Baghaei: Iran’s Ties With IAEA Remain Direct
WANA (Aug 18) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said Monday in his press conference that while the level of exchanges with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has changed after recent events, Tehran’s relations with the agency remain direct.
He confirmed that an IAEA deputy director visited Tehran last week for talks on cooperation mechanisms, and Iran’s Vienna mission is in continuous contact with the agency.
No Closure of German, French, or UK Embassies in Tehran
Baghaei dismissed reports that European embassies in Tehran had shut down, calling them fabrications aimed at creating tension. He clarified that while some embassies limited consular services during wartime, none have closed.
Israel’s Expansionism Knows No Limits
Commenting on remarks by Israel’s prime minister about a “Greater Israel,” Baghaei said the statement exposed the expansionist nature of the “Zionist regime”. He warned that if Israel’s ambitions are not contained, the region will face “endless wars.”
He added that these remarks have further exposed Israel’s true nature to regional countries, especially after earlier expectations that the so-called “Abraham Accords” might bring peaceful coexistence. Instead, he said, Netanyahu’s words highlight that Israel is driven by domination, not peace.
Araghchi’s Response to Netanyahu’s “Greater Israel” Claim
WANA (Aug 14) – The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, reacting to remarks by the Israeli regime’s prime minister about the idea of a “Greater Israel,” stressed that Western media usually accuse anyone who refers to this concept of being “antisemitic.” In a post on X early Thursday morning, Seyed Abbas […]
Support for Peace Initiatives in Ukraine
On the Russia-U.S. talks about Ukraine, Baghaei said Iran welcomes any initiative that ends the conflict. He stressed disputes must be resolved peacefully, while adding that the U.S. needs to work harder to regain trust given its “poor record” in international negotiations.
Iran Ready to Defend Borders Amid NATO Presence
Asked about possible Turkish and NATO troop deployments near Iran’s borders, he said Tehran opposes foreign military presence in the Caucasus and beyond, calling it destabilizing. He emphasized that Iran will take “any necessary measures” to safeguard its borders.
Engagement With Afghanistan’s Interim Government
On relations with the Taliban, Baghaei said recognition of any government is a sovereign decision. While respecting Russia’s move to recognize the Taliban, he said Iran will decide based on its national interests. Meanwhile, Iran maintains extensive interactions with Afghanistan’s interim government due to shared borders, ties, and challenges.
Velayati: Iran Blocks US Zangezur Corridor With or Without Russia
WANA (Aug 09) – Ali Akbar Velayati, Advisor to Iran’s Supreme Leader on International Affairs, has stressed that Iran will prevent the establishment of the so-called “Zangezur Corridor” in the South Caucasus, whether Russia cooperates or not. He emphasized that the corridor threatens regional security and aims to alter the geopolitical map of the area. […]
Iran: Europe Has No Right to Trigger Snapback Mechanism
Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei, responding to a European journalist’s question on threats by Europe to activate the JCPOA “snapback” mechanism, said:
“Europe’s use of this tool as pressure is illegal and illogical. The three European countries have failed in their commitments under the JCPOA. They also did not condemn U.S. and Israeli military aggression nor justify their positions logically. We believe they have no right to activate this mechanism.”
He added that this reflects Europe’s continued “unconstructive” role in Iran’s nuclear file, though talks with them are ongoing. Baghaei stressed that Europe must clarify whether it seeks a constructive role or one aligned with Israeli interests.
Next Round of IAEA Talks Expected Soon
On recent IAEA visits to Iran, Baghaei said discussions focused on cooperation after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He noted talks will continue, with the next round likely in the coming days.
IAEA Deputy Director General Leaves Tehran After Talks
WANA (Aug 11) – The Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has left Tehran following discussions with Iranian officials on the agency’s engagement with Iran. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, told Iran Daily that Massimo Aparo, the IAEA Deputy Director General, departed Tehran after […]
No Request for Larijani’s Plane to Cross Syria
Dismissing media claims that Syria blocked Larijani’s flight to Lebanon, Baghaei said: “We never requested to cross Syrian airspace.”
European Troika’s Letter to UN “Baseless”
On the UK, France, and Germany’s letter to the UN about the snapback issue, Baghaei said it was a response to Deputy FM Araghchi’s earlier letter to the UN and EU on the illegality of such action. He added: “The arguments in the European letter are entirely baseless.”
Putin–Trump Talks Focused on Ukraine
Asked about the Putin–Trump meeting in Alaska and any impact on Iran–U.S. talks, Baghaei said the summit was focused on Ukraine. “We monitor developments, consult with Russia when needed, but decisions regarding Iran are made based on our own interests,” he stated.
Iran Rejects U.S. Human Rights Report
Baghaei rejected the latest U.S. human rights report, calling it a political tool to pressure disfavored states while shielding allies. He noted the report’s coverage of Israel dropped by 91% compared to last year, calling it proof of its political bias.
“These accusations against Iran are politically motivated, and we reject them. If the U.S. cared about human rights, its report would focus on Israel’s genocide,” he added.
Putin and Trump Face to Face, Without a Signed Agreement
WANA (Aug 15) – While the world’s attention is fixed on Alaska, the meeting of Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in this remote U.S. state has already become a scene full of hidden and overt messages. The Kremlin has officially announced that no document or agreement will be signed between the two leaders, and […]
President’s Armenia Trip Pre-Planned
On the president’s visit to Armenia, Baghaei clarified it was scheduled in advance as part of strengthening regional ties and unrelated to recent South Caucasus developments. The president will also visit Belarus afterward.
Iran Welcomes Peace Agreement Between Azerbaijan and Armenia
Iran has welcomed the signing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, describing it as a significant step toward lasting regional stability. Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei stated that while the agreement is a sovereign decision of the two countries, Iran supports it as a foundation for durable security.
Baghaei emphasized key points, including the creation of a transit route through southern Armenia to Nakhchivan. Iran supports reopening transport links but insists these must respect internationally recognized borders and avoid altering the region’s geopolitical balance.
He also reiterated Iran’s opposition to any foreign military presence in the region, noting assurances that no external forces will be deployed along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border.
Foreign Military Presence in the Region
Baghaei said Iran considers the presence of foreign troops in the region detrimental to peace and stability. “This presence has contributed only to instability,” he said, urging regional countries to cooperate in building security that originates internally.
Iran Welcomes Armenia–Azerbaijan Peace, Warns on Foreign Interference Near Borders
WANA (Aug 09) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Saturday welcomed the finalization of a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, while voicing concern over the potential negative consequences of any foreign intervention, particularly near its shared borders. The statement came in response to recent developments in the South Caucasus, following the signing of a […]
Iran-Europe Talks
On potential new rounds of negotiations with European countries, Baghaei confirmed that Iranian diplomats remain in contact with European officials. While no decision has yet been made, he did not rule out another round of talks before the end of the month.
Security Memorandum with Iraq
Regarding the recently signed security document with Iraq, Baghaei clarified that it is a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) rather than a downgraded agreement. He explained that the MoU outlines practical cooperation on security matters, including border security, and represents a mutual understanding reached after detailed negotiations between Tehran and Baghdad.
Afghan Pilgrims at Arbaeen
Responding to claims that no Afghan pilgrims were able to participate in this year’s Arbaeen procession via Iran, Baghaei said this characterization was inaccurate. “While the number of Afghan pilgrims was lower than in previous years, it was certainly not zero,” he stated.
He explained that only pilgrims who had already obtained Iraqi visas could pass through Iran, which created some challenges. Baghaei added that Iranian authorities addressed as many issues as possible to facilitate travel and plan to use lessons from this year to improve the process, allowing more Afghan pilgrims to participate next year.
Iran’s Five Decades of Hosting Migrants Without International Aid
WANA (Jul 17) – During the recent war between Iran and Israel, the issue of the presence of undocumented Afghan nationals in Iran once again became a hot topic in public discourse. Although some foreign media outlets attempted to link the deportation of these individuals to the recent tensions, the reality is that Iran had […]
On the Jeffrey Epstein Case
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei stated that Tehran will not engage in personal speculation or media conjecture regarding the motivations of U.S. politicians in the Jeffrey Epstein case.
He described the case as extensive, involving multiple countries and officials, and noted that it contains numerous illegal and unethical elements. Baghaei emphasized that Iran’s focus is on the actions of the U.S. government as a state, rather than individuals, and reaffirmed that Iran will spare no effort to protect its national interests and the rights of its citizens.
Response to Israeli Claims on Iran’s Water Shortage
In response to comments by Israel’s Prime Minister regarding Iran’s water situation, Baghaei dismissed them as propaganda. He said that Israel, “a party known for stealing water and attacking the resources of neighbors and the Palestinian people,” is not qualified to comment on such issues.
He highlighted that one of Israel’s first targets during the military strike against Iran was the main water pipeline in northern Tehran. Baghaei added that the Iranian public is aware these claims are media-driven and aimed at creating political noise.
Pezeshkian to Netanyahu: Look at Gaza Crimes Before Pretending to Care About Iranians
WANA (Aug 13) – Iran’s president, in response to the Israeli prime minister’s meddlesome remarks about Iran, said: Those who, with a deceptive appearance, falsely claim to care about the Iranian people should first take a look at the dire situation in Gaza and its defenseless residents — especially the children — who, because of […]
Condemnation of Israeli Attacks in Yemen
Baghaei condemned recent Israeli attacks on Yemen, describing them as violations of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed that targeting civilian and non-military infrastructure constitutes a war crime, and strongly criticized the repetition of such assaults.
On U.S. Interventions in the Region
Regarding U.S. interventions in the Middle East, including remarks on Hezbollah’s disarmament in Lebanon, Baghaei said that U.S. involvement has always been one-sided and focused on safeguarding Israeli interests.
He noted that the people of Lebanon and other regional countries are aware of America’s role, and described such claims as attempts to sow discord, which hold no credibility in Iran’s view.
Iran Says Nuclear Program Limits in Exchange for Sanctions Relief Are Not New
In response to another question, the spokesperson stated that under the logic of the JCPOA, Iran voluntarily accepted certain limits, such as on enrichment levels and machine use, in exchange for the removal of U.S. and European sanctions. He stressed that accepting some restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in return for sanctions relief is not a new issue.
He added that Iran is willing to take steps to reassure the international community about the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, provided that “unjust sanctions” are lifted, consistent with Iran’s previous positions.
Iran Says It Will Accept Nuclear Limits if Sanctions Are Lifted
WANA (Aug 11) – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, said that Iran would accept certain restrictions on the development of its nuclear program if U.S. sanctions were lifted. In an interview with a Japanese media, Takht-Ravanchi stated that in exchange for the removal of American sanctions, Tehran would agree to […]
Iran Hopes Upcoming OIC Emergency Meeting Will Be More Meaningful and Effective
The spokesperson of Iran’s Foreign Ministry, responding to questions about the upcoming Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) emergency meeting of foreign ministers next week, proposed by Iran, emphasized that the main international body responsible— the UN Security Council—has failed to act.
He said the Council should have condemned Israel’s actions and forced an end to the “genocide” in Gaza, but U.S. obstruction and support for Israel prevented this.
“Nonetheless, this does not stop us from using other regional and international institutions to document crimes, build consensus, and mobilize public opinion to pressure Israel and its supporters,” the spokesperson added.
Highlighting that the Palestinian issue has always been a central purpose of the OIC, he expressed hope that the upcoming meeting’s resolutions would be more meaningful and effective.
Iranian officials are already participating in expert-level sessions to ensure the meeting produces clear, impactful resolutions to aid Palestinians and stop ongoing violence in Gaza.
Condemnation of the Gaza Occupation and Displacement Plan
At the start of the press briefing, Baghaei condemned Israel’s decision to fully occupy Gaza and forcibly displace its people, saying the crimes continue due to U.S. support and Israel’s sense of impunity. He noted the upcoming OIC foreign ministers’ meeting on Gaza and Palestine.
Arbaeen and POW Commemorations
Baghaei thanked all who contributed to last week’s Arbaeen ceremonies, including Iranian missions in Iraq, and expressed gratitude to the Iraqi people and government for their hospitality. He also commemorated the anniversary of the return of Iranian POWs.
