WANA (Jul 14) – At a press briefing held on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denied speculation about a scheduled meeting between U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian negotiator Abbas Araghchi, asserting that “no date, time, or location has been set.” He also dismissed rumors of a change in mediation channels for potential future Iran-U.S. talks as unsubstantiated.

 

Iran’s Red Crescent Report on Iran-Israel Conflict

The session was attended by Pir Hossein Kolivand, head of the Iranian Red Crescent, who provided figures on the recent Iran-Israel conflict. He reported that 126 women and 41 children were killed, and 8,200 housing units were damaged, with around 400 fully destroyed, adding that civilians were the primary victims.

 

Iran Rejects European Snapback Threats as Legally Groundless

Responding to European threats to trigger the JCPOA’s “snapback mechanism,” Baghaei called such moves legally baseless and politically motivated. He warned that any hostile action would receive a proportionate Iranian response.

 

Tehran Condemns Israeli Attacks on Gaza Food Lines

Addressing Israeli attacks on Gaza, Baghaei condemned deliberate strikes on civilians queuing for food and stressed that Islamic and regional countries bear a heavy responsibility to act. He warned that Israeli expansionism would not remain confined to one area.

 

Esfandiari Case

On the status of Iranian citizen Mrs. Esfandiari, detained in France, Baghaei confirmed that the Iranian embassy is actively following her case. Iran’s ambassador has met with her in recent days, and a consular-appointed lawyer is pursuing legal avenues. Positive developments are hoped for soon.

 

Tehran Dismisses Axios Report on Russian Call for ‘Zero Enrichment’

Regarding nuclear matters, Baghaei rejected a report by Axios claiming Russia wants Iran to cease uranium enrichment. He said the report aimed to disrupt Iran-Russia ties and emphasized Tehran’s independent decision-making, noting that Moscow respects Iran’s sovereignty. No specific proposals from Russia on nuclear issues have been received, though both Russia and China remain ready to assist constructively.

 

Baghaei also noted productive dialogue between Araghchi and his Russian counterpart during the recent BRICS summit. On reports of detained German and French nationals in Iran, he directed inquiries to the judiciary spokesperson, while confirming consular contacts with German and French embassies.

 

Iran Slams IAEA’s Double Standards on German Nuclear Activities

Criticizing the IAEA’s double standards, Baghaei pointed to the agency’s lax stance on Germany’s nuclear hosting compared to scrutiny of Iran’s peaceful program.  He said Germany’s hosting of U.S. nuclear weapons violates the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), demanding international accountability.

 

“The IAEA’s selective approach and political use of international institutions to pressure certain countries has unfortunately become routine,” he said.

 

He condemned Germany’s hosting of U.S. nuclear weapons and aircraft capable of carrying nuclear warheads as a blatant violation of its Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) obligations. “Everyone knows that a considerable number of U.S. nuclear weapons are stationed in Germany. That alone is enough to prove Germany is in breach of its commitments,” he noted.

 

Baghaei further condemned Germany’s recent stance on Israel, calling it a “blatant support of international law violations,” and warned this would entail legal consequences.

 

Iran Highlights Friendly Ties with China Ahead of SCO Summit

Commenting on the Foreign Minister’s visit to China for the SCO Foreign Ministers’ meeting, Baghaei emphasized Iran’s strong and friendly ties with Beijing, adding that the trip aimed to prepare for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

 

Speculation on Change of Mediator in U.S.-Iran Talks Dismissed

Addressing speculation over a new regional mediator in nuclear negotiations, Baghaei confirmed that various countries—both within and outside the region—have made attempts to facilitate talks.

 

He acknowledged increased involvement by states like Saudi Arabia, suggesting it’s “natural for regional actors, particularly after Israeli and U.S. aggression, to seek de-escalation to stabilize the region.”

 

Baghaei dismissed speculation about a new intermediary replacing previous ones in potential Iran–U.S. negotiations. “You’ve heard many such reports and will likely hear more. These are all guesses and none can be confirmed,” he said.

 

Iran’s Diplomatic Push for War Reparations

Iran has launched a broad diplomatic and legal campaign to seek reparations following recent military attacks by Israel and the United States, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei announced during a press briefing on Monday. He said Iran began its diplomatic efforts “from the very first day of Israeli aggression, followed by the U.S. military strike.”

 

He emphasized that even without a formal parliamentary mandate—which is currently being debated—Iran considers this pursuit a national priority, backed by extensive documentation already shared with media outlets.

 

Baghaei criticized the politicization of international legal mechanisms, stating that while international recognition of the aggression would require honest engagement by all five permanent UN Security Council members, “that will not prevent us from continuing our efforts.”

 

U.S. Must Be Held Accountable for Violations

Commenting on the U.S. airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Baghaei said the U.S.—as a permanent UN Security Council member and a guardian of the NPT—“violated international law in the midst of ongoing diplomacy.” He insisted that Washington must accept responsibility for what he described as a coordinated and unlawful attack alongside Israel.

 

“The strongest guarantee for us is our own power,” Baghaei added, warning that Iran would react decisively to any future violations.

 

He confirmed that the extent of damage at the Fordow nuclear site remains under investigation, and official updates should come from Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization.

 

Defensive Strike on U.S. Base Was Legal

Baghaei defended Iran’s retaliatory strike on the U.S. Al-Udeid base in Qatar as a lawful act of self-defense under the UN Charter. He called Western criticism “hypocritical,” especially from European states that simultaneously support Israeli aggression while condemning Iran’s legitimate response.

 

European Position “Dishonest” and “Politicized”

Responding to European statements criticizing Iran’s military response while justifying Israeli attacks, Baghaei said: “We do not view European claims of concern for regional security as sincere.”

 

He added that if Europe had honored its JCPOA commitments, today’s tensions could have been avoided. “They know very well that triggering the snapback mechanism lacks legal and political justification.”

 

He confirmed that Iran remains in regular contact with the E3 (France, Germany, UK), but no date for new talks has been set.

 

Diplomatic Outreach Continues

Baghaei said recent letters sent by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to his counterparts are part of Iran’s broader diplomatic campaign launched after the Israeli attack. These letters underline legal arguments and urge other governments to condemn acts of aggression and uphold international law.

 

He further confirmed that consular visits have been held with the two French nationals detained in Iran, though details about their case should be sought from the judiciary.

 

SCO and Regional Diplomacy

Regarding regional developments, Baghaei said the trilateral meeting between the interior ministers of Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan—held in Tehran—is focused on border security and facilitating Arbaeen pilgrimage travel.

 

U.S. Sanctions on UN Expert “Unjustifiable and Shameful”

Baghaei condemned the U.S. for sanctioning UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who has reported on Israel’s violations in Palestine. “Her reports have shed light on crimes against humanity and colonial erasure,” he said, calling the sanctions “an unprecedented move aimed at silencing truth.” He added that such U.S. actions effectively make Washington “a complicit partner in Israel’s crimes in Gaza.”

 

He emphasized that despite U.S. pressure, “the truth will not be silenced, and global awareness will only grow.”