Baghaei: Iran Entered U.S. Talks With Result-Oriented Approach
WANA (Feb 10) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tehran has entered negotiations with a “result-oriented approach,” stressing that Ali Larijani’s visits to Oman and Qatar were pre-planned and in line with Iran’s long-standing policy of strengthening relations with neighboring countries.
Speaking at his weekly press briefing on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Larijani’s trip was part of Iran’s principled regional diplomacy.
Baghaei also warned that continued tensions in the occupied territories and surrounding areas require sustained international attention, noting that despite a nominal ceasefire related to Gaza and Lebanon, Israeli attacks have continued.
“The recent decision by the Israeli cabinet is in contradiction with international norms,” he said. “What we witnessed with intensity and brutality in Gaza is now also happening in the West Bank. We are also witnessing attacks on Lebanon.”
He added that guarantors of the ceasefire bear responsibility for these actions and should be considered complicit. Baghaei further warned that the use of chemical substances to damage Lebanon’s environment endangers not only the environment but also human lives.
U.S. Foreign Policy Influenced by Israel
Commenting on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States and Iran-U.S. negotiations, Baghaei said Washington is Iran’s negotiating counterpart and must decide whether to act independently of pressures that harm regional stability.
Iranian and Omani Foreign Ministers Meet Ahead of Indirect Tehran–Washington Talks. Social media / WANA News Agency
“One of the problems of U.S. foreign policy is its alignment with and compliance with the demands of the Israeli regime,” he said.
On Iran’s nuclear program, Baghaei said Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities have been turned into an artificial crisis by Israel, which repeatedly claims Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons.
“The Israeli regime opposes any diplomatic movement in the region,” he said, adding that U.S. officials must act independently and not allow others to dictate U.S. foreign policy.
Iran Determined to Secure National Interests Through Diplomacy
Baghaei said Iran remains determined to secure its national interests through diplomacy, while taking past experiences into account.
“We are mindful of previous experiences. The June experience was a bad one. Taking these into account, we are determined to protect Iran’s national interests through diplomacy,” he said.
Regarding whether talks would be bilateral or regional, Baghaei thanked regional countries and Turkey for their goodwill and efforts to reduce tensions and support diplomatic processes.
He said Muscat was chosen as the venue for talks due to Oman’s positive track record, noting that the United States had previously disrupted talks there in June. “Contacts and consultations are continuing seriously,” he said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Heads to Indirect Nuclear Talks Venue in Muscat. Social media / WANA News Agency
Defense Minister’s Visit to Azerbaijan
Baghaei described Iran’s defense minister’s recent visit to Azerbaijan as important, saying it followed earlier visits by Iran’s top diplomat to Baku.
“We consider these exchanges necessary to remove any misunderstandings and to strengthen trust between the two countries,” he said.
Iran Rejects Claims of Buying Time in Talks
Responding to media speculation that Iran is seeking to buy time, Baghaei said Tehran wants faster progress.
“The sooner, the better. We entered negotiations with a result-oriented approach,” he said. “For us, the lifting of unjust sanctions as soon as possible is a win. The claim that we are buying time is meaningless.”
Warning Against Military Action
On Iran’s missile program, Baghaei warned that any military aggression against Iran would be met with a decisive response.
“Naturally, if Iran is subjected to military aggression by any party, it will deliver a crushing response,” he said, adding that no Israeli action could occur without U.S. coordination.
The Message Behind Iran’s Defense Minister’s Visit to Azerbaijan
WANA (Feb 09) – Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh, Iran’s Minister of Defense, traveled to the Republic of Azerbaijan at the head of a delegation and met with President Ilham Aliyev to discuss bilateral and regional issues. During the meeting, Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan has always taken into account the strengthening of Iran’s stability and […]
Larijani’s Visit Part of Neighborhood Policy
Responding to a question, Baghaei said Larijani’s visit to Oman — and his upcoming trip to Qatar — is part of ongoing regional consultations and Iran’s policy of strengthening ties with neighboring countries.
“This trip was planned in advance, both for Oman and for the upcoming visit to Qatar,” he said, adding that good neighborly relations remain a cornerstone of Iran’s foreign policy.
Diplomacy and Military Acting in Coordination
Baghaei said Iran’s diplomatic and military tracks are aligned in pursuit of national interests, noting that senior Iranian military officials visited the Foreign Ministry to exchange updates on defense and diplomatic developments.
“Diplomacy and the field are moving in one direction in line with the interests of the nation,” he said.
Criticism of European and German Positions
Baghaei criticized recent European actions to label Iran’s armed forces, calling them a strategic mistake. He said the European Union is not in a position to impose itself on diplomatic processes.
He also criticized Germany’s chancellor for adopting what he described as an unconditionally pro-Israel stance, saying such positions damage Germany’s international standing.
“We respect the German people, but the approach taken by German officials and the chancellor is not befitting and has deprived Germany and the European Union of constructive regional engagement,” he said.
An Iranian newspaper with a cover photo of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, is seen in Tehran, Iran, February 7, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Iran Says It Has Never Shunned Diplomacy
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tehran has never avoided diplomacy but will proceed with caution in negotiations, citing the track record of the other side and the need to protect Iran’s national interests.
Baghaei said doubts surrounding negotiations stem largely from the past behavior of Iran’s counterparts.
“The most important indicator is the negotiating record of the other side. All of this obliges us to move forward in the diplomatic process with great caution,” he said. “We have never been opposed to diplomacy. Our demand is a rightful one based on the legitimate rights of the Iranian nation.”
Baghaei said recent regional contacts created conditions for renewed engagement.
“A process took shape in the region, and regional countries contacted us. We felt the ground was prepared for a new start, and we proceeded accordingly,” he said.
Epstein Case Reflects Deep Crisis in the West
Commenting on reports related to the Epstein case, Baghaei said the affair reflects a deep crisis in Western countries.
“This case is a sign of a profound crisis in Western societies. No criminal case has yet been formed, despite the horrific nature of these crimes, which constitute a human catastrophe,” he said, adding that the issue should be considered a crime against humanity.
People walk past an anti-US mural on a street in Tehran, Iran, February 5, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
He said the matter has damaged global public sentiment and should not be dismissed as a purely American or localized issue.
Baghaei also claimed that Israel and some other countries are using such cases for political purposes, raising suspicions that the issue may be part of a long-term project to advance the objectives of certain actors, particularly Israel.
He said the matter requires attention from multiple angles, including potential security implications for the region.
Iran Downplays U.S. Military Moves During Talks
Asked about the presence of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander in the region at the same time as talks in Oman, Baghaei said Iran is focused on its own agenda.
“We are doing our work. We believe our military commanders have more important tasks and they trust our diplomats,” he said, adding that Iran’s foreign minister also has a military background.
Iran: Our Demand Is Protection of National Interests
On the details of the new round of talks, Baghaei said Iran’s position is clear.
“Our demand is to secure Iran’s national interests. We act within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and based on the peaceful use of nuclear energy,” he said, adding that details will become clearer in subsequent stages of the diplomatic process.
Araghchi: Progress in Talks Depends on the Other Side’s Seriousness
WANA (Feb 09) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Iran is fully serious in the negotiations that have recently begun and is seeking real, result-oriented talks, stressing that progress will only be possible if the other side demonstrates the same level of seriousness. Speaking on Monday, February 9, at a ceremony marking […]
Criticism of Double Standards on Human Rights
Baghaei criticized what he called double standards in how countries respond to developments in Iran compared with events in countries such as the United States.
“Double standards and a deceptive approach to human rights are among the reasons for the erosion of the human rights ideal,” he said. “One cannot take one position on unrest in the United States and a different position on other countries.”
Iran Says It Is Focused on Its Own Agenda
Commenting on the presence of a U.S. naval vessel in regional waters, Baghaei played down its significance. “It is not very important. A few days ago, I myself visited Hormuz Island. We are focused on our own work,” he said.
He also dismissed speculation about the arrival of a U.S. aircraft in Muscat from Cyprus at the same time as Ali Larijani’s visit to Oman, saying not every development should be linked.
Israel’s Biggest Threat’ in the Region
Baghaei said regional Arab countries are increasingly recognizing that security in the region is indivisible. “What matters is action. Regional countries have come to the understanding that security in the region is indivisible and that any development will affect the entire region,” he said.
He added that Israel’s “expansionist ambitions” leave no doubt that Israel is the biggest threat in the region.
