Baghaei: No Plans for Talks with the U.S. at This Time
WANA ( Jul 21) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed on Monday that Iran currently has no plans to engage in direct talks with the United States. His remarks came during a weekly press briefing, which also covered developments in Iran’s diplomatic efforts and responses to recent acts of aggression against the country.
Iran–Europe Talks Set for Friday in Istanbul
Baghaei announced that Iran will hold a meeting with the E3 (France, Germany, and the UK) on Friday in Istanbul at the deputy foreign minister level. The European Union’s deputy foreign policy chief is also expected to attend. The talks will focus on lifting sanctions and Iran’s nuclear program.
“The agenda is clear: the removal of sanctions and serious discussions around Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities,” Baghaei said. “We will present our demands firmly during the meeting.”
He added that European countries must also answer for their recent positions regarding Israeli and U.S. strikes against Iran’s nuclear sites. “Not only did they fail to condemn these attacks, but some even supported them,” he said.
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WANA (Jul 20) – The Islamic Republic of Iran and the three European countries have agreed to restart negotiations. According to some Iranian news agencies quoting an informed source, Tehran has reached an agreement with Germany, France, and the United Kingdom to hold talks focused on Iran’s nuclear program. The source noted that […]
No Immediate Dialogue with the U.S.
In response to questions about potential U.S.–Iran negotiations, Baghaei said, “At this stage, we have no plans to hold talks with the United States.”
He added, “We have always emphasized that diplomacy is a tool for safeguarding national interests. Should we determine that it can serve those interests, we will not hesitate to pursue it.”
Iran Sends Special Message to Putin
Baghaei also confirmed that Ali Larijani, a senior political figure, visited Moscow recently as a special envoy of the Iranian president. He carried an official message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, conveying Iran’s broader strategic views.
Foreign Ministry Vows to Pursue Justice for Slain Nuclear Scientist
During the briefing, the brother of Mohammad Reza Sedighi Saber—an Iranian nuclear scientist assassinated along with his family in Astaneh Ashrafieh—was present and displayed images of the victims and their children’s toys.
The brother claimed that the Israeli regime targeted their family both in Tehran and later in northern Iran. He urged the Foreign Ministry to pursue justice in international forums.
Baghaei responded by reaffirming Iran’s commitment: “We will not miss any opportunity to document this crime and hold the perpetrators accountable in the eyes of international law.”
Iranian researcher Seyed Mohammadreza Sedighi and his family. Social media/WANA News Agency
Gaza Crisis: Condemnation of Israel’s Use of Starvation as a Weapon
Turning to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Baghaei strongly condemned Israel’s actions. “The use of food and water as weapons against innocent women and children is an extension of Zionist war crimes,” he said.
He noted that in the past 24 hours alone, 150 people were killed in Gaza, many of whom had gathered to receive food. “We are witnessing the normalization of mass killing, while the global conscience remains disturbingly numb.”
He called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to hold an emergency session to address the situation, confirming that Iran has officially submitted a request to the OIC Secretariat.
Zangezur Corridor: Iran Reiterates Respect for Sovereignty
Commenting on recent statements by Azerbaijan’s president regarding the Zangezur Corridor, Baghaei emphasized Iran’s long-standing position that new regional corridors must not undermine the sovereignty or territorial integrity of regional countries.
“Any geopolitical change must be approached cautiously, and media misrepresentations often fuel unnecessary misunderstandings,” he said.
Zangezur and the Attempt to Encircle Iran
WANA (Jul 21) – The idea of establishing the Zangezur Corridor is not new. It dates back even to the Ottoman Caliphate, which sought a strategic foothold in the South Caucasus and frequently clashed with both Russia and Britain over influence in the region. Later, during Atatürk’s era, Turkey made further attempts in this direction, […]
European Embassies Resume Operations in Tehran
Baghaei confirmed that several embassies, which had reduced staff due to concerns over Israeli military actions, have resumed normal operations. “The embassies of France, the UK, and Germany are fully active, with their ambassadors present in Tehran,” he noted.
Iran–China–Russia Trilateral Talks to Be Held Tuesday in Tehran
In a significant diplomatic development, Baghaei announced that a trilateral meeting between Iran, China, and Russia will be held on Tuesday in Tehran. The meeting, involving high-ranking officials, will address the European threats to trigger the “snapback” mechanism on UN sanctions.
He emphasized, “There is no legal, logical, or political basis for the reinstatement of sanctions that were previously lifted under the JCPOA. We continue coordinated efforts with China and Russia to block or minimize the consequences of such actions.”
President Pezeshkian to Visit Pakistan
Baghaei also confirmed that President Pezeshkian is scheduled to visit Pakistan in the coming weeks. Further details, he said, will be announced by the president’s office.
Why Did Larijani Go to Moscow?
WANA (Jul 21) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson has clarified that Ali Larijani traveled to Moscow as the special envoy of the President and was carrying a message and Iran’s overarching strategic viewpoint for President Vladimir Putin. A day after the Kremlin confirmed a meeting between Ali Larijani — senior advisor to the Supreme […]
Larijani Delivered Iran’s Strategic Message to Putin
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that Ali Larijani, senior advisor to the Supreme Leader, traveled to Moscow as the special envoy of the President of Iran, delivering Tehran’s strategic message on regional and international developments, as well as bilateral ties with Russia.
“He had a very productive meeting with President Vladimir Putin, where they discussed a wide range of issues, particularly the evolving regional situation over the past month,” Baghaei said.
He emphasized that sending special envoys is a common diplomatic practice among countries, adding that Larijani had previously undertaken similar missions to Russia. “The Foreign Ministry was fully informed about this trip,” he noted.
U.S. Attack on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities
Commenting on repeated statements by U.S. officials acknowledging their role in recent strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities during the recent 12-day conflict, Baghaei said: “For a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and one of the main sponsors of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and Resolution 2231, it is hardly a badge of honor to persist in destroying Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.”
He added that such statements only increase Washington’s legal and moral liability and make it easier for Tehran to pursue international accountability for what he termed “illegal and aggressive acts.”
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WANA (Jul 18) – The United States continues to insist that the only viable solution to Iran’s nuclear case lies in direct negotiations with Tehran. However, Tehran has not only refrained from making such a request, it has also elevated its decision-making process to an entirely different level. In recent weeks, the Islamic Republic […]
Iran’s Cooperation with IAEA Conditional
Baghaei reiterated Iran’s position on its relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stating that Iran remains a member of the IAEA and the NPT. However, he stressed that Iran is dissatisfied with the agency’s recent approach, which he said has been “exploited to justify aggression against the country.”
He affirmed that Iran’s cooperation with the agency is now being adjusted on a case-by-case basis in accordance with decisions made by the Supreme National Security Council and Iran’s parliament.
Foreign Ministry Responds to Reports of German-French Cyclist’s Detention
Responding to a German journalist’s inquiry about the detention of a German-French cyclist in Iran, Baghaei referred journalists to recent comments made by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and declined to elaborate further. “For more details, the Judiciary’s spokesperson is the appropriate source,” he said.
Iran Criticizes Germany’s Position on Israel’s Strikes
Baghaei expressed Iran’s strong dissatisfaction with Germany’s recent stance on Iran, particularly its support for Israeli and U.S. attacks. “German officials have used inappropriate language to justify the aggression, claiming that Israel is doing the ‘dirty work’ for them,” Baghaei said, calling such statements a serious breach of international responsibility.
“We expect German authorities to clarify and revise their position to avoid allowing these statements to become a dark stain in the history of bilateral relations,” he added.
Iran Warns E3 Against Misusing the Snapback Mechanism
Referring to European threats to trigger the JCPOA’s snapback mechanism, Baghaei urged the E3 not to undermine the EU’s broader diplomatic role. “We hope they reconsider their approach and don’t deprive the EU of the chance to play a constructive role,” he said.
“Poor Nobel, Poor Peace”
Reacting to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s suggestion that Donald Trump should receive the Nobel Peace Prize, Baghaei offered a scathing critique: “In a world turned upside down, it’s tragic to see apartheid regimes nominating those accused of war crimes and aggression as champions of peace.”
“Let’s not forget that this is the same Nobel Peace Prize that was once given to Shimon Peres,” he added sarcastically. “In today’s world, such honors have unfortunately lost much of their credibility.”
Baghaei said a more deserving recipient would be Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, who continues to advocate for Palestinian rights despite mounting pressure.
Iran: West Has a Debt to the Iranian People
Baghaei responded to Western calls for Iran to rejoin negotiations by accusing the U.S. and Europe of lacking seriousness and good faith. “There’s no authenticity or sincerity in these requests,” he said.
“Over the past two decades, Iran has consistently favored diplomacy, despite extensive breaches of commitments by the West,” Baghaei stated. “They owe a historical debt to the Iranian people for this restraint and responsibility.”
He added, “You can’t bomb a nation’s infrastructure one day and then speak of peace talks the next. This contradiction exposes the West’s instrumental use of diplomacy to advance its war agenda.”
New Mural Unveiled in Tehran’s Enghelab Square Depicts 28 Killed Children of the 12-Day War. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Robust Economic Consultations with China and Russia Underway
Addressing Iran’s economic relations with China and Russia, Baghaei highlighted ongoing consultations related to oil exports and broader trade cooperation. He noted that China, under the 25-year strategic partnership agreement, remains a key trading partner.
“These economic issues are a fixed part of our bilateral talks with both China and Russia,” he said. Baghaei further pointed to Iran’s active participation in both BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), noting that Iran held constructive meetings on the sidelines of the recent BRICS summit in Brazil and the SCO foreign ministers’ meeting.
“In both bilateral and multilateral formats, Iran continues strong coordination with China and Russia,” he stated.
Baghaei: Threat of Snapback Mechanism Should Not Be Overstated
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei downplayed European threats to invoke the snapback mechanism against Iran, calling such moves politically and legally unjustifiable. Responding to a question about concerns that the West may be using this process to justify military action, he said, “There is no moral, legal, or political basis for resorting to the snapback mechanism. Russia and China share Iran’s position on this matter.”
He criticized Western efforts to reimpose United Nations Security Council resolutions from 2006–2010, stating, “The opposing parties have used every means of coercion, threat, and pressure against the Iranian people. If their intention is war, we have already seen the U.S. and Israel launch direct military aggression against Iran. Therefore, such threats of reinstating sanctions through a manipulated legal process should not be given much weight.”
Snapback Mechanism “Meaningless and Illegitimate”
Addressing another question, Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s consistent and principled stance on the JCPOA. “Recently, Dr. Araghchi outlined Iran’s legal position in a letter to the UN Secretary-General, Security Council members, and the EU foreign policy chief,” he said.
“Invoking the snapback mechanism now is even more baseless and unjustified than it was a month ago,” he added.
He reiterated that Iran’s reduction of its nuclear commitments came after the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA and was implemented one year later in accordance with the deal itself.
“European parties not only failed to fulfill their commitments but even justified Israel’s recent military attacks on Iran,” Baghaei stated. “The U.S. and Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have fundamentally changed the nature of the issue. The Europeans now have no legal or ethical standing to call for a resolution they themselves rendered inoperative.”
He concluded: “If the snapback threat becomes reality, it will be Europe’s way of excluding itself from any future negotiations with Iran.”
12 Key Points on the JCPOA’s Snapback Mechanism
WANA (Jul 16) – The so-called “snapback mechanism” is a well-known term absent from the official text of the JCPOA, but it allows the restoration of UN Security Council sanctions on Iran within roughly 65 days. This piece outlines 12 key points about the complex dispute-resolution process, the steps to trigger snapback, and its risks […]
Iran Committed to Facilitating Afghan Pilgrims’ Travel to Iraq
Turning to regional cooperation, Baghaei addressed preparations for facilitating Afghan pilgrims’ participation in the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq. “Iran serves as a transit route for Afghan nationals heading to Iraq,” he said.
He noted that a trilateral meeting between Iran, Pakistan, and Iraq was recently held at the interior minister level to discuss logistical arrangements. “We will continue to fully cooperate with the Iraqi government to ensure Afghan pilgrims’ access to holy sites,” Baghaei affirmed.
Iran Has Hosted Afghan Refugees for Five Decades
Responding to a question from an Afghan News Agency about the return of undocumented Afghan migrants, Baghaei emphasized that the Islamic Republic of Iran has been the world’s largest host of Afghan refugees for over five decades.
“In these years, the Iranian people have generously shared what little they had with their Afghan brothers and sisters,” he said. “The international community has repeatedly acknowledged Iran’s responsible and humane approach.”
Baghaei explained that recent measures aim to organize refugee processes in a lawful and dignified manner. “We have no issue with legal migration. Our priority is ensuring any return is voluntary, orderly, and respectful,” he said, adding that Iran has maintained close consultations with the interim Afghan government on the matter.
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He revealed that interactions with local Afghan and Iranian officials have increased in recent days, and that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees is expected to visit Iran soon.
“Our longstanding appeal to international aid agencies, especially UNHCR, has been for more support,” Baghaei noted. “Unfortunately, due to unjust sanctions, Iran has been excluded from international refugee aid mechanisms despite shouldering enormous responsibilities.”
He expressed hope that the Commissioner’s visit would lead to a more realistic understanding of the refugee burden Iran faces and result in greater global support.
Iran–Egypt Dialogue Progressing
Commenting on Iranian–Egyptian relations, Baghaei said that despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties, bilateral contacts have increased steadily over the past seven to eight months.
“We share common views on many regional issues, particularly recent developments,” he noted. “The momentum in communication is promising, and we hope mutual trust will lead to deeper cooperation.”
Stop Israeli Crimes in Gaza: Iran Urges International Community
Baghaei confirmed that Iran’s foreign minister recently held a phone conversation with his Swiss counterpart, as part of ongoing international consultations.
“These discussions focus on bilateral ties as well as regional and global developments,” he said. “No responsible government wants to see continued conflict in West Asia.”
He stressed that Iran consistently urges other nations to pressure Israel into halting its aggression and territorial ambitions. “Stopping Israeli crimes in Gaza must be the international community’s top priority,” he declared, warning that failure to hold Tel Aviv accountable has led to its escalating attacks on Syria, Lebanon, and other parts of the region.
“We convey our positions on regional and global issues with clarity in all diplomatic exchanges,” Baghaei said.
Israel’s Threats Extend Beyond Syria
In response to concerns that Israeli attacks on Syria may spread to Iraq or even Turkey, Baghaei emphasized Iran’s commitment to Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He condemned Israeli strikes as flagrant violations of the UN Charter and international law. “The Israeli regime imposes no limits on its aggression. While committing genocide in Palestine, it violates ceasefires in Lebanon and strikes targets across the region,” he said.
He pointed out that regional countries share Iran’s alarm. “These aren’t just speculations — Israel has waged wars against its neighbors for decades. Any country in this region could be the next target.”
Baghaei concluded by warning that Israel seeks to divide the Muslim world by exploiting ethnic and sectarian differences. “Weakening Islamic nations through division is one of their main strategies,” he said.
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Iran Values Its Deep-Rooted Ties with Pakistan
Addressing recent consultations between Tehran and Islamabad, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei expressed condolences to the Pakistani government and people following the deadly floods that struck parts of the country in recent days.
“Our relationship with Pakistan is longstanding and rooted in shared religious, cultural, and civilizational ties,” Baghaei said. “We place great value on these relations.”
He noted that recent exchanges between Iranian and Pakistani officials have focused on bilateral issues. However, in the aftermath of Israel’s aggression against Iran, diplomatic contacts have increased.
“We maintain regular contact with Pakistan, a fellow Muslim country whose people share deep affection for the Iranian nation,” he added. “We expect that President Raeisi’s upcoming visit to Pakistan—planned for the coming weeks—will reflect the depth of our friendly and strategic relations.”
Blinken’s Enrichment Claims Part of U.S. Domestic Political Infighting
Commenting on recent remarks by former U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken—who claimed that Iran had agreed to enrichment levels below one percent—Baghaei dismissed the assertion outright.
“Such an agreement never existed,” he said. “These statements should be viewed within the context of internal political disputes in the United States, particularly between the two dominant parties. They are not reflective of actual diplomatic facts.”
He refrained from speculating on the motives behind Blinken’s comments, saying, “The real intent behind such claims must be sought from those who make them.”
Mistreatment of Iranian Nationals in the U.S.
Baghaei also addressed reports of recent arrests and harassment of Iranian nationals residing in the United States, including a case involving the arrest of an Iranian father in front of his child’s daycare in Washington, D.C.
“We have publicly condemned the actions taken against Iranian citizens in the U.S., which include arbitrary arrests and other forms of harassment,” he said. “Such conduct is inconsistent with the fundamental principles of human rights and reflects a racially biased approach by American law enforcement and security agencies.”
He emphasized that many of these individuals have been targeted solely based on their Iranian nationality.
Iran, he said, is pursuing the matter through diplomatic channels. “We have raised this issue both via the U.S. Interests Section in Tehran and the Iranian Interests Section in Washington—housed within the Pakistani Embassy. We have underlined the urgent need to ensure consular access and protect the legal rights of Iranian nationals.”
Addressing a question, Baghaei confirmed that the case mentioned involves the commonly used pretext of “sanctions evasion.”
“These U.S. sanctions are fundamentally illegal from our perspective,” he stated. “Nonetheless, over the past decades, many Iranian citizens have faced charges and indictments under this same allegation. The case you referred to is being followed up closely by Iran’s Interests Section in Washington.”
