WANA (Jun 08) – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that developments over the past 24 hours in the region have complicated the ongoing diplomatic process aimed at ending the war and are likely to further destabilize an already fragile negotiating environment.

 

The United States Bears Responsibility for Escalating Tensions

Speaking at his weekly press conference, Baghaei stated that the United States, as a party to the April 8 ceasefire understanding, bears direct responsibility for recent regional developments. According to him, whether through direct U.S. actions or Israeli operations in Lebanon and elsewhere, Washington will be held accountable for the consequences of escalating tensions.

 

He also pointed to cooperation between U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Israel, arguing that Israeli actions cannot be separated from U.S. policies.

 

Recent Events Affect Iran-U.S. Negotiations

Responding to a question about the impact of recent developments on Iran-U.S. talks, Baghaei said the events have increased suspicions regarding the American side.

 

“The contradictions and inconsistent behavior of the United States had already disrupted the diplomatic process, and recent developments will only worsen the situation,” he said.

 

He stressed that the purpose of the ongoing negotiations is to bring an end to the imposed war, and any action that undermines this objective will inevitably affect diplomatic efforts as well.

 

Diplomacy and Military Action Serve National Interests

Baghaei emphasized that diplomacy and military capabilities complement one another. He said Iran’s armed forces and diplomatic apparatus operate in full coordination to safeguard national security and interests, employing appropriate tools whenever necessary.

 

 

Claims of Seizing Iranian Assets Are “Absurd”

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson dismissed reports suggesting that the United States is seeking to confiscate Iran’s frozen assets, describing them as part of a media and psychological warfare campaign.

 

He said Iran considers itself entitled to compensation from those responsible for recent attacks and noted that the issue of frozen assets remains a key component of any potential agreement. Tehran, he added, will not compromise on this matter.

 

Iran Is Prepared for Any Scenario

Asked about the possibility of a wider conflict, Baghaei said Iran would act to whatever extent necessary to protect its national interests and security.

 

He added that the armed forces, diplomatic institutions, and other state bodies are fully prepared to respond to any situation.

 

Negotiations Continued Before Recent Developments

Rejecting claims that talks had been suspended, Baghaei said exchanges of messages between the parties had continued. He noted that the visit of Pakistan’s Interior Minister was conducted within this framework and was intended to support mediation efforts.

Criticism of the IAEA and Grossi

Commenting on the possibility of an anti-Iran resolution being adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors, Baghaei said Iran is prepared for all scenarios and has appropriate responses under consideration.

 

He accused IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi of adopting a “non-constructive, political, and biased” approach, arguing that the agency should focus on holding accountable those responsible for attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities rather than criticizing Tehran.

 

Lebanon: Preserving National Unity Is Essential

Responding to recent remarks by Lebanon’s president, Baghaei said the only effective way to confront Israeli threats is to maintain Lebanon’s national unity. Any position that weakens that unity, he argued, would not serve the country’s interests.

 

He added that Iran would spare no effort in supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and dignity.

 

Israel Opposes Any Diplomatic Process

Addressing reports that Israel had spied on American officials, Baghaei said the allegations demonstrate that Israel is unwilling to support any diplomatic process that could bring stability to the region.

 

He argued that Israel has played a disruptive role in issues related to Iran’s nuclear program for the past two decades.

 

Advice to Egypt

Referring to certain recent statements and actions by Egypt, Baghaei said regional countries should be careful not to unintentionally advance the objectives of their adversaries.

 

He added that Iran has no disputes with any Arab or Islamic country and remains committed to its policy of good-neighborly relations.

 

 

Iran’s Position on Iraqi Resistance Groups

Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s support for Iraq’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, describing Iraqi resistance groups as having played an important role in combating ISIS and foreign interference.

 

He added that developments in recent months have provided important lessons for countries across the region.

 

Full Coordination Among State Institutions

Regarding coordination between Iran’s negotiating team and other state bodies, Baghaei said cooperation exists at the highest levels and that managing recent crises would not have been possible without such coordination.

 

Warning Against Further Escalation

Referring to recent diplomatic contacts by Iran’s foreign minister, Baghaei said the purpose of these consultations is to raise international awareness about the risks of a broader regional crisis and the consequences of Israeli actions.

 

He argued that international indifference toward developments in Gaza and Lebanon has emboldened Israel and that all countries must act responsibly to prevent further escalation.

 

Iran Has Exercised Restraint

Baghaei said Iran has shown considerable restraint since the April 8 ceasefire despite what he described as repeated violations by the United States and Israel.

 

According to him, Iran’s military action the previous night was conducted within the framework of self-defense and Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

People walk past a billboard depicting the late leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and the late Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on a street in Tehran, Iran June 6, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Denial of Attack on U.S. Base in Saudi Arabia

Baghaei rejected reports claiming that Iran had targeted Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base, stating that any military operation conducted by Iran’s armed forces would be officially announced.

 

He also warned about the possibility of “false flag” operations in the region.

 

Response to Albania’s Accusations

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson described allegations of Iranian involvement in protests in Albania as “repetitive and baseless,” saying such accusations are often used to deflect attention from domestic demands and challenges.

 

Pakistani Envoy’s Visit and the Future of Negotiations

Baghaei said the visit of Pakistan’s Interior Minister was part of Islamabad’s mediation efforts and included a message from Pakistan’s prime minister to Iran’s Supreme Leader.

 

He emphasized that it would be unrealistic to expect recent developments to have no impact on the negotiating process.

 

 

Claims Regarding Uranium Transfer Remain Speculative

Baghaei stated that current negotiations are focused on ending the war and that discussions about transferring Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile or conducting prisoner exchanges remain speculative media reports.

 

Criticism of War-Minded Elements in the United States

Referring to recent comments by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, Baghaei described certain political circles in the United States as advocates of war, arguing that they have drawn America into costly conflicts.

 

He added that U.S. and Israeli decision-makers should be held accountable for the humanitarian and human rights consequences of war.

 

Iran-Pakistan Economic Relations

Baghaei said exchanges of visits between Iranian and Pakistani officials are not merely ceremonial and stressed that expanding economic relations requires continued consultations and the removal of existing obstacles.

 

Assessment of Germany’s Failure to Secure a UN Security Council Seat

Commenting on Germany’s unsuccessful bid for a seat on the United Nations Security Council, Baghaei suggested that Berlin’s support for Israeli actions in Gaza and its positions toward Iran may have contributed to the lack of international support for its candidacy.

 

Commitment to Good-Neighborly Relations

Baghaei reaffirmed that Iran remains committed to repairing and expanding relations with neighboring countries and will continue its good-neighborliness policy despite recent regional developments.

 

 

Israel Seeks to Undermine Diplomatic Efforts

Responding to reports by some media outlets suggesting that Iran has sent positive signals toward reaching an understanding through Pakistani mediation, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that negotiations are continuing and that the views of both sides are being exchanged through the Pakistani mediator.

 

Referring to the visit of Pakistan’s Interior Minister to Tehran, Baghaei said the trip was aimed at accelerating the exchange of messages and facilitating Islamabad’s mediating role, adding that Iran welcomes Pakistan’s efforts in this regard.

 

He also pointed to recent regional developments and stated: “This is not the first time that the Zionist regime has attempted to disrupt a diplomatic process just as it appears to be moving toward positive results. Whenever such progress is made, it resorts to provocative and disruptive actions in an effort to derai l it.”