are in no way based on reality.”

 

 

“Iran’s nuclear program has been repeatedly proven and confirmed to be conducted in accordance with international legal frameworks, the Safeguards Agreement, and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The IAEA possesses all the necessary tools to carry out its monitoring activities. The continued use of such statements, which have unfortunately been repeated multiple times despite being proven false, is in no way constructive and does not facilitate progress,” he added.

 

“At the same time, we recognize that these moves align with demands made by certain Western countries through a resolution in the Board of Governors. This itself indicates that the origin and basis of such reports are entirely political rather than grounded in any technical assessment. We will wait to see what happens in the coming weeks and months and will certainly take the necessary measures accordingly. Making statements or issuing opinions based on the political perspectives of certain countries is unbefitting of international organizations and the IAEA,” he mentioned.

 

Regarding the new US sanctions against Iran’s oil sector, targeting 16 companies and 13 vessels allegedly linked to the country’s energy industry, Baghaei also commented that “The continuation of these sanctions is entirely contrary to international law and constitutes a blatant violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law and politically, it is merely a sign of the persistent hostile and deceitful stance of the United States toward the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

 

About the continuation of talks with European counterparts and Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s FM, recent trip to Geneva and talks with European he stated that; “Both sides—ourselves and the three European countries—agree that talks are necessary and should continue transparently, addressing the expectations and concerns of both parties.”

 

On Palestine and the US president, Trump’s plan to forcibly displace the Palestinians, the FM spokesman said, “The Islamic Ummah and the Muslim community will never approve of any plan or conspiracy aimed at ethnic cleansing in occupied Palestine.”

 

 

Baghaei, continuing his press conference, addressed the renaming of Palestinian territories in the U.S., saying: “Regarding the decision of the U.S. Foreign Relations Committee, which has been repeated elsewhere in the U.S., the reality is that changing a name cannot erase or alter the facts on the ground. The West Bank and Gaza are parts of historic Palestine, and their belonging to Palestine is in no way questionable or subject to change.”

 

“Unfortunately, American policymakers are determined to collaborate and participate in the commission of genocide and the colonial erasure of Palestine, which, God willing, will never happen,” he emphasized.

 

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson, in response to a question regarding claims attributed to Lebanese officials about Iran’s role in the country and whether Tehran’s relations with the Lebanese government have undergone changes, stated: “Iran and Lebanon share a longstanding relationship based on mutual respect.”

 

He added, “We have always had and continue to maintain strong ties with the entire Lebanese society and government. Our relations, as the Islamic Republic of Iran and Lebanon as two UN member states, are founded on well-established international principles.”

 

Baghaei emphasized, “At the same time, we have a very close relationship with the Lebanese Resistance. We have always believed—and continue to believe—that the Resistance is an inseparable part of Lebanon and a significant stabilizing and strengthening factor for its government.”

 

Regarding recent discussions, Baghaei noted, “Relations between the two countries have always been good. If certain remarks have been made about specific recent developments, it should be noted that both sides have engaged in open discussions to resolve any misunderstandings. This approach remains in place, and during our recent visit, we held productive talks and meetings with senior Lebanese officials.”

 

He further stated, “What matters is that if any concerns exist, both sides should address them with a rational approach aimed at resolving issues. God willing, relations based on the interests of both nations will continue to remain strong.”

 

Baghaei, responding to a question about reports suggesting that the U.S. and Russian presidents discussed Iran’s nuclear program during their talks, and whether Foreign Minister Lavrov provided Iran with any report on this matter during his visit to Tehran, said: “During this visit, discussions and consultations were held on developments in Lebanon, Syria, Iran’s nuclear file, and other international issues on the agenda of both sides.” “In this meeting, we examined the Iranian nuclear file with Russia as a UN Security Council member and one of the JCPOA parties,” he continued.

 

Baghaei added, “It is possible that the Iran nuclear issue was mentioned as part of broader international discussions between the U.S. and Russia. However, any decision regarding Iran’s nuclear case will not be made without Iran’s input. Our Russian friends are well aware of this and share with us whatever is necessary. Our consultation process with Russia on various issues continues.”

 

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also responded to a question about whether Lavrov proposed Moscow’s mediation during his visit to Tehran. He stated: “As I have said before, given the importance of these issues, some parties may, in good faith, express readiness to raise such matters. Therefore, from this perspective, it is natural for some countries to offer assistance if needed.”