WANA (May 26) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, during his weekly press conference, in response to a question about media speculation regarding Tehran and Washington seeking a framework for negotiations based on an interim deal, said: “An interim agreement has never been on our agenda and was not raised in the recent round of talks either.”

 

U.S. Cannot Deny Iran Its Nuclear Rights

Baghaei, addressing U.S. President Trump’s expressed optimism about negotiations, stated: “If the American goal is to ensure Iran’s nuclear program remains non-military, that’s already a given. We have never pursued military use of nuclear energy. If this intention is genuine, we too can express optimism. But if the aim is to deprive Iran of its legitimate rights, we believe the process will not succeed. This is a clear demand of the Iranian people and a national necessity for peaceful nuclear electricity and other uses.”

 

Omani Proposals Will Respect Iran’s Red Line on Enrichment

On whether Oman’s proposals include Iran’s uranium enrichment issue, Baghaei said: “Oman, as a facilitator, shares its views wherever it believes it can help and coordinates with both sides. It’s self-evident that uranium enrichment, as an inseparable part of Iran’s peaceful nuclear industry, must be preserved. We will not show the slightest flexibility on this red line. Oman’s proposals will take this into account.”

 

He added that the date and location for the next round of talks have not been determined and are still under discussion with Oman. “As in the past, Oman will announce when a consensus is reached.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi, in Muscat on April 12, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency

Fifth Round of Iran-U.S. Talks Concluded as Scheduled

Commenting on media reports about the early departure of the U.S. chief negotiator from the recent Rome talks, Baghaei said: “This is not worth addressing. Media speculation often feeds on such matters. The timing of the talks was prearranged, and we began and concluded accordingly. At the end, we had a 20-minute meeting with Oman’s foreign minister, so it was natural to stay until then.”

 

Claims of U.S. Deadline for Access to Iranian Military Sites Baseless

Responding to claims about a U.S. deadline for inspecting Iranian military and nuclear sites, Baghaei said: “I don’t know the individual cited, but the foundation mentioned is known for representing warmongering and extremist circles. It poses as a think tank serving certain interests. The claim is entirely baseless and fabricated, as is the publication citing it.”

 

President’s Trip to Oman Is Bilateral, Not About U.S. Talks

On President Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to Oman, Baghaei clarified: “This visit is in response to the Sultan’s previous trip to Iran and was pre-planned. While regional issues, including Iran-U.S. talks, may be discussed, it’s not one of the main topics, nor is there any planned negotiation with the U.S. on the sidelines. The president will be in Muscat on Tuesday and Wednesday. Reports about new rounds of indirect talks in recent days are false. This is a bilateral visit aimed at strengthening friendly Iran-Oman relations.”

 

Pezeshkian to Visit Oman on Tuesday

WANA (May 25) – The Royal Court of Oman has announced that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will arrive in the Sultanate of Oman next Tuesday for an official two-day visit.   According to the statement, the visit aims to strengthen the friendly ties and enhance cooperation between the two countries.   During the trip, the […]

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Report on Iran Halting Enrichment for Three Years Is False

Baghaei also rejected an Italian media claim that Iran had agreed to halt uranium enrichment for three years: “Absolutely not. You can probably guess the origin of such news. I believe it stems more from the imagination of its author than reality.”

 

Sanctions Pressure During Talks Undermines the Process

On continued negotiations with the U.S., Baghaei said: “As long as we see that Iran’s national interests can be secured, we will continue. We’ve used every opportunity to express our views on contradictory American statements. Such remarks don’t help and only create more confusion. Insisting on intensifying sanctions during negotiations damages the entire process.”

 

Iran Ready to Continue Talks with Europe

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced Iran’s readiness to continue negotiations with Europe, stating that the time and place of such talks should be determined. He warned against media reports concerning Iran-Europe or Iran-U.S. negotiations, urging the public to scrutinize sources, many of which, he said, are affiliated with the Israeli regime and aim to sabotage diplomatic processes.

IAEA Deputy Director to Visit Tehran

Commenting on the upcoming IAEA Board of Governors meeting and a comprehensive report on Iran, the spokesperson said Iran maintains a constructive relationship with the Agency based on its obligations, despite political approaches by some members. He confirmed the IAEA Deputy Director will visit Tehran this week to continue discussions on routine cooperation. Iran expects the Director General to act independently of pressures from states that exploit international institutions.

 

Genocide in Gaza Remains the Region’s Gravest Crisis

The spokesperson emphasized that the ongoing genocide in occupied Palestine remains the most pressing issue in the region. He condemned the latest Israeli attack on a school in Gaza that killed around 50 civilians, calling it part of a two-year-long campaign of atrocities exacerbated by the silence of the U.S. and some Western nations. He cited the killing of over 16,000 children and recent attacks on entire families, stressing that the region will never forget those complicit in enabling these crimes.

 

Update on Detained Iranian Citizen in France

Regarding an Iranian national detained in France, the spokesperson said the Foreign Ministry sees it as its legal and moral duty to intervene when Iranians are mistreated abroad. He recalled that the issue was raised early in the detention of Mrs. Esfandiari, and Iranian officials have continuously followed the case through the embassy in Paris. He confirmed the detainee, arrested for supporting Palestinians, has now received two consular visits, and called the detention unlawful and unjust. Iran demands her immediate release.

Iran Pursues Freedom for Noori in Iraq

Addressing reports about a possible prisoner swap involving Mohammad Reza Noori, an Iranian citizen detained in Iraq, the spokesperson said he could not confirm any exchange. However, he reiterated that Iran has consistently worked for Noori’s release, which it believes is due to baseless accusations. He emphasized Iran’s good relations with Iraq and ongoing legal cooperation to secure Noori’s freedom.

 

Iran Maintains Ongoing Contact with Taliban

In response to questions about Taliban opposition leaders visiting Iran and the acting Taliban foreign minister’s presence, the spokesperson said Iran remains in constant communication with Afghanistan due to historical, cultural ties and shared borders. He noted the Afghan minister’s visit was linked to the Tehran Dialogue Forum and included sideline meetings, adding that such exchanges serve mutual interests.

 

Israeli Crimes Must Face International Justice

The spokesperson reiterated that Israel’s use of civilians as human shields in Gaza constitutes severe war crimes under international humanitarian law, including the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the ICC Statute. He called on institutions like the International Criminal Court, the OIC, and the UN Human Rights Council to document these crimes and ensure that perpetrators are eventually held accountable in an international court.

 

Consortium Cannot Replace Domestic Enrichment

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei, responding to a question about a regional nuclear consortium, stated that Iran views the provision of nuclear fuel as a legitimate demand, given regional interest in peaceful nuclear energy. While Iran supports any initiative that involves regional countries in enrichment and fuel production for peaceful purposes, such initiatives can in no way replace Iran’s domestic enrichment program.

 

The reactor building at the Bushehr nuclear power plant. Majid Asgaripour/ WANA News Agency

What Is the Story Behind the “Nuclear Consortium”?

WANA (May 20) – Recently, some Western media outlets have reported on an alleged Iranian proposal to establish a nuclear consortium—but how accurate are these claims, and what is Tehran’s official stance?   Western reports claim that during indirect talks with the United States, Iran suggested forming a consortium with multiple countries that would allow […]

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Iran Keeps Neighbors Informed on US Talks

In response to another question, Baghaei said Iran consistently informs its neighbors about each round of negotiations with the United States. He emphasized that regional awareness and cooperation can contribute to the success of these talks.

 

No Political Exploitation of Artistic Events

Asked why Iranian officials have not commented on the Iranian director’s Palme d’Or win at Cannes, the spokesperson said he is neither a film expert nor a competition judge. He stressed that artistic events should not be exploited for political purposes. He noted that the French ambassador was summoned due to the use of a cultural event to make offensive and inaccurate political statements.

 

Baghaei Slams UK’s Arrest of Iranian Nationals

The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry has criticized the UK for arresting several Iranian nationals, calling the detentions “completely suspicious and questionable” from the outset. He stated that no legal basis, clear evidence, or justification had been provided to support the charges. According to the spokesperson, the arrests were based on two specific laws, but they met all the criteria of arbitrary detention and thus violated human rights.

 

Iran had immediately requested consular access and an explanation for the arrests. Five of the detainees were later released without any explanation, confirming, the spokesperson said, that they had committed no crimes. Iran now hopes the remaining individuals still in custody will also be released soon.

 

According to the spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary will represent Iran at the 13th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues, which will be held in the Russian capital, Moscow.