Only One Negotiation Channel Exists, Enrichment Non-Negotiable
WANA (May 19) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei, in a press conference, addressed various issues, stressing that the only ongoing negotiations between Iran and the U.S. are conducted by Iran’s Foreign Minister and the U.S. President’s special envoy. He denied the existence of any parallel negotiations, as speculated by some Western media.
Condemnation of Israeli Aggression
Baghaei highlighted the Tehran Dialogue Forum, calling it a key element of Iran’s informal diplomacy.
He also referred to the Foreign Minister’s visits to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank as crimes against humanity, citing the killing of 200 civilians in the past 24 hours. He criticized the silence of human rights organizations and the military support of the U.S., UK, and others.
Regarding contradictory U.S. statements during talks, Baghaei said Iran continues to engage in negotiations to demonstrate its seriousness and goodwill in seeking a fair and sustainable agreement, even amid American inconsistency.
Uranium Enrichment ‘Absolutely Non-Negotiable’
On Iran’s uranium enrichment, Baghaei declared it non-negotiable, describing it as a vital part of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program and the product of decades of scientific effort. He rejected any demand for its suspension, calling such expectations unrealistic.
He compared the U.S. negotiation behavior to a game of “snakes and ladders”, noting how American positions shift once negotiators return to Washington, undermining progress and trust.
#Iran ‘s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson:
“If the #Snapback_Mechanism is triggered, we will not leave it unanswered and will certainly adjust our approach.” pic.twitter.com/i7bqukli0q— WANA News Agency (@WANAIran) May 19, 2025
Baghaei further confirmed that President Pezeshkian’s visit to Oman is planned, with details to be provided by the presidential office.
On Iran’s participation in a high-level UN peacekeeping summit in Berlin, he affirmed Iran’s readiness to cooperate, emphasizing its responsible approach to global peace and security. Iran has expressed willingness to contribute personnel to UN peacekeeping missions, with operational details to be handled by the armed forces.
Snapback Threat: Iran Warns Against Abuse of UNSC Tools
Responding to potential European activation of the JCPOA “snapback” mechanism, Baghaei warned Iran would not leave any hostile or unfounded action unanswered.
He stressed that Iran’s nuclear program is strictly peaceful, and accused European powers of abusing Resolution 2231 to exert pressure. He warned that invoking the snapback would mark a departure from diplomacy and would force Iran to reconsider its current approach.
Baghaei criticized U.S. sanctions, calling them crimes against humanity and clear evidence of U.S. hostility toward the Iranian people. He said America’s refusal to adhere to diplomatic norms discredits its claims of pursuing genuine negotiations.
Diplomacy Against the Snapback Mechanism
WANA (Dec 30) – “The year 2025 is a pivotal year for Iran’s nuclear issue,” declared Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araqchi, during his first visit to Beijing since assuming office. This statement, made just days before the new year, highlights a key date within the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA). According to the JCPOA, […]
Baghaei also reiterated that Iran has nothing to hide in its nuclear program, which is peaceful and repeatedly verified by the IAEA. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to diplomacy as the preferred path to resolve differences.
Iran Warns of Israeli Sabotage Aimed at Derailing Talks with U.S.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson warned against potential Israeli sabotage aimed at disrupting ongoing indirect talks between Tehran and Washington.
“Israel has shown no limits in violating international laws and norms,” said the spokesperson, citing the ongoing war in Gaza, occupation of Syrian and Lebanese territories, repeated attacks on Yemen, and assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists.
He added: “It cannot be ruled out that Israel may carry out provocative acts in the future, trying to frame Iran to provoke regional conflict. The international community must remain vigilant and prevent Israel from committing more actions against international peace and stability.”
Behind the Surge of Allegations Against Iran
WANA (May 13) – As diplomatic channels between Iran and the United States begin to reopen, a new wave of security-related allegations against the Islamic Republic has emerged—from claims of “undisclosed secret nuclear sites” to vague reports about “arms shipments to Russia.” For informed observers, this familiar pattern is no coincidence; rather, it signals the […]
Iran Urges Regional States to Prioritize Collective Interests
The spokesperson highlighted Iran’s positive relations with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and mentioned recent diplomatic visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and the UAE. He emphasized the importance of regional countries acting based on shared regional stability, resisting third-party interference.
Qatar and Oman Play Constructive Role in Iran-U.S. Talks
Praising Qatar and Oman, he said: “Qatar has had a constructive role in the negotiations. Oman, too, has made significant contributions. This reflects the effectiveness of Iran’s regional diplomacy and the importance it places on cooperation with neighbors in preserving regional security.”
Iran Welcomes Disarmament of PKK
Regarding reports of PKK disarmament, the spokesperson welcomed the move, expressing hope that it would be a turning point for greater security in Turkey and the surrounding region.
Iran Welcomes PKK Dissolution as Step Toward Peace
WANA (May 13) – The Islamic Republic of Iran has welcomed the Kurdistan Workers’ Party‘s (PKK) announcement of its dissolution and abandonment of armed struggle, describing the move as a significant step toward rejecting violence and strengthening regional security. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday, “We view the PKK’s statement announcing the […]
Iraq’s Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity a Top Priority for Iran
The spokesperson reaffirmed Iran’s firm stance on respecting Iraq’s sovereignty, stating: “We’ve repeatedly emphasized that Iraq’s territorial integrity must be upheld. Agreements between Iran and Iraq are in place and being implemented to prevent the misuse of Iraqi territory by terrorist groups.”
U.S. Sanctions Undermine Negotiations
Commenting on fresh U.S. sanctions during ongoing nuclear talks, he said: “Sanctions are nothing new. We’ve been under various U.S. sanctions for 40 years and have learned to protect our interests. These sanctions are neither legal nor ethical.”
He called on the Iranian public and international community to judge the sincerity of the U.S. in its claims about constructive engagement with Iran, adding that such moves show a lack of goodwill.
On the issue of potential U.S. investment in Iran, the spokesperson clarified: “American sanctions, created by U.S. lawmakers and executive orders over decades, are what prevent their companies from doing business with Iran — not Iranian policies.”
“Every free human being hates bullying. Every free soul despises oppression and injustice. They threaten us, talk sanctions — as if we haven’t lived under sanctions for decades.
If we build ties with our neighbors, there’s nothing they can do.
Let them try. Region by region, they… pic.twitter.com/I8WsgrBIxn— WANA News Agency (@WANAIran) May 18, 2025
Western Support Behind Continued Atrocities in Gaza
Condemning Israeli actions in Gaza, the spokesperson said that although international reactions are increasing, they remain ineffective without immediate actions by relevant global institutions like the UN Security Council.
He stated that international legal bodies had filed cases against Israeli leaders, but these efforts were obstructed by the U.S. and its allies. “There has been no serious progress in holding Israeli officials accountable due to the unwavering support of the U.S. and some Western nations, especially the U.K.,” he added.
Iran Will Not Seek Permission for Uranium Enrichment
Responding to U.S. comments on Iran’s uranium enrichment program, the spokesperson stressed: “Iran does not and will not seek permission from anyone to enrich uranium. The right to enrichment is recognized under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).”
He called U.S. allegations against Iran “deliberate misrepresentation,” comparing the situation to countries like South Korea and Brazil with similar capabilities.
“If the notion that anyone who engages in enrichment is inevitably pursuing a bomb or capable of making one is correct, then all enrichment facilities in South Korea, Brazil, and many other countries should also be dismantled.”
“Our nuclear program is peaceful and dates back over 60 years. Asking Iran to halt its peaceful program while ignoring Israel’s nuclear arsenal is unjust, unethical, and illegal,” he stated.
Eslami: No Undeclared Nuclear Sites Exist in Iran
WANA (May 14) – Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran has never sought and is not seeking to militarize its nuclear program, emphasizing that there is no place for weaponization in Iran’s nuclear agenda. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the […]
No Time or Venue Confirmed for Iran-U.S. Negotiations
The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that no specific time or location has been finalized for the next round of Iran-U.S. negotiations.
Regarding talks with Europe, he emphasized Iran’s consistent readiness for dialogue. At the recent Istanbul meeting, Iran reaffirmed its willingness to continue discussions. However, the exact time and venue will be announced following consultations between Iranian and European negotiators.
Iran Reaffirms Peaceful Nuclear Intentions
Speaking on Iran’s proposals to Europe, the spokesperson said Iran has always maintained it does not seek to weaponize its nuclear program. To build trust, Iran has shown readiness to accept a high level of transparency and inspections—beyond the requirements of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and safeguard agreements.
He added that although the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) remains valid under UN Security Council resolutions, Iran was forced to suspend some of its commitments after the U.S. withdrawal. He emphasized that if Western claims of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons are sincere, Iran is ready to cooperate, as its nuclear program remains peaceful.
Iran Will Never Pursue Nuclear Weapons
WANA (May 16) – The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran will never pursue the development of nuclear weapons. Referring to the ongoing indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran, he said: “They believe Iran has no right to enrich uranium, whereas this is the […]
The spokesperson said Iran is willing to adopt various mechanisms under IAEA supervision to prove the program’s peaceful nature. However, he warned that if the West’s true intention is to dismantle Iran’s nuclear industry and halt uranium enrichment altogether, such an approach would fundamentally alter the nature of negotiations.
Detentions in France Under Scrutiny
Commenting on the arrest of Iranian nationals in France, the spokesperson confirmed that Iran is seriously following up on the matter. Following repeated requests, consular access was granted twice. However, the specific charges—especially against Ms. Esfandiari—remain unclear.
The only cited issue appears to be her social media support for the oppressed people of Palestine. The spokesperson called this situation a bitter irony, as the ongoing genocide in Gaza is met with silence, while those opposing it face persecution—highlighting the West’s double standards on human rights.
#Mahdieh_Esfandiari: Detained in #France, Silenced for a Post?
According to reports, a 35-year-old Iranian woman has been arrested on charges of “glorifying and promoting terrorism” due to her activity in social media posts related to #Gaza.#Iran https://t.co/KXMJP5ciLt
— WANA News Agency (@WANAIran) April 14, 2025
UK Following The Same Pattern
He further remarked that some European countries appear to be copying each other’s approach. In recent days, several Iranian citizens have been arrested in the UK within a span of about 7 to 10 days.
From a legal and human rights perspective, these detentions meet the criteria for arbitrary arrest. Despite some individuals being released on May 17 without clear charges, three remain in custody, with no consular access or transparent explanation of the accusations.
Political Motivations Suspected in UK Arrests
The UK media has created a narrative suggesting links between the detainees and the Iranian government. The spokesperson rejected this as unjustified, noting that contact with one’s government—especially for obtaining passports or consular services—is entirely normal and not criminal.
Due to the lack of clarity surrounding the arrests, Iran summoned the UK chargé d’affaires on Sunday to express its strong protest. The Iranian Foreign Ministry expects British authorities to provide prompt clarification and address the concerns over the potential political motives behind these actions.
