Baghaei: Iran Has Proven Itself a Responsible but Anti-Bullying Power
WANA (May 11) – Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said, “Iran has proven that it is a responsible power in the region, while at the same time standing firmly against bullying. We are a nation that resists intimidation. Just look at our record. Were we the ones who marched troops into the United States? Were we the ones who traveled thousands of miles away and killed 170 innocent people in a single day?”
Speaking at his weekly press conference on Monday, Baghaei outlined Iran’s latest diplomatic positions on regional and international developments.
U.S. Presence in the Region Fuels a Cycle of Violence
Responding to remarks made by U.S. officials against Iran, Baghaei said Iran is both a responsible and anti-bullying power.
“Were we the ones attacking other countries, targeting their infrastructure, or assassinating their leaders? Are we the ones bullying countries like Cuba and Venezuela in the Western Hemisphere?” he asked.
He added that the United States, through its military presence and by fueling an arms race in the region, has itself become a source of violence and instability. According to Baghaei, such rhetoric cannot change the reality that Washington remains a threat to international peace and security.
A woman walks past an anti-U.S. mural on a building in Tehran, Iran, May 8, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Iran’s Proposal to the U.S. Was Responsible and Reasonable
Commenting on Iran’s response to a U.S. proposal, the spokesman said Tehran’s suggestions regarding security in the Strait of Hormuz, regional peace, and Lebanon’s stability were “reasonable and responsible.”
“These proposals were not only in Iran’s interest, but also aimed at promoting regional and global stability,” he said.
Baghaei also accused the United States and Israel of disrupting freedom of navigation and targeting Iranian vessels in recent weeks, while insisting that Washington continues to pursue “unreasonable demands” influenced by Israeli positions.
Any Interference in Regional Security Is Rejected
Addressing reports of possible military cooperation between Egypt and the UAE, Baghaei said Iran’s relations with Egypt are based on mutual respect and stressed that regional security issues should be managed solely by countries within the region.
“Any intervention that undermines regional security is unacceptable to Iran, regardless of which country is involved,” he said, adding that recent months have shown that security dependent on foreign military forces only deepens instability.
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Foreign Intervention in the Strait of Hormuz Will Worsen the Situation
Regarding military movements by some European countries in the region, Baghaei said Iran has warned European states not to become involved in a crisis driven by the United States and Israel.
“Any intervention in issues related to the Strait of Hormuz and West Asia will only complicate the situation further,” he said, arguing that the core issue remains what he described as aggressive actions by the United States and Israel.
Pakistan Will Not Allow Third Parties to Influence Mediation
Commenting on reports that the UAE pressured Pakistan to undermine mediation efforts, Baghaei said Pakistan acts professionally and would not allow outside actors to interfere in diplomatic processes.
He also criticized the UAE’s treatment of foreign nationals and Iranians, calling it inconsistent with human rights standards, and said Iran would use all available means to defend the rights of its citizens.
Pakistan Receives Iran’s Response to U.S. Proposal
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China Fully Understands Iran’s Position
On the possibility of China playing a role in any future Iran-U.S. agreement, Baghaei said Tehran and Beijing remain in constant communication and that China is fully aware of Iran’s positions.
He added that China understands pressure on Iran as part of Washington’s broader unilateral policies and views stability in West Asia as strategically important.
“We Fight When Necessary and Use Diplomacy When Necessary”
Asked about the possibility of another U.S. attack on Iran, Baghaei said, “Whenever necessary, we fight, and whenever necessary, we use diplomacy.”
He stressed that Iran’s decisions are based on national interests rather than the approval of other countries.
Baghaei also accused the United States of repeatedly violating diplomatic commitments over the past two decades, citing Washington’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal and what he described as attacks on diplomacy itself.
A billboard with a graphic design about the Strait of Hormuz on a building in Tehran, Iran, May 6, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Venezuela’s Uranium Transfer Was Its Own Decision
Regarding reports about Venezuela transferring enriched uranium to the United States, Baghaei said the issue dates back to the shutdown of Venezuela’s nuclear facilities in the 1990s and was a sovereign decision made by Caracas, which Iran respects.
Iraq’s Leadership Is for Iraqis to Decide
Addressing U.S. pressure on the Iraqi government, Baghaei said it is the right of the Iraqi people to determine their political system and choose their leaders.
He accused Washington of interfering in the internal affairs of other nations in violation of international law.
“An Attack on Iran Is Not Just an Attack on One Country”
Commenting on the Taliban’s position regarding tensions between Iran and the United States, Baghaei said it is now clear to the world that any war against Iran would violate the UN Charter.
He added that Muslim countries should understand that U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran are part of a broader regional pattern that has also affected Gaza, Lebanon, and several other countries.
People drive past an anti-U.S. billboard featuring the U.S. President Donald Trump and the Strait of Hormuz, in Tehran, Iran, May 2, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Priority of Talks Is Ending the War and Securing Maritime Routes
On the focus of Iran-U.S. negotiations, Baghaei said Iran’s priorities at the current stage are ending the conflict, ensuring maritime security in the Persian Gulf, and stopping what he described as unlawful U.S. actions against commercial ships.
“Focusing on urgent issues is a responsible and rational approach,” he said.
Ongoing Contact With Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region
Discussing the activities of armed groups in Iraq, Baghaei said Iran remains in continuous contact with both the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government, and that security cooperation is ongoing.
He added that all countries in the region understand that insecurity carries shared consequences, creating common ground for cooperation against threats.
Iran Knows How to Defend Itself
Responding to U.S. nuclear threats against Iran, Baghaei described the statements as contradictory rhetoric and contrary to international law.
He stressed that nuclear-armed states have no right to threaten others with the use of such weapons and said Iran “knows very well how to defend itself under any circumstances.”
People chant during a rally in Tehran, Iran, May 6, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
UN Resolution 2758 Has Settled the “One China” Principle
The spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry said regarding Iran’s position on Taiwan that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s stance on this issue is clear. United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, adopted in 1971, settled the matter of the “One China” principle, and the international community has accepted this framework in its relations with China. From Iran’s perspective, any attempt to undermine this principle is unacceptable.
Speaking about the Foreign Minister’s recent visit to Beijing, Baghaei said the trip took place as part of the ongoing consultations between Tehran and Beijing and was particularly significant given the current regional situation.
Iran and China share common views on regional peace and security, and Tehran welcomes any Chinese initiative aimed at promoting regional stability.
Issue of an Israeli Base in Iraq Will Be Raised with Baghdad
Commenting on reports that Israel used a secret base in Iraq to launch attacks against Iran, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Iran does not rule out any possibility regarding Israeli sabotage operations, and the matter will certainly be discussed with the Iraqi side.
He added that Israel’s track record shows it recognizes no red lines when it comes to harming regional countries and creating divisions among them. This issue, along with other reports concerning Israel’s misuse of the territory of regional states, will be investigated.
Qatar Conveys Its Views on Ending the War
Regarding Qatar’s growing role in mediation between Iran and the United States, Baghaei said various countries are engaged in consultations aimed at reducing regional tensions and are genuinely concerned about the escalation of the crisis.
He continued that Pakistan remains the official mediator between Iran and the United States, but countries such as Qatar, which maintain good relations with both sides, also share their views and proposals with Iran.
Iran’s Current Focus Is on Ending the War
Addressing the proposal to transfer Iran’s enriched uranium to Russia, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Iran’s current priority is ending the war, and decisions regarding nuclear materials and enrichment-related issues will be made and announced at the appropriate time.
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The World Should Not Be Dominated by Unilateralism
In response to remarks by the Russian president about America’s inability to lead the world, Baghaei said the core issue is that the world should not fall under the dominance of unilateralism — an approach that disregards international norms.
He added that such an approach threatens international peace and security and has even undermined the credibility of the United Nations. Every responsible country should support the rule of law and the international order.
The Foreign Ministry Is Part of the Country’s Decision-Making Structure
Responding to claims that the Foreign Ministry opposes control over the Strait of Hormuz, the spokesperson said the Foreign Ministry is part of the Islamic Republic’s governing structure, and the country’s major decisions are binding on it.
He emphasized that any country subjected to military aggression has the right to take necessary measures to prevent the misuse of its regional waters, and the Foreign Ministry’s position on this matter is completely clear.
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Bahrain’s Actions Violate Human Rights
Commenting on the arrest of clerics in Bahrain, Baghaei said the measures Bahrain has taken in recent months under the pretext of people expressing solidarity with Iran or participating in religious mourning ceremonies constitute a clear violation of human rights.
He added that revoking the citizenship of Bahraini citizens is an outdated punishment that contradicts fundamental human rights principles. Offending the sentiments of the majority of Bahrain’s population will also not serve the country’s stability and security.
The IAEA Director General Must Recognize the Reality of the Attack on Iran
Regarding remarks by Rafael Grossi about Iran’s nuclear program, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said these statements once again demonstrate that the IAEA Director General has drifted away from his technical and professional responsibilities.
He continued that what damaged the Agency’s inspections was the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities — not Iran’s actions. The IAEA and its Director General should condemn these unlawful attacks in order to prevent similar actions from recurring.
An Iranian newspaper with a cover photo of a caricature depicting U.S. President Donald Trump, in Tehran, Iran, May 5, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
The Foreign Ministry’s Position on the Strait of Hormuz Is Clear and Fully Aligned With the Country’s Decision-Making System
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson rejected claims that the ministry opposes controlling the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the ministry is part of the Islamic Republic and fully adheres to decisions made within the country’s official hierarchy.
He said a coastal state that has come under military attack has every right to take necessary measures to prevent the waterway from being used to continue acts of aggression. He added that the Foreign Ministry’s stance on the issue is completely clear and fully in line with the country’s broader decision-making system.
Hurting the Feelings of the Majority of Bahrain’s Population Will Certainly Not Benefit the Country’s Stability and Security
Responding to reports about the arrest of Bahraini clerics accused of ties to the IRGC and the ideology of the Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Supreme Jurist), the spokesperson described Bahrain’s recent actions against Shiite clerics and citizens as a blatant violation of human rights.
He called the revocation of citizenship a medieval and outdated punishment that contradicts fundamental human rights principles.
He added that Iran has openly expressed its support for human dignity and human rights standards and urged Bahrain to respect the rights of its own people, warning that provoking the majority of Bahrain’s population would ultimately undermine the country’s stability and security.
The IAEA Director General Must Take the Reality of the Attack on Iran Into Account
Commenting on remarks by Rafael Grossi regarding Iran’s nuclear program, the spokesperson said the statements once again showed that the IAEA chief has drifted away from his technical and professional responsibilities.
He stressed that such comments neither help restore the agency’s credibility nor serve any constructive purpose. According to him, the only way for the IAEA to regain trust is to condemn the illegal attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
He noted that Iran’s peaceful nuclear sites had always been under continuous IAEA monitoring and that disruptions to inspections were caused directly by those attacks.
The World Must Not Fall Under the Domination of Unilateralism
Reacting to remarks by the Russian president, the spokesperson said the key principle is that the world should not be dominated by unilateralism — an approach that disregards internationally recognized norms and threatens regional and global peace and security.
He added that such behavior has also damaged the credibility of the United Nations. According to him, every responsible country that believes in international law and global stability should oppose this trend.
No Responsible Country Welcomes Continued Insecurity in the Persian Gulf and West Asia
The spokesperson said that all countries currently in contact with Iran want the regional crisis to end as soon as possible. He stressed that Iran expects countries to acknowledge the realities on the ground and avoid replacing the aggressor with the victim simply to satisfy the United States.
Referring to a recent UN Security Council resolution against Iran, he described it as shameful because it failed to mention the military aggression carried out by the US and Israel against Iran. He added that some countries deliberately ignore the central role played by Washington and Tel Aviv in creating the current crisis.
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We Will Act in Whatever Way Necessary to Protect Our National Interests
Speaking about disagreements between Iran and the United States, the spokesperson said the dispute is between a country seeking its legitimate rights and another side insisting on denying those rights.
He stressed that releasing Iran’s frozen assets or ending what has been described as a naval blockade are not concessions, but Iran’s lawful rights. He added that Iran remains focused on protecting its national interests regardless of political pressure or media campaigns and will act in whatever way necessary to do so.
Claims That Iran Is Dumping Oil Into the Sea Are Completely False
The spokesperson dismissed Western media reports alleging that Iran has been releasing oil into the sea as entirely fabricated. At the same time, he expressed concern about environmental damage in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Strait of Hormuz, saying decades of US military presence and repeated wars in the region have caused severe and long-lasting environmental harm.
He added that one reason Iran believes a management mechanism is needed for the Strait of Hormuz is to ensure environmental protection and address the damage caused by what he described as the imposed war by the US and Israel.
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We Have Not Yet Settled Scores With Those Who Committed Such Crimes Against the Iranian Nation
Responding to threats made by the Israeli prime minister, the spokesperson said acts of sabotage by Israel are expected, but Iran has also not forgotten those responsible for crimes committed against the Iranian people. He warned that if an opportunity arises, Iran’s armed forces will make full use of it.
No American Administration Has Ever Brought Smiles to the Faces of Iranians
The spokesperson said no US administration has left behind positive memories for the Iranian people. Referring to the 1953 coup, he said the United States betrayed the trust of Iranians by working with Britain to overthrow Iran’s government — an event whose consequences are still remembered today.
He added that successive American administrations have continued policies of pressure and hostility toward Iran and that even during the Obama administration there were repeated violations of the nuclear deal.
The Iranian People Now Clearly Understand the Nature of America’s “Aid”
Commenting on the attack on a school in Minab, the spokesperson described it as an obvious war crime that had already been condemned by global public opinion.
He said the deliberate missile strike on a school required no further investigation and that attempts by the US to avoid responsibility or whitewash the incident would not change the facts. According to him, the Iranian people now fully understand the true nature of American “assistance.”
Images depicting the Minab School students who were killed in a strike are displayed in Tajrish Square in Tehran, Iran, May 4, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Contradictory Behavior Has Become a Fixed Pattern in US Foreign Policy
The spokesperson said contradictions in American policy have become systematic. He noted that Washington has repeatedly used different pretexts to threaten or attack other countries.
Referring to US statements about Iran, he pointed to contradictions in claims that military action was necessary to prevent an imminent threat while later admitting no such threat existed.
He also rejected US claims of self-defense, arguing that Iran had never attacked the United States in the first place. According to him, these contradictions explain why global public opinion no longer supports US actions abroad.
The Only Attack on a Jewish Synagogue Was Carried Out by Israel Itself — Did Mr. Starmer Condemn It?
Responding to accusations made by the British prime minister against Iran, the spokesperson said London cannot cover up its own failures in providing security by repeating stereotypical accusations against Iran.
He added that claims of anti-Semitism cannot justify Britain’s support for Israeli actions in Palestine.
He stressed that despite Israeli actions, no attacks have occurred against Jewish citizens or synagogues in Iran and that the only attack on a synagogue was carried out by Israel itself. He then questioned whether the British government had condemned that attack.
