Baghaei: Iran Focused on Protecting National Interests in Talks
WANA (May 25) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tehran is continuing consultations with Washington but does not intend to react to every statement or position expressed by U.S. officials, adding that Iran is focused on “designing and advancing the best methods to safeguard national interests.”
No Guarantee the U.S. Will Honor Commitments
Speaking at his weekly press conference, Esmail Baghaei referred to what he described as contradictory remarks by American officials and said there is no guarantee the United States will remain committed to its obligations.
Responding to a question about why Iranian officials avoid reacting to tweets and comments from U.S. officials, he said Iran has “more important things to do” than respond to images, tweets, and media campaigns, adding that Tehran will respond appropriately whenever necessary.
Baghaei stressed that the Islamic Republic “is not going to copy the enemy’s methods” and will continue acting according to its own style and national interests.
“Iran’s Power” Is the Real Guarantee
Commenting on guarantees for implementing any potential agreement, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the real guarantee is “Iran’s power” and the experience that, according to him, “aggressors” have had with the Islamic Republic.
He also emphasized that Iran’s negotiating team is part of the country’s governing structure and said the current focus of the talks is on “ending the war,” noting that negotiations have not yet entered the details of the nuclear file.
Iranian people walk near Iranian missiles in a park, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, March 26, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Tehran: Too Early to Speak of an Imminent Agreement
Referring to discussions held in recent weeks, which he said were mediated by Pakistan with support from several other countries, Baghaei stated that the parties have reached conclusions on some issues, but it is still too early to speak of a final or imminent agreement.
He described fluctuations in Washington’s positions as a sign of “instability in U.S. decision-making” and said repeated shifts in American positions complicate the negotiation process.
No Planned Visit to Pakistan
Addressing speculation that Pakistan could announce a possible agreement, Baghaei said Tehran is currently focused on the negotiations themselves, while decisions about how any future understanding will be announced will come later.
He also said there are currently no plans for an Iranian delegation to visit Pakistan or for Pakistani officials to travel to Tehran.
Criticism of the U.S. and Arab-Israeli Normalization
Reacting to recent remarks by Donald Trump about Israel, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson described U.S.-Israel relations as “completely clear,” saying Washington has sacrificed regional security and stability for its support of Israel.
He also described efforts to normalize relations between Arab states and Israel as an attempt to “normalize an abnormal entity,” arguing that the Gaza war reflects Israel’s behavior.
What Is Still Blocking an Iran–U.S. Deal?
WANA (May 24) – Recent developments surrounding negotiations between Iran and the United States suggest less a path toward a final agreement and more a complex, multilayered process still burdened by major disagreements. While Tehran and Washington appear to have moved closer to a mutual understanding in certain areas, significant gaps remain on the most […]
Pakistan Officially Mediating Iran-U.S. Talks
Rejecting rumors surrounding a visit by the Emir of Qatar to Tehran, Baghaei said the Qatari ruler had not traveled to Iran and that only Qatar’s deputy secretary of the Supreme National Security Council had visited Tehran as part of ongoing consultations.
He reiterated that Pakistan is the official mediator between Tehran and Washington, while several other countries are playing supporting roles.
Warning to Europe Over Sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz
Responding to European sanctions and comments regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei warned that any hostile action would be met with a reciprocal response from Iran.
Criticizing the European Union, he argued that if Europe truly adhered to its stated principles, it should have sanctioned the United States and Israel over attacks against Iran.
He also stressed that management of the Strait of Hormuz is an issue for the coastal states and said Iran is consulting with other countries to ensure the security of maritime traffic through the waterway.
Will Trump Accept the Deal — or Return to War?
WANA (May 25) – So far, Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran has reportedly led to a “serious breakthrough” in negotiations between Iran and the United States toward a temporary and preliminary agreement — a scenario that, as previously noted, always seemed plausible. Following this memorandum of understanding, the two sides are […]
Halting the Lebanon War Could Be Part of a Deal
Baghaei said ending conflicts on various fronts, including Lebanon, could form part of a potential understanding and praised the role of regional countries, including Turkey, in preventing further escalation.
“Israel Always Seeks to Undermine Peace Processes”
Accusing Israel of attempting to sabotage negotiations, the spokesperson said groups close to Israel, along with some hawkish factions in the United States, have consistently sought to drag Washington into prolonged wars.
Iran and Oman Drafting Strait of Hormuz Framework
Referring to the recent visit of Iran’s deputy foreign minister to Muscat, Baghaei said Tehran and Oman are drafting a joint mechanism to ensure safe and secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
He emphasized that Iran is not seeking to collect tolls from ships, though services related to maritime safety and environmental protection would require funding.
Iran and Oman Hold Talks on Strait of Hormuz
WANA (May 24) – As regional consultations continue, an Iranian diplomatic and legal delegation met with Omani officials in Muscat to discuss the principles governing vessel passage through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing the security of the strategic waterway, the sovereignty of coastal states, and adherence to international law. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign […]
Europe’s Response to Israel Is “Self-Deception”
Reacting to footage showing the treatment of activists aboard the “Sumoud” flotilla, Baghaei said European reactions were insufficient and argued that merely condemning a few Israeli officials ignores what he called the “systematic nature” of Israel’s actions.
He called for more concrete European measures against Israel and said support from some countries at the UN Security Council has enabled Israel to expand its actions.
Tehran: Strait of Hormuz Management Is Iran and Oman’s Responsibility
In his concluding remarks, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson rejected proposals put forward by some European countries regarding management of the Strait of Hormuz, saying the matter falls under the responsibility of Iran and Oman as the coastal states.
Part of Iran’s Resources Are Spent on Missiles and Drones
Responding to recent comments by U.S. officials about Iran’s military spending, Baghaei said Tehran allocates part of its resources to missile and drone development because, according to him, without such defensive capabilities “the enemies could have achieved their goals.”
He also accused the United States of targeting Iran’s economic and industrial infrastructure in recent months.
A woman walks next to a symbolic mock-up of an Iranian missile, amid a ceasefire between U.S. and Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 27, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Tehran Criticizes Nuclear Powers at NPT Meeting
Commenting on the failure of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) review conference, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said nuclear-armed states — particularly the United States, Britain, and France — are refusing to fulfill their commitments.
Baghaei also described Israel as one of the main reasons behind the failure of disarmament talks, saying Washington has blocked resolutions concerning Israel’s nuclear program.
China Playing a “Constructive” Role in Negotiations
Referring to China’s role in regional diplomatic developments, Baghaei said Beijing has consistently played a “constructive and useful” role in negotiations related to Iran.
He added that Tehran continues consultations with China and Russia and said the Chinese president’s four-point proposal on regional security remains important to Iran.
Tehran: U.S. Naval Blockade Must End
Commenting on reports about a possible Iran-U.S. understanding, the spokesperson said one of the main issues is ending what he called “U.S. maritime piracy” against Iranian ships.
He stressed that during the early stages of implementing any agreement, U.S. actions described as a “naval blockade” must stop.
33 Vessels Passed Through the Strait of Hormuz Under IRGC Navy Authorization
WANA (May 24) – The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that 33 commercial vessels and oil tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz over the past 24 hours under the coordination and security supervision of the IRGC Navy. According to a statement released on Sunday, the vessels included oil tankers, container ships, and […]
Araghchi’s Trip to the U.S. Cancelled
Baghaei announced that Abbas Araghchi will no longer travel to the United States to attend a UN Security Council meeting.
He said changing priorities, along with visa-related issues, played a role in cancelling the trip.
Tehran: No Timeline Set for Finalizing Talks
Speaking about the possible timing of an agreement, Baghaei said Iran has not set any specific deadline for concluding negotiations and that Tehran’s only benchmark is securing national interests.
He added that the outcome will be announced whenever the negotiations reach a final conclusion.
Iran Offers to Help Ease Tensions Between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Referring to tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Tehran is ready to provide any assistance needed to reduce tensions between the two neighbors.
“Differences Still Remain on Some Issues”
Discussing the status of Iran-U.S. negotiations, Baghaei said efforts are ongoing but final conclusions have not yet been reached on several issues.
He described the atmosphere of the negotiations as “unconventional” and said repeated changes in the positions of U.S. officials have complicated the diplomatic process.
Why Did Trump Pull Back Again at the Last Minute from Striking Iran?
WANA (May 19) – What happened Monday night was more than just the postponement of a military strike; for the first time, Donald Trump publicly acknowledged that Washington is wavering between the option of military action and the path of negotiations. The U.S. president revealed that an attack — which he said was only […]
Tehran: Credibility of Human Rights Institutions Has Been Damaged
Reacting to rulings issued against several Israeli officials, Baghaei said the credibility of institutions such as the International Criminal Court has been damaged in recent years because of what he described as inaction regarding the Gaza war.
He accused the United States of preventing Israeli officials from being held accountable by supporting Israel.
Tehran and Washington Continue Exchanging Messages Through Pakistan
Speaking about the next round of negotiations, Baghaei said Iran and the United States continue exchanging messages through Pakistani mediation and that there is currently no need for a face-to-face meeting.
Tehran Responds to Claims About “Nationalizing” the Strait of Hormuz
Reacting to comments by U.S. officials regarding the alleged “nationalization” of the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said the term is meaningless and that the actions of Iran and Oman are solely aimed at maintaining maritime security within the framework of international law.
He stressed that Tehran and Muscat seek to prevent renewed insecurity and ensure freedom of trade and shipping through the international waterway.
Iran Has Ruled Out No Options in Defending Itself
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson stressed that Tehran will not remain defenseless against any potential military action, saying the Islamic Republic “has ruled out no options” when it comes to self-defense and warning that any escalation could spread beyond the region.
Speaking in response to a question about the possibility of the conflict expanding internationally, Esmail Baghaei said that once a fire is ignited in the region, it cannot easily be contained.
He emphasized that his remarks were “not a threat,” but rather a reflection of realities on the ground, adding that Iran’s armed forces have already made their position clear regarding how they would respond to any attack.
Baghaei also claimed that during recent confrontations, the United States and Israel used the territory of certain regional countries and said some governments in the region ignored Iran’s warnings against allowing their land to be used.
He warned that if any action against Iran is repeated, the Islamic Republic’s response would be “stronger and more extensive.”
Iranian National Security Chief Fires Back at Trump’s Threat
WANA (May 25) – The Chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee has issued a sarcastic response to recent rhetoric from President Donald Trump, highlighting a major military failure during the recent conflict. Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the influential parliamentary committee, posted a photo of destroyed military equipment on […]
Tehran: Political Turmoil in the U.S. Raises Questions About Washington’s Seriousness
In another part of his remarks, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the political climate in the United States as “chaotic,” saying dismissals, internal disputes, and contradictory statements by American officials have created instability in Washington’s decision-making process.
According to Baghaei, this situation has allowed Israel and pro-Israel circles to exert greater influence over U.S. policymaking while also casting doubt on Washington’s seriousness in diplomatic efforts.
He added that contradictory positions from American officials have also complicated the work of mediators.
14-Point Understanding Focused on “Ending the War”
Commenting on reports about a possible Iran-U.S. understanding, Baghaei said the central focus of the reported 14-point framework is ending the war, while nuclear-related issues have not yet entered the negotiation stage.
He explained that if the understanding is finalized, the two sides would spend a 60-day period discussing implementation details and several issues, including the nuclear file.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also addressed discussions about Iran potentially leaving the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), saying decisions regarding international treaties are made through the country’s established mechanisms and that the Foreign Ministry would follow final decisions.
Iran Rejects Israeli Media Claim on US Talks
WANA (May 25) – As reports continue to circulate about a possible understanding between Iran and the United States, sources familiar with the discussions have dismissed a claim published by an Israeli media outlet suggesting that Tehran must first transfer its enriched uranium stockpile before gaining access to frozen assets. The Israeli outlet i24 […]
The Foreign Ministry Is Not Just an Executor of Decisions
Responding to criticism regarding the role of Iran’s diplomatic apparatus in the country’s decision-making structure, Baghaei said the Foreign Ministry is not merely “an announcer of decisions” but also participates in the policymaking process.
He stressed that the diplomatic establishment plays its role both in decision-making and policy implementation within the framework of “protecting national interests and national security.”
