WANA (Apr 18) – The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, referring to recent regional developments and the course of negotiations, emphasized that while Iran had been pursuing diplomacy, it was targeted by military aggression for the second time in less than a year. However, he stated that the opposing side failed to achieve its objectives.

 

Esmail Baghaei noted that after nearly 40 days of conflict, the other side was ultimately forced to accept a cessation of hostilities. He added that this ceasefire is not merely a temporary pause for Iran, but rather an opportunity to bring the war to a complete end and remove the country from the shadow of military threats.

 

Referring to message exchanges and negotiations at various levels, he said that one round of talks was held in Islamabad, followed by further discussions in Tehran attended by Pakistan’s army chief, based on Iran’s proposed 10-point package. According to Baghaei, the diplomatic apparatus is fully committed to securing the interests of the Iranian people.

 

He stressed the connection between the battlefield and diplomacy, stating that diplomacy is a continuation of the same path pursued by those defending the country on the ground, now carried forward in the political and international arena.

 

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said Iran has not closed the strategic waterway, but that unsafe conditions caused by the opposing side’s actions had disrupted safe passage. He added that, as a coastal state, Iran has the right under international law to take necessary measures to counter threats.

 

He also noted that even at the height of the conflict, Iran assisted vessels not aligned with the aggressors to safely transit the Strait of Hormuz.

 

Criticizing what he described as contradictory positions by the United States, Baghaei said such behavior reflects confusion and a lack of commitment to obligations. He added that statements made by some U.S. officials are largely rhetorical and lack practical substance.

 

Addressing claims about new agreements or changes in the status of the Strait of Hormuz, he clarified that recent remarks fall within the framework of the April 8 ceasefire understanding and do not constitute a new development. He added that the agreement has not been fully implemented due to the other side’s failure to uphold its commitments.

 

The foreign ministry spokesperson also rejected rumors about transferring Iran’s enriched uranium or halting its nuclear program, emphasizing that such options have never been proposed by Iran and that these claims are part of psychological warfare aimed at influencing negotiations.

 

Referring to talks with the United States, Baghaei said negotiations are being pursued within a comprehensive framework aimed at ending the war, with issues such as sanctions relief, compensation for damages, and a full cessation of hostilities being addressed together.

 

He dismissed claims about direct negotiations or an imminent final agreement, stating that any remarks outside official channels are merely media speculation. He stressed that any potential agreement must fully secure Iran’s interests and respect its red lines.

 

In conclusion, Baghaei underscored the vigilance of Iran’s diplomatic apparatus, noting that past experiences have shown there is no room for optimism toward the other side. He said Iran will continue to pursue its national interests with focus, composure, and initiative.