WANA (Nov 18) – In his weekly press conference today, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei addressed the recent threats by the Israeli regime against Iran’s nuclear facilities. He stated, “Our region has been familiar with the lawless approaches of the Israeli regime for decades. We have taken the necessary measures to defend the nation’s interests and nuclear industry.”

 

Iran Vows to Respond to Israeli Threats

The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that Israeli threats against Iran violate international law and will be met with an appropriate response. Referring to recent discussions, he highlighted Iran’s commitment as an NPT member to addressing questions about its nuclear program despite their lack of technical basis.

 

He noted that during the meeting between Rafael Grossi, the IAEA Director General, and Iran’s Foreign Minister, the focus was on Iran’s constructive approach to resolving outstanding issues with the agency.

 

Baghaei emphasized that one of the main drivers of persistent international crimes is the perpetrators’ sense of impunity. He underlined the principle that heinous crimes, including genocide and war crimes, must not go unpunished. However, he criticized the Israeli regime’s continued defiance of justice over the past year, facilitated by U.S. obstruction of accountability efforts at the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.

 

He added that obstructing justice equates to complicity in crimes. The spokesperson called on the global community to address instances where high-ranking officials and certain governments have undermined efforts to hold Israeli leaders accountable, stressing the importance of international vigilance in ensuring justice.

 

Larijani’s Visit to Syria and Lebanon: A Message of Iran’s Strong Support for Resistance

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced that Ali Larijani’s visit to Syria and Lebanon was fully coordinated with the ministry. The visit symbolized Iran’s commitment to utilizing its diplomatic capacities to provide ongoing support for the people and resistance movements in these countries against Israeli aggression.

 

Turkey Denies Israeli President’s Plane Entry into Airspace

During the press briefing, in response to reports that Turkey closed its airspace to an Israeli delegation’s plane heading to COP29, preventing the Israeli president from attending the Baku summit, the spokesperson stated: “The Israeli regime lacks the legitimacy to participate in the United Nations.” He called for more countries to join efforts to block Israel’s presence in international forums.

 

Communication Channel Between Iran and the US

When asked about potential interaction with the Trump administration’s team, the spokesperson clarified: “The communication channel between Iran and the US is through the US Interests Section in Tehran, which has existed for some time and continues to function for message exchanges.”

 

Criticism of US Plans in the Region

Addressing reports about a US-proposed ceasefire plan for Lebanon, the spokesperson described it as a one-sided initiative aligned with the expansion of Israeli crimes. He asserted that Lebanon’s people and resistance are best positioned to determine their interests, with Iran standing firmly by their side as a supporter of resistance movements.

 

Relations with Morocco

Responding to questions about potential meetings between Iranian and Moroccan officials to restore relations, the spokesperson reaffirmed Iran’s openness to strengthening ties with neighboring and Islamic countries. He added: “We were not the initiators of severing relations, and we continue to pursue regional policies based on dignity, wisdom, and expediency.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei speaks during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, October 21, 2024. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Readiness for Dialogue with Europe

On the subject of Iran-EU negotiations, the spokesperson stated that discussions on shared concerns were held during the UN General Assembly. Regarding potential EU sanctions targeting Iranian shipping lines, he warned that “any inappropriate action against Iran’s interests will be met with reciprocal measures.” He emphasized that Iran remains prepared to engage in fair and reasonable talks, keeping national interests as a priority.

 

Ukraine Conflict

The spokesperson reiterated Iran’s neutrality in the Ukraine conflict and dismissed claims of Iran supplying ballistic missiles to Russia as baseless, which even Ukrainian officials have acknowledged. He urged European nations to reconsider their sanctions based on such false claims and criticized continued Western confrontations as harmful to all sides.

 

Iran’s Commitment to National Interests

In response to questions about potential differences between upcoming and past negotiations with Europe, the spokesperson affirmed: “Iran will never compromise its interests and demands. All negotiations must be fair and considerate of both parties’ interests.” He stressed that past experiences should guide future discussions to ensure progress and mutual understanding.

 

Afghan Prisoners in Iranian Prisons: A Burden on Resources

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei confirmed ongoing discussions between Iran and Afghanistan’s caretaker government to transfer Afghan convicts from Iranian prisons back to Afghanistan.

 

Baghaei noted the large number of Afghan prisoners detained across various provinces in Iran, which imposes significant financial burdens on the country. He highlighted that drug-related offenses constitute a major portion of these crimes and hoped the Afghan authorities would effectively implement the agreement.

Iran Seeks to Establish Peace and Security with the Help of Neighbors

WANA (Sep 24) – During a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized Iran’s commitment to foster lasting peace and security in the region, with the support of neighbouring governments, particularly those in the Persian Gulf.   Highlighting his electoral campaign slogan of “national unity and global engagement,” […]

Read More...

Iran-Pakistan Security Agreement Enters Implementation Phase

Baghaei also discussed Iran’s collaboration with Pakistan to combat terrorism in light of recent terrorist attacks in Sistan and Baluchistan province. He stated that terrorism remains a shared challenge for both nations, and operational mechanisms have been established to address this threat.

 

The Iran-Pakistan security agreement has entered its implementation phase, with both countries committed to identifying and tackling terrorist and smuggling networks effectively. Baghaei emphasized the progress made in recent months and affirmed the continuation of joint efforts to enhance regional security.

 

Iran Will Not Hesitate to Defend Its Sovereignty

In response to claims that Iran has delayed its “True Promise 3” operation under US pressure, Baghaei reiterated: “We do not seek permission to defend our territorial integrity and sovereignty. Any aggression will undoubtedly be met with a decisive response.”

 

Iran-China Relations Remain Strong

Addressing the state of Iran-China relations, Baghaei described the partnership as robust, with both sides determined to deepen and expand cooperation. The long-term cooperation roadmap is actively pursued, utilizing all available opportunities for mutual benefit.

 

Iran-Bahrain Diplomatic Relations in Progress

Commenting on the status of Iran-Bahrain relations, Baghaei highlighted recent developments, including three visits by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister to Iran and reciprocal discussions. He noted that re-establishing diplomatic ties remains a topic of dialogue, though the process could take time.

Iran and Syria Discuss Regional Security and Counterterrorism

WANA (Nov 17) – Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh held talks on regional defense and security issues, emphasizing enhanced cooperation between the two nations to combat terrorism and dismantle its infrastructure in pursuit of regional stability and security.   On the same day, Nasirzadeh  met with Syrian Chief […]

Read More...

Iran’s Efforts Against Takfiri Terrorism in the Region

Regarding the resurgence of terrorist groups such as ISIS in Iraq, Baghaei criticized the lack of cooperation from some European countries in repatriating their ISIS-affiliated nationals.

 

He stated: “Iran’s advisory presence in Syria and Iraq was aimed at combating ISIS. Iran has taken the most responsible approach to prevent the spread of Takfiri terrorism in the region.”

 

Baghaei expressed regret over reports of support provided to terrorist elements in Syria by the US and certain other countries, stressing that such actions jeopardize regional security.

 

He reaffirmed Iran’s unparalleled expertise in countering ISIS and suggested using existing regional frameworks, such as the Astana Process, to address terrorism in Syria effectively.