Baghaei: No Plans Yet for the Next Round of Negotiations
WANA (Apr 20) – The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that no decision has been made regarding the next round of Iran–U.S. negotiations in Islamabad.
Speaking at his weekly press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei responded to a question about the next round of talks between Iran and the United States, and reports claiming that a U.S. delegation had headed to Islamabad for this purpose. He said: “As of this moment, we have no plans for the next round of negotiations, and no decision has been made in this regard.”
In response to another question, referring to recent U.S. violations of the ceasefire—including the continued naval blockade of Iran and yesterday’s attack on an Iranian commercial vessel—Baghaei stated: “Under such circumstances, we see that the behavior and rhetoric of the Americans regarding diplomacy are inconsistent. These actions increase Iranian mistrust toward U.S. intentions in this process.”
He emphasized that Iran will make the necessary decisions in this process carefully and with its national interests in mind.
Attack on two Indian vessels under review
Responding to reports about an alleged attack on two Indian ships in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as claims made by Indian officials against Iran and the summoning of Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “What is happening these days in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz is solely the result of military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran. Prior to these attacks, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz was not like this.”
He added that the relevant authorities in Iran are currently investigating whether the incident was in fact carried out by Iranian forces.
If the U.S. and Israel take further action, Iran will respond
In response to another question about the approaching end of the two-week ceasefire, while negotiations between Iran and the United States have not reached a conclusion, Baghaei said: “We do not believe in setting deadlines or ultimatums when it comes to securing Iran’s national interests.”
He added: “We did not start this war; we acted in defense of Iran’s sovereignty. We have stated that we will continue to defend our interests for as long as necessary.
Without a doubt, if the United States and Israel engage in further adventurism against Iran, our armed forces will deliver an appropriate and necessary response and will continue to monitor developments closely.”
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Proposed U.S. plan delivered to Tehran via Pakistani army chief under review
The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also addressed reports in the media about a new proposal from the United States, allegedly conveyed to Tehran by the Pakistani army chief during his visit to Iran, as well as claims about a new 15-point Iranian proposal to Washington.
He said: “After the Americans presented a 15-point proposal, we also submitted our own proposal in 10 points.”
He added that these proposals were discussed and reviewed during the Islamabad negotiations, noting: “It is natural in any negotiation process for both sides to present their views and make proposals to one another. Therefore, describing this as a ‘new’ proposal is not accurate.”
The Foreign Ministry official emphasized: “Unlike the other side, our positions are clear. The other side constantly changes its demands, whereas our positions and views have remained consistent throughout the negotiations. We know exactly what we want, and from the outset we have clearly stated what is unacceptable to us. Insistence by the other side on those issues will not change our positions.”
He continued: “Claims circulating in the media regarding the details of these proposals cannot be confirmed and are merely speculation.”
Baghaei also stated: “Our review of the proposed U.S. plan, which was delivered to Tehran during the Pakistani army chief’s visit to Iran, is ongoing.”
Pakistan Army Chief Meets Iranian President. Social media /WANA News Agency
Pakistan is the sole mediator between Iran and the United States
Continuing the press conference, the spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected claims that Egypt is also mediating between Iran and the United States.
He said: “Pakistan is the only mediator in these negotiations. Of course, other countries are offering good offices and making efforts in this regard, but as I mentioned, the current mediator is Pakistan.”
He added: “It is certainly important for the mediator to preserve its credibility in this process. In two recent instances, the United States betrayed the diplomatic process, which also calls into question the credibility of the mediating party. This is clearly not beneficial for the mediator, nor for international law and related processes.”
Responding to a question about Iran’s oil sales amid recent developments, including the naval blockade imposed by the United States, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “You should direct this question to our colleagues at the Ministry of Oil. However, in general, we are using all our capacities to maintain the normal functioning of our oil industry and to continue our oil exports. This has been a priority for our colleagues at the Ministry of Oil from the very beginning.”
In response to a question about what was described as unusual and inconsistent media behavior by Donald Trump in recent days—including his claim that he spoke in a raised and aggressive tone during a phone call with the Iranian side—Baghaei said: “This is media narrative-building. Such an opportunity has neither arisen nor will arise for anyone to shout at or confront the Iranian delegation in such a manner.”
When asked whether Iran might consider negotiating with the United States over its missile capabilities as a potential concession, he replied: “How did such a question even come to mind? We have repeatedly stated that we do not engage in discussions regarding our defensive capabilities.”
Cars drive near an anti-U.S. billboard on a building in Tehran, Iran, April 12, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Araghchi’s tweet was part of an existing understanding
Baghaei also addressed a tweet by Iran’s foreign minister on Friday regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following the ceasefire in Lebanon, as well as the reactions and criticism directed at the minister and the Foreign Ministry in some media outlets and online spaces.
He said: “The Foreign Ministry, as the diplomatic body, does not take any action without coordination with higher authorities. We carefully convey our views to decision-making bodies, and final decisions—especially on such important matters—are made in coordination with those authorities.”
Referring to what he described as contradictory tweets by Donald Trump on Friday about reopening the Strait of Hormuz, he added that statements by “someone known for inconsistency and for seeking to create division” do not serve as a basis for diplomatic action.
Baghaei emphasized: “Mr. Araghchi’s tweet did not reflect a new understanding; rather, it was part of an agreement reached during the ceasefire between Iran and the United States.”
Domestic disputes in the U.S. affect officials’ behavior
In response to another question suggesting that contradictory positions and behavior by U.S. officials may stem from internal political disputes, he said: “There is no doubt that internal conflicts in the United States are one of the main factors shaping the behavior of American officials. A significant portion of American society opposes what it sees as unlawful actions by its government. We have witnessed demonstrations and protests, and we see this reflected in the positions of public figures and media in the country, who emphasize that the current path taken by the U.S. government is not in the interest of the American people.”
He added: “What we are observing is the external manifestation of internal disputes in the United States, visible through contradictory statements and confused behavior by its officials. This has been evident over the past year in U.S. diplomatic conduct and has itself become a factor undermining the diplomatic process.”
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We are currently facing violations of the ceasefire
Continuing the press conference, the spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to a question about whether Iran would set preconditions for the next round of negotiations, as it had in previous rounds, and whether lifting the naval blockade could be one such condition.
He said: “You may call it a precondition or a condition, but our position is very clear and reasonable. Our basis is Iran’s national interests. We do not demand anything beyond our national rights and interests, and we will not allow them to be undermined due to the coercion of others.”
He added: “Regarding the current situation, we are facing violations of the ceasefire. During the period when this pause was supposed to be in place, we witnessed violations in Lebanon, what they describe as a naval blockade of Iran, and an attack on a commercial vessel. All of these constitute blatant violations of international law and the United Nations Charter, as well as clear breaches of the ceasefire. Under such circumstances, the real question is how one can trust U.S. claims about compromise and diplomacy.”
International law is not a tool of convenience
In response to a question suggesting that he had mocked a request by Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, for Iran to respect international law and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said: “Our language is not one of mockery; it is serious and well-reasoned. What we emphasized in response to the EU’s request was to draw attention to the blatant violations of international law committed—unfortunately—by many European countries and by the European Union itself.”
He continued: “The issue is that international law cannot be used as a tool of convenience. You cannot invoke it when it serves your interests and accuse others of violating it, and then ignore those violations—or even become complicit in them—when it does not.”
The Foreign Ministry official added: “With regard to the European Union, its record over the past two to three years on international law is quite clear. What was its position on the horrific genocide in Gaza? What was its stance on the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran? Or on the war crimes committed by the United States and Israel in Iran and in Lebanon?”
He further stated: “Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the European Union cannot simply criticize Iran out of concern for fuel prices while being fully aware that the cause of the current situation lies with the United States. Therefore, our request to the EU is to adopt positions based on realities, rather than merely acting to appease the U.S. government.”
Rubble of a Synagogue, which was damaged in a strike, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 7, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
The U.S. insists on certain unreasonable and unrealistic positions
In response to a question about whether the Foreign Ministry views the current ceasefire as a deception that could lead to renewed conflict, the spokesperson said: “We certainly cannot forget—even for a moment—the extremely costly experience of the past year. We cannot ignore that, on two occasions within less than nine months, the United States betrayed diplomacy during negotiations, severely violated international law, attacked Iran’s sovereignty, killed a number of prominent figures and citizens, and caused damage to Iranian assets. Therefore, all components of Iran are pursuing developments with full vigilance. In diplomatic processes, we must be just as cautious—perhaps even more so than during wartime—about potential plots by the opposing side. This is, in my view, the rational responsibility of the negotiating team and the entire governing system.”
Responding to a question about the U.S. demand for zero uranium enrichment, Baghaei said: “Unfortunately, the United States struggles to learn from past experiences. It insists on certain unreasonable and unrealistic positions, despite having tested them before. In Iran, we have a saying: ‘Testing what has already been tested is a mistake,’ but it seems the other side is determined to repeat that mistake. Naturally, they should not expect a different outcome.”
He also addressed a question about how optimistic one can be about the future of this process given the contradictory positions of U.S. officials, stating: “We are certainly not optimistic; we are realistic. The experiences of the past 60 to 70 years have made us deeply realistic—to the point of strong skepticism regarding U.S. approaches.”
He emphasized that being skeptical of an adversary is itself a sign of rational thinking.
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The U.S. is not serious about the diplomatic process
In response to another question about recent ceasefire violations in Lebanon by Israel despite the agreement, he said: “This is yet another example that everyone can clearly see. The other side continuously shifts the blame onto Iran. Instead of acknowledging its own shortcomings—which, of course, we do not expect—it conceals them and accuses Iran of violating the ceasefire. From the very beginning of the ceasefire, the United States showed clear negligence in implementing a key component, namely the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon. In recent days, despite the agreement on Friday to uphold the Lebanon ceasefire and subsequently reopen the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with the April 8 understanding—under the coordination of Iran’s armed forces to ensure safe passage—we saw that the United States immediately announced it would continue the naval blockade of Iran.”
He continued: “In response to an understanding that included both the Lebanon ceasefire and Iran’s commitments regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the United States insisted on breaching the ceasefire and failing to honor its commitments. All of this indicates that the U.S. does not appear to be serious about the diplomatic process.”
In contact with China and Russia
In response to a question about increased diplomatic engagement by Beijing and Moscow alongside the process that led to the temporary ceasefire and the Islamabad meeting, and whether Iran has received signals from Russia and China about playing a stronger role as mediators or security guarantors, Baghaei said: “As I mentioned earlier, Iran’s sole security guarantor is its own people. All countries, in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law, bear responsibility for their commitments, and this is beyond doubt. The responsibility of permanent members of the Security Council in this regard is even greater.”
He added: “We appreciate Russia and China for their responsible action in vetoing the resolution on the Strait of Hormuz, which was truly anti-peace and inconsistent with realities. We are in continuous contact with both countries.
We believe it is ultimately in the interest of the entire international community that the United States and Israel be held accountable for the serious violations they have committed in our region. This accountability can take place within the framework of the United Nations and the Security Council, as well as in other regional frameworks such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, where both Russia and China can play significant roles.”
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Some regional countries are pretending not to see reality
Baghaei emphasized: “What has happened over the past 40 days was Iran’s defense of its sovereignty against clear military aggression by the United States and Israel.
Unfortunately, in this process, some countries in the region have also actively cooperated. The official who was mentioned—or any other—cannot ignore the fact that the military and logistical capacities of certain regional states were used by two aggressors against a country in the region. Therefore, for some countries to turn a blind eye and assume that Israel will observe limits in its expansionist approach is a fatal miscalculation—one whose consequences will affect all countries in the region if it continues.”
Responding to a question about claims by some economists, including American economists, that Donald Trump’s statements about Iran on Friday may have been aimed at manipulating markets, he said: “This makes our job both more difficult and easier. More difficult because sometimes certain domestic media take these statements seriously and, instead of pursuing facts, quickly criticize the diplomatic apparatus. Easier because it has become very clear to our people that over the past two years, statements by U.S. officials have been so contradictory that they demonstrate a lack of sincerity and seriousness—at least regarding their claims about Iran, diplomacy, and related issues.”
Iran’s conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz
In response to a question from a foreign media outlet about Iran’s conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and returning to pre-war conditions—how long the current situation might last, and what actions the United States would need to take—he said: “Any discussion about the Strait of Hormuz must consider the context in which the current situation emerged. Before March 1, and prior to the military actions by the United States and Israel, there were no issues in the Strait. The current situation is the result of those actions.”
He added: “We are still effectively in a state of war. Although a ceasefire has apparently been declared, it has been repeatedly violated by the United States from the very beginning, and threats to target Iranian ports and vessels have further complicated the situation. As long as these conditions persist, it is not possible to speak unilaterally about normalizing transit in the Strait of Hormuz—not only because of measures taken by Iran as a coastal state, but also because ships, cargo owners, and insurance companies are themselves reluctant to pass through the area due to the risks involved.”
Baghaei continued: “Another important point is that Iran cannot allow such a situation to be repeated in the future. The bitter experience of these military actions has led Iran to conclude that specific protocols must be established to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. This reflects a responsible approach by Iran as a coastal state to ensure the safety and security of this waterway in the future.”
In response to a question about Pakistan’s mediation role while it is itself involved in tensions with Afghanistan, and whether Iran might play a similar role in helping resolve disputes between Pakistan and the Taliban, he said: “Iran is a peace-seeking country, and we favor the establishment of peace. It should be noted that in the New Year message of Iran’s Supreme Leader, one of the issues highlighted was the dispute between Pakistan and Afghanistan, along with Iran’s readiness to help establish peace and stability between the two countries. Therefore, Iran will make every effort within its capacity to reduce tensions and strengthen stability between Pakistan and Afghanistan and will not refrain from playing a constructive role.”
Iran-U.S. Negotiations Commence in Islamabad
Regarding a quadrilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the Antalya Forum in Turkey with the participation of the foreign ministers of Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia—where statements were made about peace negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz—Baghaei said: “Our contacts with these countries are ongoing. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s actions have been fully in line with international law. We have not taken any unlawful measures. The reason is clear: Iran was subjected to attacks by the United States and Israel, and the United States used military bases on the opposite side of the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate, execute, and support military actions against Iran.”
He emphasized: “In a situation of military aggression, a coastal state is permitted to take measures to prevent the continuation of hostile actions. It should also be noted that a significant portion of the Strait of Hormuz lies within Iran’s territorial waters. Therefore, the measures taken were aimed at protecting Iran’s national interests—not as acts of aggression, but within the framework of self-defense.”
He added: “We are aware that many countries have been affected and have suffered losses due to this situation. However, the way to address it is not to misdirect blame toward Iran. The party responsible for creating this situation—the United States and Israel—must be held accountable.”
A “neither war nor peace” situation benefits Israel more
In response to a question suggesting that the current situation—neither full-scale war nor a clear path to peace—benefits Israel more, Baghaei said: “Yes.”
Responding to a question about remarks attributed to him suggesting that enriched uranium is “sacred” for Iran, he said: “If you review the clip of my remarks, you will see that I did not say that in those terms. I said that Iran’s soil is sacred and important to us, and that enriched uranium is also important. That was my actual statement.”
He added: “In my view, both the lives of Iranians and their assets are valuable and sacred. Anything that is the product of Iranian effort—intellectual and physical—is valuable to us. In this sense, just as the lives of Iranians are precious, anything considered part of Iran’s national assets is equally valuable and must be protected.”
Baghaei continued: “The nuclear issue and the scientific knowledge behind Iran’s nuclear achievements are a symbol of the effort and determination of Iranians to reach scientific heights. These were not imported from elsewhere. If they were not valuable, our adversaries would not go to such lengths to take them away—waging wars and imposing what they describe as crippling sanctions. Protecting our achievements—whether in the nuclear field or in industry and science—is essential for us, and we will do whatever is necessary in this regard. The fact that, during this imposed war, one of the primary targets was our universities, scientific institutions, and industrial and knowledge-based centers is not coincidental. It shows that development, scientific progress, and the well-being of Iranians are issues that our adversaries fundamentally oppose.”
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Repeated signs indicate a lack of seriousness on the U.S. side
The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responding to a question about the lack of a decision on future negotiations and media claims that a U.S. delegation led by J.D. Vance had headed to Pakistan, said: “Trust is not our basis. Naturally, there is no trust in negotiations with the United States. We make decisions based on our own interests and considerations. Regarding any potential understanding or agreement, we must act in a way that ensures our own leverage and capabilities guarantee its implementation.”
Addressing reports about a possible U.S. delegation traveling to Islamabad, Baghaei said: “Whether they have traveled or merely announced their intention to travel is their own matter. However, as I mentioned, because we do not see any serious indication of determination on the part of the United States—and on the contrary, we observe repeated and numerous signs of a lack of seriousness—it is difficult to speak of advancing diplomacy in its real and conventional sense, while instead pursuing diplomacy in the sense of imposing dictates.”
In response to another question about conflicting reports regarding the possible presence of J.D. Vance in negotiations, and whether changes in the level of the U.S. delegation would affect Iran’s response or lead to adjustments in Iran’s negotiating team, he said: “I do not comment on hypotheticals. What is clear is that we will not allow any issue unrelated to the core of the negotiations to distract us from our national interests. What matters to us is proceeding within clear frameworks and pursuing well-defined positions.”
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also addressed speculation that Vance may not have had sufficient authority to reach an agreement and may have been in contact with Washington—and, according to some reports, with Israel—during negotiations. He said: “This was not merely media speculation; they themselves stated that they were reporting to Israeli officials either during or after the negotiations.”
Baghaei added: “As I have said before, no decision has been made regarding whether the next round of negotiations will take place, when it might occur, or how it would be conducted. Therefore, if such a decision is made, the procedural aspects and details will naturally be discussed at the appropriate time.”
In response to a question about whether the passage of a law on managing the Strait of Hormuz in Iran’s parliament could help counter U.S. pressure and Western positions, he said: “Undoubtedly, all components of the system—including the Parliament, the Supreme National Security Council, the armed forces, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—will each take the necessary steps, in their respective capacities, to safeguard national interests and consolidate achievements. Regarding the bill you mentioned, those aspects related to the Foreign Ministry will be pursued in coordination with parliament and the diplomatic apparatus.”
