Baghaei: Iran Has No Plans for IAEA Inspections of Damaged Facilities
WANA (Jun 23) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated during his weekly press conference on Tuesday that Tehran had no plans to allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect nuclear facilities damaged by U.S. and Israeli military aggression. Baghaei clarified that no protocols existed for such visits and explicitly denied that the Iranian delegation had met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in Switzerland.
The spokesman maintained that Iran, as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and a nation committed to safeguards agreements, would continue its routine procedures, which he described as entirely clear.
IAEA Board Resolution and Asset Access
Baghaei expressed appreciation for the countries that chose not to align with the political manoeuvres of the U.S., the IAEA Board of Governors, and European nations. He specifically praised the negative votes cast by Russia, China, and Niger as highly valuable, while also thanking the countries that expressed their opposition to the Western political push by abstaining.
Conversely, the spokesman voiced strong disappointment with certain regional countries that voted in favour of the resolution despite witnessing the criminal actions of the U.S. and the Israeli regime.
Iran, Russia, and China Issue Joint Statement Slamming U.S. IAEA Resolution
WANA (Jun 10) – The diplomatic missions of Iran, Russia, and China have issued a scathing joint statement at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors meeting, flatly rejecting a Western-drafted resolution against Tehran and accusing IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi of politicizing his reports. The joint text—read aloud on Wednesday by […]
He noted that these same nations react drastically if even a small firecracker explodes near their own atomic facilities, calling their double standard entirely unacceptable.
Regarding frozen assets, the spokesman dismissed media claims regarding restrictions on how the funds could be spent. He stated that it was interesting to see how the previously stated Western war aims of destroying Iranian civilisation and collapsing the country had now been reduced to enriching American farmers.
Baghaei asserted that Iran would make its own decisions regarding its released assets based on national interests, adding that the Ministry of Agriculture and other relevant entities would make purchasing decisions based on price and quality. He emphasised that the assets were fully accessible for Iran to use as it saw fit for its desired goods.
Oil General Licenses and European Inaction
The spokesman announced that the general licenses issued by the U.S. Treasury regarding the sale of Iranian oil, petrochemical products, and petroleum derivatives had become fully operational the previous day.
U.S. Issues License Allowing Official Sales of Iranian Oil Through August 2026
WANA (Jun 22) – The U.S. Department of the Treasury has announced the issuance of a license permitting Iran to sell its crude oil, petrochemical products, and refined petroleum products until August 21, 2026. The move comes as further details emerge regarding the recent negotiations in Switzerland and the implementation of provisions contained in the […]
He explained that these licenses explicitly included all necessary operational provisions, meaning that banking, insurance, and transport issues must be accommodated within the framework.
Addressing the European role and recent remarks by the French Foreign Minister, Baghaei remarked that Europe had only itself to blame, having sidelined itself over the past two years due to its own behavior.
He noted that during the snapback mechanism process, the European parties demonstrated zero political will or authority, acting highly irresponsibly.
He added that Europe had also adopted entirely inappropriate stances during the two recent wars imposed on Iran, concluding that such irresponsible behavior would not enhance Europe’s international standing. He urged Europe to adopt a logical and responsible approach instead of constantly complaining.
From Hormuz to Lebanon: Ghalibaf Details Swiss Talks Results
WANA (Jun 23) – Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, head of Iran’s negotiating team, has provided the first detailed account of the recent four-party talks held in Switzerland, announcing a series of understandings reached between Iran, the United States, and regional mediators. He said the management of the Strait of Hormuz would not return to pre-war conditions. […]
Breakdown of the Swiss Four-Party Talks
Providing a detailed account of the diplomatic engagements in Switzerland, Baghaei explained that a four-party meeting involving Iran, the United States, and two mediators commenced at approximately 3:00 PM and lasted for an hour and a half.
While a brief 30-minute recess was called with the intention of resuming, the Iranian delegation was confronted with offensive remarks from the American side during that interval.
As a result, the four-party format was completely halted, and all subsequent communications were conducted strictly through messages exchanged via the mediators. Baghaei emphasised that Iran had absolutely no direct contact with the American side after the decision was made to stop the four-party talks.
Ceasefire Violations in Lebanon and Border Accountability
On the situation in Lebanon, Baghaei noted that Israeli aggression had continuously persisted from the inception of the ceasefire agreement on April 8 until the present day.
5 Key Takeaways from the Joint Statement on Swiss Talks
WANA (Jun 22) – The media committee of the “Minab 168” negotiating delegation has released a breakdown of the key agreements achieved during the first round of high-level talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. According to the delegation’s official brief, the critical components of the joint statement are structured as follows: Iranian Inclusion in Lebanon’s […]
He emphasised that the commitment to halt the war in Lebanon was a core component of both the initial ceasefire understanding and the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
He stated that the U.S. commitment in this regard was entirely clear and that no excuses for the ongoing crimes of the Israeli regime in Lebanon were acceptable.
According to the spokesman, the agreed monitoring mechanism—comprising the U.S., Iran, mediators, and the Lebanese government—is designed to oversee compliance with clause one of the memorandum, specifically to halt the war and prevent military clashes.
He admitted that the issue remains complex, given the number of involved parties and that further details would need to be ironed out in the coming days.
When asked about claims made by U.S. officials, including Donald Trump, regarding the complicity of certain regional states such as Jordan and the United Arab Emirates in the attacks against Iran, Baghaei asserted that Tehran possesses sufficient evidence proving that several regional countries played an active role.
Persian Gulf States Are Obliged to Fully Compensate for Damages Against Iran
WANA (May 23) – Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations says several Persian Gulf Arab states and Jordan have assisted the United States and Israel in their aggression against the Islamic Republic, calling on the Security Council to hold them accountable for their unlawful actions. Amir Saeid Iravani made the remarks in a letter submitted to […]
He warned that Iran would not overlook this matter, promising that it would both document these actions and demand accountability. He stated that the admission by U.S. officials regarding the participation of these regional states only compounded their international responsibility, warning that any party that aided the aggression by providing territory, facilities, or airspace would face consequences, and that Iran would utilize every available tool to respond.
Defense Capabilities, Media Presence, and Public Opinion
The spokesman underscored that Iran’s defensive and missile capabilities were absolutely never a part of the discussions and would never become a subject of negotiation with any foreign party.
Responding to criticisms of European actions, the senior diplomat added that certain European nations have a habit of isolating themselves from international processes only to subsequently attempt to disrupt and sabotage whatever framework gets established.
He stated that such approaches were beneath France, advising Paris to abandon its current rhetoric and adopt a logical approach toward regional developments. He noted that over the past year, European countries had turned their backs on fundamental values like human rights and the UN Charter.
Regarding the removal of journalists from the Swiss venue, Baghaei explained that the Iranian delegation did not travel to Switzerland for media or promotional campaigns.
Iran Avoids Joint Photo with U.S., Insists on Substance Over Media Optics
WANA (Jun 21) – The four-party meeting involving delegations from Iran, the United States, Qatar, and Pakistan, known as the “Lake Lucerne Meeting,” began on Sunday afternoon in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. The talks drew attention from the outset after the Iranian delegation declined to participate in a planned joint photo session and media event. The […]
He clarified that the meeting was strictly focused on demanding accountability and tracking the implementation of commitments under the Islamabad MoU, meaning that anything threatening to overshadow that core objective was deemed unnecessary.
Addressing a survey indicating that 78 percent of Americans want the war stopped while U.S. officials claim the conflict serves national interests, Baghaei stated that it was clear the war was an illegal conflict imposed upon the people of Iran and the region by the U.S. ruling class and the Israeli regime.
He remarked that it was entirely natural for the American public to oppose their government’s actions, adding that the entire world had expressed its opposition to the wars imposed by the United States.
Nuclear Timelines and Joint Strait Management
On the nuclear issue, Baghaei explained that the nuclear file and the lifting of sanctions were two distinct topics designated under the MoU to be discussed within a specific 60-day timeframe. He clarified, however, that the commencement of these specific negotiations was strictly conditional upon the prior implementation of other specific clauses within the memorandum.
He noted that while Iran is working to ensure all preliminary clauses are met, the Swiss meeting included no detailed discussions on the nuclear issue or sanctions beyond general expressions of position by the U.S. side, to which Iran provided appropriate responses.
Iran and Oman Talks on New Management of Strait of Hormuz Begin
WANA (Jun 23) – High-level meetings to establish a new management framework for the strategic Strait of Hormuz have officially commenced in Muscat, attended by the Sultan of Oman and Iran’s top negotiating team, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. According to reports on the Iranian delegation’s […]
Regarding reports of an upcoming meeting between Iran and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf, Baghaei reiterated that Tehran has always advocated for establishing regional mechanisms based on mutual respect and understanding with its permanent neighbors.
He reminded that Iran had previously proposed such dialogues and welcomed any initiative aimed at collective security without the intervention of foreign military forces, which he argued bring nothing but insecurity, division, and war.
He reaffirmed that Iran’s approach to the June 18 memorandum was built on a “commitment-for-commitment” principle with the U.S. government. Regarding further sanction relief, he noted that the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions, as well as commitments at the level of international organizations, would be negotiated over the designated 60-day period.
Addressing the role of Oman, Baghaei stated that both Oman and Iran are coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz, making bilateral coordination necessary to ensure safe maritime transit.
He confirmed that this joint management framework was actively discussed between the two sides during Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s ongoing visit to Muscat.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, head of Iran’s negotiating team and Badr Albusaidi . Social media /WANA News Agency
No Iranian Concessions, Afghan Delegations, and Regional Terms
The diplomat rejected the notion that Iran had granted concessions to the United States, explaining that Tehran had merely succeeded in reclaiming a portion of the rights previously stripped from the Iranian people. He emphasized that the frozen funds belonged to the Iranian public and that the U.S. naval blockade was an entirely illegal measure to begin with.
Regarding the anticipated arrival of neighboring nationals, specifically from Afghanistan, to attend the funeral procession of a “martyred leader,” Baghaei stated that Iran expects a large turnout. He assured that the Iranian Embassy in Kabul and relevant consulates would spare no effort in facilitating the necessary travel arrangements.
Turning to future ties with the UAE and other regional partners implicated in the conflict, Baghaei warned that the future of regional diplomacy would inevitably be shaped by the developments of the past few months.
He stated that Iran had suffered extensive damage due to the inappropriate behavior and complicity of certain neighbors with the aggressors, an issue that would remain in the collective memory of the Iranian people.
He urged these nations to use every opportunity to compensate for their actions, reiterating that while Iran desires ties based on sovereignty and mutual respect, future relations would heavily factor in these bitter experiences of complicity.
Sovereignty Over the Strait of Hormuz Belongs Exclusively to Iran and Oman
WANA (Jun 01) – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs has stated that sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz rests solely with its two coastal states, Iran and Oman, stressing that no other country has the right to interfere in the management of the strategic waterway. Speaking on the issue, Kazem […]
U.S. Troop Withdrawals and Kuwaiti Consular Issues
Baghaei highlighted that, according to clause four of the MoU, U.S. military forces are required to completely withdraw from the areas surrounding Iran within 30 days of a final agreement, a matter that will be negotiated further. He added that the U.S. had also accepted a commitment not to increase any of its regional forces during the negotiation period.
Regarding the fate of four Iranian citizens detained in Kuwait, the spokesman expressed regret that Kuwaiti officials were dodging their international legal obligations by denying consular access to the detainees.
He stated that the Iranian Embassy was continuously pursuing the matter and that Kuwait’s disregard for international law was unacceptable, expressing hope that Kuwait City would swiftly revise its stance.
Reflecting on the broader diplomatic path, Baghaei acknowledged that Iran faced a very long road ahead given its historically bitter experiences with various U.S. administrations. He emphasized that the current priority remains focused on maintaining the cessation of hostilities and ensuring the U.S. fully executes its immediate commitments under the memorandum.
IRGC Warns U.S. Troops to Leave the Region or “Be Buried Under the Rubble”
WANA (Mar 13) – Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a new statement describing the latest phase of its “Operation True Promise 4,” warning U.S. forces to leave the region immediately or face direct attacks wherever they are located. In statement No. 35 released by the IRGC’s public relations office, the force […]
Parliamentary Trips, Joint Committees, and Accountability for Casualties
The spokesman confirmed that a planned trip to China by Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf was on the agenda, though he directed journalists to the parliament’s public relations office for specific scheduling details.
When asked about the ultimate anxieties and core focus of the Iranian establishment, Baghaei summarised that Iran’s sole concern was the preservation and security of its national interests and rights, leaving no ambiguity regarding what Tehran seeks through diplomatic channels.
He noted that technical talks led by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi had continued on Monday, resulting in an agreement to establish four specialized working groups tasked with monitoring the execution of various sections of the memorandum.
He explained that a high-level oversight committee comprising representatives from Iran, the U.S., and the two mediating nations would convene alongside these lower-level working groups whenever necessary.
Commenting on U.S. official Marco Rubio’s recent visit to the region, Baghaei reiterated that any security architecture must belong exclusively to regional states, hoping that neighbors had learned from the past four months that U.S. military presence yields nothing but division and instability.
He specified that Iran is pursuing the execution of all memorandum clauses simultaneously rather than in staggered phases, though he singled out clauses 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11 as highly critical.
Concluding the briefing on the issue of seeking justice for the casualties of the war, Baghaei stated that the MoU was designed to terminate the conflict through a set of specific obligations.
He vowed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside the judiciary and other relevant bodies, would utilize every legal and international mechanism to pursue justice and financial compensation for every Iranian citizen who lost their life or suffered damages during the conflicts of the past year.
