WANA (Apr 07) – Esmail Baghaei, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, held his first press conference of the new Iranian calendar year, responding to domestic and international reporters’ questions. Baghaei dismissed rumors circulating in media outlets about the formation of a team to negotiate with the United States, calling them “unfounded speculation.” He stated that no response has been received from Washington regarding Tehran’s offer for indirect negotiations.

 

“The rumors about launching negotiations with the U.S. are baseless,” Baghaei emphasized. “The Foreign Ministry is the sole body responsible for pursuing any such talks, and so far, there has been no reply to our proposal for indirect dialogue.”

 

He added, “The Islamic Republic’s proposal was generous, rooted in a responsible and rational assessment of previous nuclear negotiations. We are waiting for the U.S. to make a decision.”

 

Oman Could Mediate Potential Talks

When asked which country might serve as a mediator in potential indirect negotiations, Baghaei pointed to Oman as a strong candidate. “In the past, Oman has played this role effectively, and if indirect talks are pursued, Oman is likely to be one of the main intermediaries.”

 

Strong Condemnation of Israeli Actions in Gaza and the West Bank

Addressing the situation in Palestine, Baghaei sharply criticized Israel’s ongoing military actions in Rafah and the West Bank. “What we are witnessing is an effort, with U.S. support, to erase Palestine as a nation and force Palestinians out of their homeland,” he said. “The normalization of brutality and war crimes in the region is a deeply troubling trend.” He accused Israel of deliberately violating humanitarian principles and the UN Charter, stating that Tel Aviv continues to massacre civilians with impunity.

 

Talks with the IAEA and Grossi’s Upcoming Visit

On Iran’s nuclear file, Baghaei confirmed that an agreement in principle has been reached for International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi to visit Tehran. He said the visit will fall within the framework of Iran’s ongoing cooperation with the IAEA and discussions on remaining safeguards-related issues.

 

“During a recent conversation with Mr. Grossi, we conveyed our concerns and expectations. The agency must also fulfill its duties, particularly given the continued threats from the U.S. and Israel against our nuclear facilities,” he added.

 

Iran Continues Consultations with JCPOA Signatories

Baghaei noted that Iran remains in constant dialogue with other parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), including the E3 (France, Germany, UK), China, and Russia. “A new trilateral meeting involving Iran, China, and Russia will be held in Moscow within the next two days, focusing on nuclear-related matters, Resolution 2231, and the broader JCPOA framework,” he announced.

 

He also mentioned that a technical-level meeting between Iran and the E3 had already taken place during the Nowruz holidays, with a follow-up session with the new EU foreign policy officials expected soon.

 

Sanctions Relief Still Under Complex Discussion

Regarding the future of nuclear talks and sanctions relief, Baghaei said the complexity lies mainly on the sanctions side, especially those imposed by the United States. “While the peaceful nature of our nuclear program is clear and verifiable through the IAEA’s full access, the sanctions imposed by the U.S. and some European states are layered and extensive. Lifting them requires detailed, technical discussions,” he said.

 

Iran Has No Intention to Develop Nuclear Weapons

In response to recent speculation, raised in the media and on television, regarding the possibility of Iran pursuing a nuclear weapon, Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s long-standing position. “Iran’s stance on nuclear weapons is absolutely clear,” he said.

 

“As the Foreign Minister stated in his latest tweet, Iran has never sought and will never seek nuclear weapons under any circumstances. This is a strategic and ideological principle for us, and it is also supported by the Supreme Leader’s religious decree (fatwa) prohibiting such weapons.”

 

Iran Open to Indirect Talks on Nuclear Issue

Addressing questions about reports of a letter from US President Donald Trump allegedly containing a two-month deadline and references to non-nuclear topics, Baghaei responded. “We have already commented on the general content of that letter. While we are open to indirect negotiations on the nuclear issue, I do not confirm that other issues were included as claimed in the media,” he said.

 

Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan to Be Finalized Soon

Regarding diplomatic appointments, Baghaei confirmed that the process of appointing a new Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan is underway and should be finalized soon. “President pezeshkian’s visit to Azerbaijan is also on the agenda. We are currently in discussions to finalize the timing and details,” he added.

 

US Using All Means to Pressure Iran

Baghaei strongly condemned the recent move by the US Treasury to sanction several Iranian individuals in connection to the decades-old disappearance of former CIA contractor Robert Levinson. “This is part of Washington’s ongoing strategy to exert maximum pressure on Iran using any pretext,” he said.

 

“The incident dates back 18 years. At the time, the US Secretary of State publicly stated that Levinson went missing somewhere in Southwest Asia. There is no evidence connecting Iran to this case.” He emphasized that repeated accusations against Iran are baseless and that the imposed sanctions are “unfounded and illegal.”

 

Iran Demands Consular Access to Citizen Detained in France

Commenting on the case of an Iranian citizen recently detained in France, Baghaei expressed concern over the lack of consular access. “Despite weeks in detention, French authorities have denied consular visits,” he said.

 

“We are following up through our embassy in Paris and with the French embassy in Tehran. We expect the French government to adhere to international law and clarify the grounds for this arrest.” He also mentioned that the French authorities have not announced the reason for this detention.

 

France’s Threats Over Detained Nationals “Unconstructive”

In response to reports that France may take Iran to the International Court of Justice over the detention of three French nationals, Baghaei said Iran has acted responsibly. “We are in regular contact with French officials both in Tehran and Paris regarding the status of their citizens, as well as our own—such as two Iranians killed in France four months ago, a case for which we still await answers,” he said. He added that resolving these matters requires “goodwill and an end to baseless accusations.”

 

Iran Ready to Defend Itself Against Any Aggression

When asked about reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be in the US coordinating potential military action against Iran, Baghaei issued a clear warning. “We will respond with full force to any aggression or violation of our sovereignty,” he declared.

 

Regarding US threats, Baghaei added: “We are prepared for any scenario. Over the past five decades, the Islamic Republic has built sufficient defensive capabilities. Any threat that materializes will be met with an immediate, comprehensive, and decisive response.”

 

Iran’s Offer for Indirect Negotiations with the U.S.

Baghaei said Iran’s offer for indirect negotiations with the United States should be “appreciated,” calling it a responsible move in line with Iran’s national security and regional peace objectives. “Given the U.S.’s past behavior, Iran’s proposal should be valued. It reflects our responsible approach to safeguarding our national interests and promoting peace and security,” he stressed.

 

Trump’s Letter: A Mix of Threats and Offers

When asked about the tone of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s letter to Iran, Baghaei said there was nothing new beyond what the public already knows. “It was a mixture of threats and proposals, very much in line with what American officials have publicly said. We responded accordingly—firm but diplomatic—and made it clear we remain open to dialogue.”

 

Iran’s Stance on the Assassination of Its Commanders

Commenting on recent Western media responses to reports discussing retaliation for the assassination of Iranian figures, Baghaei said the topic has been intentionally exaggerated. “Let it be clear: the assassination of Iran’s national heroes is not something that will ever be forgotten or forgiven,” he said. “Iran, as a responsible nation adhering to international law, is pursuing justice through its legal system, where a specific case related to this matter is actively under investigation.”

 

Iran’s Message to Neighbors

Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s consistent message to its neighbors: the region’s security must be built from within, not through foreign military presence. “We consider the security of our neighbors as our own. Foreign troops and military bases only breed instability and mischief,” he said. “No country should allow its territory to be used for acts of aggression against another. Iran’s message in this regard has been clear, and the region understands and acknowledges it.”

 

Iranian Military Always on Alert

Addressing reports claiming Iran had placed its military on high alert in response to U.S. threats, Baghaei dismissed them as speculative and based on unnamed sources. “It’s normal for any country’s armed forces to maintain readiness. Our military, with its experience and courage, is always prepared to defend the country. There’s no need to reference anonymous sources to confirm that.”

 

He also reiterated Iran’s view that the security of neighboring countries is an integral part of Iran’s own security and warned against third-party provocations, including by Israel. “We constantly caution our neighbors about the dangers of letting outside actors inflame regional tensions. Fire, by nature, spreads—and we believe our neighbors are wise enough to avoid divisions that could harm relations with Iran.”

 

Nuclear Allegations Rooted in Longstanding Israeli Campaign

In response to Israeli accusations about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Baghaei pointed to a decades-long disinformation campaign. “Since 1984, Israeli officials have falsely claimed Iran’s nuclear program is military in nature. These allegations are baseless and intended to fuel Iranophobia and hinder our scientific progress,” he said.

 

“Despite immense pressure and illegal sanctions, not a single shred of evidence has ever been presented showing our peaceful program is anything but that. The IAEA’s own reports confirm our compliance.” Baghaei accused Israel, the region’s sole possessor of nuclear weapons, of being the root of these crisis narratives.

 

“This fearmongering stems from a regime that itself holds weapons of mass destruction, opposes a nuclear-free Middle East, and is recognized as an apartheid entity with a legal case against it in The Hague.”

 

U.S. and Allies Must End Aggression in Yemen

Regarding reports about alleged Iranian casualties in Yemen, Baghaei rejected them as false and politically motivated. “These reports are often circulated to portray regional resistance movements as Iranian proxies. We do not confirm these claims,” he said. “What must stop is the aggression by the U.S. and its allies against Yemen. The path to resolving this lies in ending the bloodshed in occupied Palestine.”

 

Baghaei also responded to a question regarding the continued attacks by the Israeli regime on Syria, stating: “The Israeli regime has always sought to turn its neighboring countries into states devoid of defensive capabilities and active regional roles. Immediately following the developments in Syria and the resulting power vacuum, the regime employed all its capacities to destroy Syria’s infrastructure, particularly its defense infrastructure. The main objective behind such acts of aggression is to advance its malicious agenda throughout the region.”