Baghaei: Cooperation with IAEA Based on National Law
WANA (Oct 28) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said on Tuesday that the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is based on legislation approved by parliament and decisions made by the Supreme National Security Council.
Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Esmaeil Baghaei condemned recent “terrorist acts” by Israel in Lebanon, saying: “The Zionist regime’s objective is to obstruct any economic development or reconstruction efforts in Lebanon.”
He added that the guarantors of ceasefires in both Gaza and Lebanon play a crucial role and must fulfill their obligations.
Iran Condemns Israeli Airstrikes on Lebanon
WANA (Oct 24) – The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly condemned yesterday’s Israeli airstrikes on southern and Beqaa regions of Lebanon, which resulted in the death and injury of several Lebanese civilians, calling the attacks a terrorist crime. Ismail Baghaei, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, on Friday (October 24) denounced the […]
Baghaei also noted that a meeting of ECO interior ministers was held in Tehran today, describing it as an important regional event.
Iran Awaits Next Court Session for Esfandiari
Commenting on the case of Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian citizen detained in France, Baghaei said: “As you know, Ms. Esfandiari was conditionally released after last week’s court session. She is currently under supervised release and residing outside prison.”
He welcomed the court’s recent ruling for her conditional release, reiterating Iran’s stance that “there has been no valid reason for her detention” and expressing hope for her final acquittal and return to Iran.
Baghaei added that the Iranian Embassy in France continues to follow up on her case to secure her complete freedom as soon as possible.
A group of students attends a gathering in support of an Iranian student prisoner in France, Mahdieh Esfandiari, in front of the French embassy in Tehran, Iran, October 21, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Omani, Iraqi Officials Attend the ECO Interior Ministers’ Meeting in Tehran
Oman’s Minister of Interior and Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Interior attended the ECO Interior Ministers’ Meeting in Tehran as special guests, Baghaei said.
Baghaei told reporters the Omani minister’s visit was part of ongoing bilateral cooperation between Tehran and Muscat. During the trip, the Omani official met with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, and is also scheduled to meet the President of Iran.
Baghaei added that a delegation from Afghanistan also participated in the ECO meeting.
ECO Ministers’ Summit Opens in Tehran as Pezeshkian Urges Stronger Regional Cooperation
WANA (Oct 28) – The 4th Meeting of Interior Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) opened in Tehran on Monday, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian urging member states to strengthen regional cooperation and build resilient economic and security infrastructures. Ministers and senior officials from ten member countries — Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, […]
Iran: Syria’s Security Vital for the Region
Commenting on last week’s visit to Tehran by Russia’s special envoy for Syria, Baghaei said the talks were part of ongoing consultations on Syria, emphasizing that Syria’s stability and security are crucial for Iran and the entire region.
Cooperation with the IAEA Based on Parliamentary Law
Responding to questions on IAEA relations, Baghaei reiterated that Iran’s cooperation with the agency is governed by a law passed by parliament and overseen by the Supreme National Security Council.
He said Iran remains committed to the NPT and its Safeguards Agreement, and that any new requests from the IAEA will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in line with national interests.
Larijani: If the IAEA Has a Proposal for Cooperation, It Should Submit It Formally
WANA (Oct 20) – Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary emphasized that any proposal from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for cooperation with Tehran must be submitted officially for review by a special committee within the Council. In a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Qassem al-Araji, Iran’s Ali Larijani discussed the […]
Iran, Afghanistan Discuss Border and Legal Cooperation
Baghaei also referred to Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi’s recent visit to Kabul, saying the trip addressed key bilateral issues, including border security, water rights, and judicial cooperation.
He said both sides agreed to resume the long-stalled border marker renewal project, and held “productive talks” on combating illegal crossings, drug and human trafficking, and other forms of transnational organized crime.
Baghaei added that discussions were also held on prisoner transfers and extradition, expressing hope that such engagements will help facilitate broader cooperation between the two neighbors.
Iran Continues Documenting Evidence of 12-Day War Crimes
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said that the process of collecting and documenting evidence of crimes committed during the so-called 12-day war against Iran is ongoing.
Baghaei told reporters that the first step in any international legal process is “the documentation of evidence and proof of crimes,” adding that the ministry’s international department began gathering such material “from the very first days of the Israeli aggression,” and has already published one volume of findings.
He noted that the Foreign Ministry, Presidential Legal Department, and Judiciary are jointly handling related investigations, while Iran also managed to include two clauses condemning the attacks in the final communiqué of the Non-Aligned Movement summit in Uganda, backed by 120 member states.
Baghaei said Iran is also reviewing which international bodies have jurisdiction over the alleged crimes committed by the United States and Israel.
Iranian Public Opinion Toward the U.S. After the 12-Day War
WANA (Aug 27) – The Association of Social Sciences Alumni of the University of Tehran, citing surveys conducted during and after the recent war by reputable academic and research centers, has released seven key findings on Iranian society’s views toward the United States and European countries in light of the recent 12-day war. The […]
Our International Commitments Framework Is Clear
Referring to the UN Security Council resolutions, he said: “Resolution 2231 of the Security Council explicitly states that after a 10-year period, Iran should be treated like other non-nuclear countries. While that resolution was in effect, we accepted a set of voluntary commitments aimed at building confidence and creating transparency beyond safeguard obligations — in exchange for lifting unjust sanctions.”
Baghaei continued: “The situation is now clear, and the framework of our international obligations is well-defined. As I mentioned before, we will continue our cooperation with the Agency under the NPT and Safeguards Agreement, taking into account the law passed by the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Parliament).”
Iran Open to Diplomacy When It Serves National Interests
Asked about the possibility of resuming nuclear negotiations, Baghaei said: “Whenever we conclude that the conditions are right and any negotiation would safeguard the interests and rights of the Iranian nation, we will not hesitate to use diplomacy.”
He stressed that the Foreign Ministry’s work is not limited to the nuclear file: “The nuclear issue was imposed on us and should never have been placed before the UN Security Council. It must be handled through technical and legal frameworks, not political or security-based ones.”
Araghchi: The 12-Day War Proved Who Believes in Diplomacy
WANA (Jul 26) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated today (Saturday, July 26) that the recent 12-day war clearly demonstrated who truly believes in diplomacy, and who resorts to force, bullying, and domination. “This war confirmed the legitimacy of the Iranian people and revealed the genuine face of diplomacy,” he said. In […]
The spokesman added, “From our perspective, both in the past and now, the Iranian nuclear issue should not be discussed at the Security Council or multilateral levels. It must be addressed within technical and legal frameworks, not political or security ones.”
Growing Relations with China to Continue
In response to a Chinese reporter’s question about an upcoming meeting between the Chinese and U.S. presidents and its possible impact on Tehran–Beijing relations, Baghaei said: “Our relationship with China is strong and strategic. We cooperate bilaterally, regionally, and within international organizations such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.”
He added that Iran–China relations will continue to grow, regardless of “external developments or the influence of other countries.”
Implementation of Security Agreement with Iraq “Acceptable”
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Baghaei said the implementation process of the Iran-Iraq security agreement is “acceptable.” He added that both sides need to continue careful coordination to ensure the agreement is carried out in the best possible way.
Iraq’s National Security Advisor Meets Larijani
WANA (Oct 20) – Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qassem al-Araji, met on Monday afternoon with Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and Advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. The meeting focused on bilateral and regional security cooperation as part of ongoing consultations between Tehran and Baghdad. Earlier in […]
Larijani’s Visit to Russia Part of Ongoing Bilateral Consultations
Responding to a question about Ali Larijani’s recent visit to Russia and speculation that it was related to arms deliveries, Baghaei said the trip was not the first of its kind and took place within the framework of regular consultations between Tehran and Moscow.
He noted that a wide range of issues was discussed, including the implementation of the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty between Iran and Russia and other topics of shared interest and concern.
Iran’s Armed Forces Fully Prepared Amid Conflicting Messages
Asked whether Israel had conveyed messages via Russia to de-escalate tensions, the spokesman said, “This issue was raised in the media, and Russia confirmed that such messages were conveyed by Israeli officials.”
He added, “We receive contradictory messages from various parties, but experience has taught us to remain ready regardless. Our armed forces, learning from past developments, are in full readiness. Experience also shows that Israel’s promises are not trustworthy. Therefore, our focus remains on strengthening national and defensive capabilities in all areas.”
IRGC Chief Warns of ‘Decisive and Regretful’ Response
WANA (Aug 21) – On the occasion of Iran’s National Defense Industry Day, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Pakpour issued a message stressing that any miscalculation by adversaries will be met with a “decisive, swift, and regret-inducing” response. In his message to Defense Minister Brigadier General Nasirzadeh and […]
“As Long as Israel Enjoys Immunity, Its Crimes Will Continue”
Commenting on the recent advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Palestine, Baghaei said the ICJ is the UN’s official dispute resolution body with a clearly recognized status.
He criticized the United States and Israel for attacking the ICJ and the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the ruling, saying both acted “in a coordinated and deliberate effort to undermine these institutions’ legitimacy.”
“The U.S. stance aims to perpetuate the Israeli regime’s impunity,” he said, adding that Washington’s threatening tone toward any international criticism of Israel shows its complicity in these crimes.
He stressed: “As long as Israel enjoys immunity and feels unaccountable before the international community, it will continue its atrocities.”
People attend a gathering to support Gaza following the Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza, in Tehran, Iran, August 25, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Baghaei said the ICJ’s opinion, consistent with previous rulings, declared the occupation illegal and found Israel’s actions in Gaza over the past two years to constitute serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law.
He added: “There is no gap in the global community’s judgment regarding Israel’s atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank. The real problem lies in the immunity granted by the U.S. and some Western countries, which enables these crimes to persist.”
Iran Reaffirms Commitment to “One China” Policy
In response to a question about the 1971 UN General Assembly resolution affirming the One China principle, Baghaei said: “Iran’s position is clear. We have always emphasized China’s territorial integrity and respect for the One China policy.”
He added that this stance has been repeatedly reaffirmed in Iran’s official correspondence with international organizations and in public statements, stressing that Tehran will “continue to adhere firmly to the One China principle.”
Iran, Russia, and China Send Joint Letter to Grossi
WANA (Oct 24) – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs announced that the permanent representatives of Iran, Russia, and China have sent a joint letter to the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi. In the letter, the three countries declared the activation of the so-called “snapback” mechanism […]
“No Doubt About U.S. Support for the Zionist Regime”
Addressing regional developments, Baghaei said: “Everything happening in our region — from crimes against Palestinians to military aggressions in neighboring countries and the occupation in Syria and Lebanon — bears Washington’s name. There is no doubt about America’s unwavering support for the Zionist regime.”
He said U.S. support includes military aid, diplomatic cover, and blocking any UN Security Council action to restrain Israel. “These actions confirm that there is virtually no distinction between Israel and the United States,” he said.
Baghaei stressed that the U.S. shares responsibility for every crime committed by Israel, adding that Israel’s continued impunity has made even its allies unable to control its behavior.
He urged the international community to pressure both Israel and its main supporters, especially the U.S., to end this policy of impunity within the UN Security Council and other international institutions.
“The new mural in Tehran’s Palestine Square about the Israeli army’s casualties in Gaza and Netanyahu’s power-seeking. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Multiple Ceasefire Violations in Gaza and Lebanon
Asked about ongoing ceasefire violations in Gaza, Baghaei said: “From the beginning, we welcomed the halt to genocide in Gaza but expressed concern about ambiguities in the plan and repeated ceasefire violations by the Zionist regime.”
He added that these concerns persist as Israel has repeatedly failed to uphold its commitments, noting: “Numerous ceasefire violations have been recorded both in Gaza and Lebanon, increasing the responsibility of ceasefire guarantors in both regions.”
“The Zionist Regime Is the Absolute Evil and the Real Devil”
Responding to a question about a Washington Post report alleging increased military cooperation between some Arab states and Israel during the Gaza war — and the paper’s reference to Iran and its allies as an “axis of evil” — Baghaei said: “It is not appropriate to comment on media reports that are often contradictory and deliberately designed to sow division and distract regional public opinion from the reality of the Zionist regime.”
He continued: “What is clear is that Israel is the only entity in the international system justly accused of committing genocide. There is no comparable case in modern history. Both the ICC and the ICJ have effectively issued indictments against it. The genocide case remains under consideration at the ICJ, and human rights organizations have explicitly confirmed that what is happening in Gaza constitutes genocide.”
An anti-Israel billboard with a picture of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant is displayed on a building in Tehran, Iran, November 24, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
He stated: “There is no doubt that the Zionist regime is the absolute evil and the real embodiment of the devil in our region and in the world.”
Iran Condemns U.S. Military Moves in Caribbean
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei condemned U.S. military activities in the Caribbean and threats against Venezuela, calling them a serious breach of international law and UN Charter principles.
He said the unilateral actions demonstrate growing disregard for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the prohibition on the use or threat of force, citing “drug trafficking” as a pretext often used by the U.S. to pressure independent nations.
“These developments are a threat to regional peace and international security. The UN and Security Council must uphold their responsibilities,” Baghaei added.
Regarding U.S. concerns about the influence of Russia, China, and Iran in the Caribbean, he said such claims do not justify illegal military threats, emphasizing the criminal nature of U.S. actions against Venezuela.
Iran Condemns U.S. Interference in Venezuela
WANA (Aug 09) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned what it called “interventionist positions and actions” by the United States against Venezuela, voicing solidarity with the government and people of the South American nation. In a statement posted on the Ministry’s X (formerly Twitter) account, Tehran criticized U.S. officials for their remarks and […]
French Citizens Detained in Iran
Baghaei also addressed questions about Esfandiari and two French nationals detained in Iran. He noted that court rulings on the French citizens’ cases have been issued, but the Foreign Ministry cannot intervene in judicial matters, which are handled independently by Iran’s judiciary. The ministry remains involved in humanitarian and consular support.
UN Secretary-General Selection Process
On the UN Secretary-General selection, Baghaei said the process follows Articles 97–99 of the UN Charter: a candidate must be recommended by the Security Council and approved by the General Assembly. He noted a longstanding practice of geographical rotation among regions and said the collective view of member states supports continuing this procedure, promoting fairness and representation.
Israel’s Actions Against Iran
Responding to claims by a former Israeli intelligence official about Israel’s alleged failure in the 12-day war, Baghaei said Israel has never spared efforts to harm Iran and its people. He praised Iranian resilience, noting that the nation successfully defended its territorial integrity, sovereignty, and security.
Iranian Court Rules on Case of Two French Espionage Suspects
WANA (Oct 14) – The primary court verdict has been issued in the case of two French nationals, arrested in Iran on March 9, 2023, and has been officially communicated to their lawyers. According to the court documents, both defendants hold French citizenship and are employed by the French intelligence service. During the preliminary […]
Vigilance Against Military Threats
Baghaei clarified remarks by Majid Takht-Ravanchi about the 12-day war, stressing that military threats can occur at any time, and historical U.S. interventions (including targeting civilian aircraft during the Iran-Iraq war) demonstrate the need for constant preparedness, which reflects Iran’s foresight.
Australia Accusations Against Iran
Responding to Australian government claims about Iranian involvement in a regional security issue, Baghaei called them baseless, noting they were fabricated by Israeli intelligence (Mossad) to damage Iran-Australia relations.
He highlighted that Australian authorities later confirmed no evidence of Iranian involvement, and stressed the need for Australia to defend the independence of its security agencies and not allow foreign intelligence manipulation to influence diplomatic ties.
