Baghaei: Iran Will Show No Compromise in Defending National Sovereignty
WANA (Aug 22) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei explicitly declared Monday that Iran will show no compromise in defending its national sovereignty, stressing that while Tehran did not initiate the war, it will not allow the conflict to end on the aggressor’s terms.
Warning Against Foreign Coercion and Base Access
Speaking at a weekly press conference in Tehran, Baghaei detailed key foreign policy developments and rising regional tensions. Reflecting on past historical occupations, he stated that only national strength and deterrence can prevent foreign aggression, reasserting Tehran’s right under international law to target the origin of any hostile actions.
Addressing reports regarding US military assets in Europe, including air-refueling aircraft departing Bulgaria, Baghaei warned that hosting facilities for military action against Iran constitutes an act of aggression under international law.
He noted that neighboring and regional countries have no reason to fear Iran unless their infrastructure is used to facilitate illegal military acts against the nation.
People walk past an anti-U.S. billboard on a street in Tehran, Iran, August 3, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Strait of Hormuz and Regional Diplomacy
Baghaei also dismissed US claims regarding normal shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, labeling such assertions as media warfare.
On regional diplomatic engagements, he confirmed that Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir is scheduled to arrive in Tehran today, while Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi will arrive tomorrow for scheduled discussions on bilateral ties and maritime security.
He additionally denied receiving any invitation regarding a reported tripartite pact between Iran, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.
Trade Relations and Internal Operations
Regarding relations with Afghanistan, Baghaei highlighted recent high-level talks between President Masoud Pezeshkian and Mullah Baradar aimed at resolving legal and border obstacles to expand trade, noting that the Foreign Ministry has successfully maintained its operations and administrative reforms despite enduring wartime conditions.
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Breakdown of Past Ceasefires and Economic Hardships
In response to questions regarding diplomatic attempts and the origin of recent conflicts, Baghaei emphasized that Iranian policymakers have consistently accounted for all political factors, questioning whether Iran was the party that started the war.
He stated that Tehran’s goodwill has repeatedly been met with hostility and broken promises, pointing to the 2015 JCPOA, the June 18 ceasefire agreement, and the Islamabad understanding as primary examples of violated commitments.
Baghaei stressed that over the past eighteen months, Iran did everything within its power to prevent war and protect its national interests. While acknowledging the severe economic hardships, business disruptions, and damage inflicted on oil reserves and refineries as part of decades-long US pressure tactics, he affirmed that government efforts remain focused on minimizing the impact on citizens.
He stated that Iran neither started nor welcomed the war, reiterating that the responsibility lies entirely with the opposing side for repeatedly breaking faith.
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Response to US Maritime Blockade
Addressing the naval blockade imposed on Iran, Baghaei stated that the ongoing blockade constitutes an explicit act of aggression. He warned that any escalation of this situation would carry serious consequences, emphasizing that Iran will not stand by idly with tied hands in the face of such aggressive measures.
Expulsion of French Diplomats and French Retaliation
Regarding recent diplomatic tensions with France and the expulsion of Iranian diplomats, Baghaei clarified the sequence of events, pointing out that Iran was taking initial action rather than merely reacting.
He explained that two staff members at the French Embassy in Tehran engaged in activities beyond their legal duties as outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Following formal warnings, the French ambassador was summoned, and Iran’s official protest was conveyed both verbally and in writing. Iran subsequently notified France that the two individuals could not return to the country due to their violations of diplomatic protocols.
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Baghaei characterized France’s subsequent retaliatory action as illegal and detrimental to bilateral relations, contrasting it with Iran’s lawful measure.
Closure of Chilean Embassy and Status of British Embassy
On the decision by the Chilean government to close its embassy in Tehran, Baghaei explained that the move was driven by financial and budgetary austerity measures, which Chile has also implemented in several other countries.
He emphasized that the administrative closure of the embassy does not signify a severance of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Additionally, when asked about the status of the British Embassy in Tehran, Baghaei noted that diplomats from the British Embassy have all returned, clarifying that their temporary absence was apparently for routine leave.
Status of Iranian Pilots in Qatar
Addressing the situation regarding three Iranian pilots currently held in Qatar, Baghaei stated that as long as their status remains unresolved, Tehran’s demand for their release stands. He emphasized that Iran will utilize all available capacities to secure their freedom.
US Economic War and “D-Day” Rhetoric
Responding to statements from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding an impending economic “D-Day” and financial assault, as well as remarks from the US House Speaker suggesting a new phase of conflict, Baghaei dismissed the terminology as repetitive narrative tactics. He noted that terms like “crippling sanctions,” “maximum pressure,” and “economic warfare” all serve the single objective of targeting a nation determined not to forfeit its rights.
Baghaei attributed these statements to US frustration resulting from miscalculations and influence by hostile actors who falsely believed military aggression could break the Iranian people. He emphasized that testing previously failed policies will yield no different results, serving only to expose deep-seated hostility toward Iranian citizens who bear the direct burden of such sanctions.
Reliability at the Negotiating Table
Rejecting assertions by US officials that Iranians cannot be trusted during negotiations, Baghaei labeled the claim a complete falsehood. He asserted that the international community has repeatedly witnessed that it is the United States whose word and contractual commitments cannot be relied upon, pointing to the ongoing instability and inconsistency in US policymaking.
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He added that Iran will leverage all multilateral channels to counter economic sanctions, having already prepared the necessary contingency measures.
Geopolitical Issues, Regional Sovereignty, and Israeli Strikes
Persian Gulf Naming: Commenting on the use of a improper term for the Persian Gulf by the Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Baghaei stated that the Persian Gulf’s history and identity are far too enduring to be altered by transient political waves.
Future of the United Nations: Warning against the erosion of international institutions, Baghaei stressed that global powers must not allow the United Nations to suffer the same fate of collapse and irrelevance as the League of Nations.
Israeli Attacks on Syria: Baghaei condemned the escalation of Israeli strikes against Syrian territory as a clear violation of Syria’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Rejecting Israel’s justifications as mere pretexts for unlawful actions, he affirmed Syria’s inherent right to strengthen its defensive capabilities against actions that mirror ongoing aggressions in Gaza and Lebanon.
US Visa Revocations and Political Discrimination
Responding to questions regarding the US State Department’s revocation of visas for 175,000 foreign nationals—including a number of Iranian citizens—and reports of coordination between US and Iranian officials, Baghaei clarified that any reference to coordination pertains strictly to the Iranian Interests Section in Washington.
He stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is duty-bound to assist Iranian citizens facing difficulties anywhere in the world. Characterizing the treatment of Iranian nationals as politically motivated and discriminatory, Baghaei noted that these harassment actions notably coincided with the inauguration of the new US administration.
Consular Facilitation and Human Rights Violations
Baghaei explained that facing these difficulties, the affected Iranian citizens ultimately chose to return to their homeland, a decision facilitated by the Interest Section. He emphasized that returning home is an inherent right for all Iranian citizens.
However, the spokesperson condemned Washington’s actions, declaring the arbitrary visa cancellations and treatment of Iranian nationals to be clear violations of human rights that cannot be overlooked.
