Baghaei: Iran Has Received Mediators’ Proposals to Reduce Tensions
WANA (Jul 20) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that Tehran has received proposals and ideas from several mediators aimed at easing tensions, saying that while Iran’s armed forces are carrying out their responsibilities, the country is also pursuing diplomacy and will spare no effort to stop what he described as “U.S. crimes.”
Speaking at his weekly press conference on Monday, July 20, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei outlined the ministry’s latest positions and responded to reporters’ questions on recent developments, negotiations, the Strait of Hormuz, relations with the United States, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran’s nuclear file.
Condemnation of Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure
Baghaei condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities, bridges, and public service installations, describing them as assaults on “the right to life, security, and human dignity.” He said that damage to any part of Iran is “a wound to the entire nation.”
He also expressed appreciation for the people of Iran’s southern provinces—particularly Hormozgan, Khuzestan, Bushehr, and Sistan and Baluchestan—for their resilience, stressing that the government stands with them and strongly condemns attacks on civilian infrastructure.
A woman holds an Iranian flag next to a billboard threatening U.S. President Donald Trump is displayed on a building in Tehran, Iran, July 18, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Congratulations to Spain, Criticism of Politicizing Sports
Baghaei congratulated Spain’s national football team on winning this year’s World Cup, calling the tournament one of the most politicized sporting events in recent history. He argued that the treatment of Iran’s national team and the discrimination it faced were examples of politics interfering in sports.
He also said Spain’s positions against what he called “aggression, genocide, and injustice” contributed to the widespread public support the team received, while emphasizing that Iran has no issue with the people of Argentina.
No Ambiguity in the Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S.
Rejecting claims that Iran’s memorandum of understanding with the United States contains ambiguities, Baghaei said the document consists of 14 articles and is “completely clear.”
He added that differing interpretations of the text cannot justify any U.S. violation of the agreement, noting that Washington has not made such a claim.
Diplomacy Goes Hand in Hand with Defense
Baghaei said concerns about deception by Iran’s adversaries would not deter Iranian diplomats from carrying out their duties.
“Just as the armed forces are responsible for defending the country, diplomats are responsible for defending the nation’s interests on the diplomatic front,” he said, describing diplomacy and defense as “two wings protecting Iran’s national interests.”
Is the United States Considering a Ground Operation in Iran?
WANA (Jul 19) – In recent days, following reports in U.S. media about the consideration of options such as seizing some Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf, a familiar question has once again entered public debate: Is Washington actually approaching a ground operation against Iran, or is this scenario less a real military plan […]
Iran Confirms Receiving Mediators’ Proposals
Responding to questions about the foreign minister’s trip to Qatar and speculation over new ceasefire initiatives, Baghaei confirmed that mediation efforts are underway.
He said Iran “will spare no effort” to help stop the fighting and reduce tensions, adding that proposals and ideas from several mediators have been received. However, he said it is not possible to disclose details at this stage.
Rejecting the “Negotiation or War” Narrative
Baghaei dismissed what he called the false choice between negotiations and war, arguing that diplomacy and defense complement rather than contradict each other.
Referring to the U.S. withdrawal from the memorandum of understanding, he said it was Washington—not Tehran—that violated its commitments.
“Commitment for Commitment”
On implementation of the agreement, Baghaei said Iran’s principle has always been “commitment for commitment.”
He stated that Iran fulfilled its obligations as long as the other side honored its commitments, but suspended implementation after the United States failed to do so, insisting that Iran was never the first party to violate the agreement.
The Expanding Iran–U.S. Conflict: What May Come Next
WANA (Jul 20) – An assessment of recent military and political developments suggests that the confrontation between Iran and the United States has entered a new phase. The geographic scope of the conflict is expanding, new actors and targets have emerged, and the operational patterns of both sides have evolved compared to earlier stages. […]
Legal Action over Attacks on Minab and Other Areas
Baghaei rejected comments by the U.S. president suggesting that images of the attack on a school in Minab were fabricated, calling the strike deliberate and saying Washington was fully aware of it.
He described the Minab incident as only one of hundreds of alleged attacks over the past 40 days and said Iran is continuing to document incidents in Minab, Lamerd, and other areas for future legal action.
“An Honorable Peace Requires Defense”
Rejecting claims that Iran is driven by pro-war factions, Baghaei said the Iranian people did not initiate the conflict and had pursued diplomacy until the very last moment.
He argued that lasting peace can only be achieved through national defense, adding that both Iran’s armed forces and diplomatic corps are working toward what he called “an honorable peace.”
Response to U.S. Statements
Commenting on remarks by the U.S. secretary of state that Washington remains open to a diplomatic solution, Baghaei said past experience has shown that the United States often equates diplomacy with “pressure, threats, and sanctions.”
He said that as long as Washington seeks to impose its demands on Iran, Tehran’s response will be to defend its sovereignty and national dignity.
The Hidden Strategy Behind U.S. Strikes on Iran’s Bridges
WANA (Jul 18) – Until just a few days ago, U.S. strikes were largely focused on targets directly linked to Iran’s military capabilities, including naval facilities, military infrastructure, weapons systems, and logistical support sites. The recent attacks on bridges and transportation routes in southern Iran—particularly those connecting to Hormozgan Province—however, suggest a notable shift in […]
Warning over Khark Island
Responding to reported threats concerning Iran’s Khark Island, Baghaei warned that the United States would face consequences for any “adventurism” involving the island.
Iraqi Prime Minister’s Visit to Tehran
Baghaei described the upcoming visit of Iraq’s prime minister to Tehran as highly significant, saying discussions will focus on economic, trade, border, and security cooperation.
He added that several agreements and memoranda of understanding are expected to be signed during the visit.
Iranian Flight to Sana’a
Rejecting claims of an air embargo on Yemen, Baghaei said an Iranian aircraft flew to Sana’a to transport a Yemeni delegation attending a memorial ceremony for a slain leader and to evacuate injured Yemenis.
He also condemned the attack on Sana’a International Airport.
Iran Rejects U.S. Allegation of Military Equipment Transfer to Yemen
WANA (Jul 14) – Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations has rejected U.S. allegations that Tehran transferred military equipment to Yemen, describing the claims as “entirely baseless and fabricated” and accusing Washington of attempting to mislead the UN Security Council and divert international attention from its actions against Iran. In a statement issued […]
Criticism of the IAEA’s Silence
Baghaei criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for what he described as its silence regarding an attack on the Darkhovin nuclear facility, saying such inaction would only further erode Iran’s confidence in the agency.
He argued that attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards undermine U.S. claims of concern over nuclear proliferation and instead suggest that Washington’s objective is to damage Iran’s industry and economic development.
Iran Will Not Retreat from Self-Defense
Referring to recent attacks on Iran, Baghaei said strikes on infrastructure, hospitals, and civilian facilities would not weaken the country’s determination to defend its sovereignty.
Instead, he said, every attack only strengthens Iran’s resolve.
Iran’s Sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz
Baghaei said that, as a coastal state bordering the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is determined to exercise its sovereignty over the strategic waterway and prevent it from being used against the country’s national interests.
He added that Iran has been consulting with Oman since the ceasefire and believes decisions concerning the strait should be made jointly by the two littoral states.
The Second Blockade: Why Has the U.S. Returned to a Failed Strategy?
WANA (Jul 15) – The United States has once again resumed its maritime blockade against Iran, a move that comes after the collapse of previous understandings between Tehran and Washington and the return of military tensions in the region. The decision has once again turned the Strait of Hormuz into the center of one of […]
Iran Says Its Strength Is the Guarantee of Any Agreement
Asked about the possibility of resuming negotiations with the United States, Baghaei said the true guarantee behind any agreement is the strength of the parties involved.
He stressed that while Iran takes its commitments seriously, it will pursue its rights with equal determination, adding that the country’s primary reliance is on its own capabilities.
Iran Remains a Party to the NPT
Addressing speculation about a possible withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Baghaei said Iran continuously reviews its foreign policy and national security options but remains a member of the treaty for now.
He added that while Iran remains committed to its obligations, it expects the IAEA Board of Governors and the agency’s director general to explicitly condemn what he described as the U.S. attack on the Darkhovin nuclear facility.
Gharibabadi Condemns U.S. Strike on Darkhovin Nuclear Power Plant
WANA (Jul 20) – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs has strongly condemned the U.S. strike on the Darkhovin nuclear power plant construction site, describing it as a dangerous attack on Iran’s peaceful infrastructure. Kazem Gharibabadi issued a statement following the early Sunday attack on the Darkhovin nuclear power plant construction […]
Implementation of the Agreement Depends on U.S. Compliance
Responding to a question about the future of the Iran–U.S. memorandum of understanding, Baghaei said the Islamic Republic’s immediate priority is defending the country and supporting its armed forces. He stressed that Iran has not withdrawn from the agreement but had reached an understanding with the United States on a document designed to safeguard Iran’s national interests.
He added that the text of the document exists in both Persian and English and clearly defines the obligations of both parties. However, he said, the United States not only failed to fulfill its commitments but also violated both the letter and the spirit of the agreement. According to Baghaei, Washington’s failure to honor its obligations has made it impossible for Iran to implement the agreement, and the status of the document is therefore clear.
Denial of Reports of an American Prisoner’s Release
Responding to claims by the U.S. president that an American citizen had been released from an Iranian prison, Baghaei, citing Iran’s judiciary, said no American prisoner matching the description provided by the U.S. president had been released.
He added that the individual in question had neither been imprisoned nor charged with espionage.
U.S. Responsible for Escalating the War
Asked about Iran’s attacks on U.S. bases in the region and the issue of Jordan, Baghaei declined to comment on the first part of the question but said responsibility for the expansion of the conflict rests solely with the United States.
He argued that Washington has continued its attacks on Iran by using the territory of regional countries in violation of their sovereignty. Iran, he said, harbors no hostility toward its neighbors and acts only within its legitimate right to self-defense. He also urged regional governments to prevent the United States from using their territory and facilities to launch attacks against Iran.
Live Coverage of the Iran–U.S.–Israel Conflict / July 20
WANA – Our team is closely monitoring the latest developments regarding the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran. This report is being updated … US Cruise Missile Intercepted and Destroyed Over Rudbar-e Jonub WANA (Jul 20) – According to the Public Relations Office of the Tharallah Corps in Kerman Province, a U.S. […]
Foreign Minister to Attend Shanghai Cooperation Organization Meeting
Baghaei announced that Iran’s foreign minister will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) foreign ministers’ meeting in Kyrgyzstan.
He said the meeting will focus on economic cooperation, security, and counterterrorism. In addition to participating in the conference, Iran’s foreign minister is expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts. According to Baghaei, the minister will travel to Kyrgyzstan after meeting with a high-level Iraqi delegation.
Pursuing Justice for the Assassinated Leader
Referring to legal efforts concerning the killing of the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and other officials, Baghaei described the issue as a national demand.
He said the Foreign Ministry would use all available legal and international mechanisms to document the incident and pursue accountability through the appropriate judicial bodies, adding that no effort would be spared.
A billboard depicting U.S. President Donald Trump laid in a coffin is displayed on a building in Tehran, Iran, July 18, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Rejecting U.S. Claims Regarding Cuba
Baghaei dismissed U.S. allegations about the presence of Iranian military advisers and Iranian drones in Cuba, describing them as a pretext for increasing pressure on Havana.
Condemning U.S. sanctions against Cuba, he said relations between Tehran and Havana are legitimate, consistent with international law, and will continue.
Iran Says Its Operations Target U.S. Bases and Anti-Iranian Groups
Responding to a question about Iranian operations in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, Baghaei said Iran does not attack other parties indiscriminately and that its defensive actions are directed only at U.S. military bases and facilities or sites used by anti-Iranian groups.
Referring to the Iran-Iraq security agreement, he said Tehran remains in contact with both the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to prevent Iraqi territory from being used for armed activities against Iran and expects the agreement to be fully implemented.
Expanding the North–South Transport Corridor with Russia
Highlighting Iran’s strategic partnership with Russia, Baghaei said the two countries are pursuing extensive cooperation in transportation, transit, and railway development.
He added that Tehran and Moscow are determined to accelerate joint infrastructure projects, including the International North–South Transport Corridor.
“The U.S. Does Not Respect Humanitarian Law”
Responding to U.S. claims that civilians are not being targeted, Baghaei called the statements “false,” arguing that American officials themselves have acknowledged they would not abide by the rules of international humanitarian law.
He cited attacks on the Dena naval vessel, bridges, power plants, and civilian infrastructure in Iran as examples of violations of international law, adding that the United States would eventually be held accountable for alleged war crimes before international courts.
Proof the U.S. Targeted Minab’s Shajareh Tayebeh School
WANA (Jul 14) – At approximately 11:15 AM on February 28, 2026, during the opening hours of the U.S.-Israeli conflict, the Shajareh Tayebeh Elementary School in Minab, Hormozgan Province, was struck by missiles. More than four months have passed, and the Pentagon continues to shield itself behind the pretext of an “ongoing investigation,” while […]
Strait of Hormuz Will Remain Strategically Vital
Commenting on U.S. efforts to develop alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said Washington has pursued that objective for decades but insisted that the strategic waterway “will never lose its importance.”
Rejecting the “Negotiation vs. War” Narrative
Baghaei stressed the importance of supporting Iran’s diplomatic institutions, saying diplomacy and military action should not be portrayed as mutually exclusive.
He said the Islamic Republic uses both defense and diplomacy simultaneously to protect its national interests and will continue to employ both whenever necessary.
A billboard depicting U.S. President Donald Trump is displayed on a building in Tehran, Iran, July 18, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Interior Minister to Visit Pakistan
Baghaei announced that Iran’s interior minister will travel to Pakistan for talks on issues of mutual interest within the responsibilities of the two countries’ interior ministries.
He also rejected a Reuters report claiming that Pakistan had warned Iran that an attack on Saudi Arabia would constitute a “red line,” saying no such message had ever been officially conveyed by Islamabad.
Iran Judges the U.S. by Its Actions
Asked about divisions within the United States and the role of Israel in the negotiation process, Baghaei said Tehran considers U.S. domestic politics to be an internal American matter and judges Washington solely by the actions of its government.
He added that Israel has consistently sought to undermine diplomatic efforts but said this does not diminish the United States’ responsibility to honor its commitments. Every government, he concluded, must be held accountable for its conduct and adherence to its agreements.
