WANA (Apr 14) – The spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei, stated on Monday that the country’s key demand in indirect negotiations with the United States is the removal of “cruel and illegal sanctions” imposed on the Iranian people and the sanctions relief must be effective and guaranteed. He added that the next round of talks will likely take place somewhere other than Oman.

 

“In our view, the location of the negotiations is not the main issue. What matters is that they continue in the same framework, indirectly and through Omani mediation,” Baghaei told reporters in his weekly briefing. He also thanked Oman for its facilitation of the first round and expressed hope that a proper decision will be made regarding the next round.

 

Continued Diplomatic Engagement

Baghaei announced that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will travel to Moscow later this week for talks, including discussions on the latest developments in Muscat. He also said that Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has already departed for Moscow to participate in a meeting of the “Group of Friends in Defense of the UN Charter.”

 

Baghaei further provided updates on recent diplomatic activities, including Araghchi’s visit to Algeria, a European tour by Majid Takht-Ravanchi, and a trilateral expert-level meeting between Iran, China, and Russia held in Moscow.

 

Condemnation of Israeli Actions in Gaza and U.S. Attacks in Yemen

Baghaei condemned the continued Israeli attacks on Gaza, describing them as “genocide,” and criticized the UN Security Council for its silence on the matter. He also condemned violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon and strongly denounced ongoing attacks by the U.S. and its allies on Yemen.

 

Grossi’s Visit to Tehran Expected This Week

The spokesman confirmed that IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is expected to visit Tehran this week, saying a “principled agreement” on the visit has been reached.

 

“The trip has been coordinated and is part of the regular interaction between Iran and the Agency,” Baghaei clarified, denying any link between the visit and the first round of indirect negotiations with the U.S. in Muscat.

 

He said logistical arrangements are still being finalized in coordination with Iran’s mission in Vienna, and official announcements will be made soon.

 

U.S. Must Address Its Contradictory Messaging

Addressing recent remarks by the U.S. State Department, which urged Iran to show greater seriousness and made threats in that context, Baghaei responded: “These are contradictory positions from various American officials. They must resolve these inconsistencies.”

 

“One reason for indirect talks is precisely this — you cannot claim to support negotiations while simultaneously increasing pressure. Such an approach is completely unacceptable,” he emphasized.

 

Iran Reacts to Possible UN Post for German Foreign Minister

Commenting on reports that German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock may be nominated as President of the UN General Assembly, Baghaei said: “We’ve heard the news, and frankly it was unexpected. Anyone seeking such an important post must have a positive and defensible record. In terms of Iran-Germany relations, she has left no such legacy.”

 

U.S. Restrictions on Iran Trade Are Self-Inflicted

In response to questions about economic cooperation between Iran and the U.S., Baghaei said: “There are no Iranian restrictions preventing American parties from investing or engaging in economic cooperation with Iran. It is the U.S. government’s own layered and complex legal framework that has deprived its citizens of such opportunities.”

 

Tehran Welcomes Regional Support for Indirect Iran-U.S. Talks

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has praised the constructive role of its neighbors in supporting ongoing indirect talks between Tehran and Washington. The spokesman for the ministry stated, “We appreciate the constructive approach of all our neighbors—not just regarding this development, but also in response to the broader regional shifts in recent months.”

 

He emphasized that the region remains of “key importance” to Iran and highlighted the consensus among regional states on the need for homegrown security mechanisms. “This growing convergence reflects a collective belief in the region’s ability to provide its own security,” he noted.

 

The spokesman added that senior Iranian diplomat Abbas Araghchi had briefed his counterparts in countries such as Egypt, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE about the ongoing negotiations in Muscat. “These consultations began even before the talks, demonstrating our commitment to transparency with our neighbors,” he said.

 

Talks Limited to Sanctions and Nuclear Issues

Addressing questions about the timeframe of the negotiations, the spokesman clarified that no specific deadline has been set and stressed that national governance is not dependent on the outcome of talks with the United States. “This is not the first time Iran has engaged in dialogue with the U.S. Our negotiations reflect Iran’s serious commitment to diplomacy,” he added.

 

He underscored that the indirect talks are exclusively focused on lifting sanctions and resolving issues related to Iran’s nuclear program. “No other topics are on the table,” he said, calling on all relevant authorities to separate diplomatic processes from daily administrative matters.

 

Tehran Dialogue Forum to Be Held Soon

The spokesman also announced that Iran will soon host a new round of the “Tehran Dialogue Forum,” a regional platform for diplomatic engagement.

 

Iran Seeks Clarification on Death of National in Canada

In response to a question about an Iranian citizen who went missing in Canada for nearly 70 days and was later found dead, the spokesman expressed condolences to the family.

 

“Despite lacking direct diplomatic ties with Canada, we have followed up on the case through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran, which represents Canadian interests, and through our interests section in Canada,” he said.

 

The transfer of the body is currently underway, but he emphasized that “the cause of this incident remains unclear, and Canadian authorities must provide answers.”

 

Strategic Iran-Russia Agreement Moving Forward

Commenting on the progress of Iran’s comprehensive strategic agreement with Russia—recently ratified by the Russian Duma—the spokesman said the Iranian Foreign Ministry has submitted the bill to the Cabinet. “We hope the agreement will be approved by the Parliament shortly so its implementation can officially begin,” he said.

 

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson strongly condemned a recent U.S. legal move to seize $47 million from Iranian oil revenues, calling it part of a long-standing pattern of politically motivated and unlawful actions by Washington.

 

Baghaei responded to reports that the U.S. Department of Justice has filed a civil lawsuit in a Columbia court, aiming to confiscate the amount and transfer it to the so-called “U.S. Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund.”

 

“This is not the first time the United States has taken such an illegal step against Iran,” Baghaei said. “For the past four to five decades, the U.S. has accused Iran of terrorism-related issues based solely on its own domestic laws, which we consider completely unjust.”

 

He described the lawsuit as part of a broader campaign of “baseless legal fabrication” against Iran, stating, “These politically driven legal measures clearly lack legitimacy and reflect the arbitrary and unilateral behavior of the U.S. judiciary.” Baghaei emphasized that such cases are not grounded in international law and are, therefore, “entirely rejected” by Iran.

 

Indirect Talks to Continue via Omani Mediation

Responding to another question, Baghaei reaffirmed that there has been no change in the format of Iran’s ongoing diplomatic talks with the West. “The negotiations will proceed indirectly and with the mediation of Oman’s foreign minister,” he stated.

 

Iranian Citizen’s Arrest in France Sparks Outrage

Addressing the arrest of Mahdieh Esfandiari, a 39-year-old Iranian citizen detained in France, Baghaei said the incident is “deeply concerning and highly significant.”

 

He thanked Iranian media for following up on the case and stressed that Esfandiari, “an educated and respected compatriot,” was arrested several weeks ago without any clear charge or justification. “What makes this more alarming is that neither her family nor Iran’s consular officials were informed of her detention,” he added.

 

According to Baghaei, following repeated efforts by Iran’s embassy in France and a media report on the case, French authorities have only vaguely stated that Esfandiari is accused of supporting “certain extremist groups.” However, Baghaei said the real reason appears to be her public expression of solidarity with the people of Gaza.

 

“This arrest is both telling and troubling,” he remarked. “Unfortunately, we are witnessing a shift in the political vocabulary of some European countries, where opposing genocide and defending innocent civilians in Gaza is now equated with supporting terrorism.”

 

Baghaei said Iran has officially demanded consular access to Esfandiari and criticized the French government for what he described as a “disturbing act of human hostage-taking.” “Such actions are disgraceful and utterly unacceptable,” he stated.

 

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has rejected the notion that regional peace depends solely on a potential Iran-U.S. agreement, instead pointing to Israel as the main source of instability.

 

“Regional unrest stems from the destructive actions of one actor — Israel,” said Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Baghaei. “Ongoing violence and genocide in the occupied Palestinian territories are the real cause of instability.”

 

He described Israel as the only entity recognized by the UN as an apartheid regime and noted its daily violations of the sovereignty of two neighboring countries. “The root of the region’s insecurity is a reality Western governments refuse to acknowledge,” he added.

 

Quran Desecration in the Netherlands Condemned

Baghaei also strongly condemned the recent desecration of the Quran in the Netherlands, calling it “a blatant provocation” and a form of inciting violence and terrorism.

 

“This is not freedom of expression. It’s a deliberate misuse of that principle to insult religious beliefs,” he said, urging European governments — and the Netherlands in particular — to take serious action and consider legal reforms.

 

No Grounds for Direct Talks with U.S. Under Threats

Responding to a question on direct Iran-U.S. negotiations, Baghaei stated that such talks are neither useful nor acceptable under current conditions.

 

“When one side insists on threats and pressure, direct dialogue cannot lead to meaningful outcomes,” he said. Iran, he emphasized, will continue its chosen path of indirect negotiations based on proven diplomatic experience.

 

Lifting Sanctions Must Be Implemented and Actionable

The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, in response to a question about the issue of sanctions relief and the U.S.’s past failure to uphold its commitments, stated: “Our approach to the issue of sanctions relief is forward-looking, and we are moving in this direction with the benefit of past experiences—experiences we are certainly taking into account.”

 

He added, “Regarding the implementation of the JCPOA, we have always emphasized that the lifting of sanctions must not remain only on paper—it must be effective and yield tangible results. If the other party pledges to lift sanctions, it should not remain at the level of words; it must be executed and put into action.”

 

Expo Event to Be Held

The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced that the Expo 2025 event in Tehran, along with the Iran-Africa Economic Forum, will be held in the first week of Ordibehesht (late April).

 

“The Expo is a significant platform to showcase Iran’s capabilities,” he said. “Coinciding with it, the Iran-Africa Economic Forum will also take place.”

 

He added that a considerable number of African countries have expressed their readiness to participate in the forum. “We are determined to identify and expand the potential for cooperation with Africa, especially in the economic sphere,” he emphasized.

 

EU Sanctions Are Illegal and Counterproductive

Responding to a question about the EU’s continued unconstructive stance toward Iran and the possibility of new sanctions under judicial or human rights pretexts, the spokesperson, Mr. Baghai, stated: “What is clear is that any conceptual framing that questions Iran’s legal actions is unacceptable.”

 

He continued: “European parties, based on a unilateral interpretation of human rights, assume the right to judge and sanction others. These sanctions are illegal and unproductive, and we do not accept them.”

 

Iran Will Continue Consultations with All JCPOA Members

Regarding Iran’s engagement with China, Russia, and European countries in the context of the nuclear issue and indirect talks with the U.S., the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said:

 

“The JCPOA remains a legally binding agreement, as it is tied to a UN Security Council resolution. We will continue our consultations and engagement with all JCPOA members within the framework of the JCPOA and Resolution 2231. We believe these interactions are beneficial.”

 

He added that, based on prior arrangements, Iran’s Foreign Minister will travel to Russia later this week to discuss recent developments related to the Muscat talks and other diplomatic matters. “As I mentioned earlier, we view these engagements as useful because they help facilitate other diplomatic processes.”

 

He also noted that Iran’s engagement with European countries is ongoing. “For example, Mr. Ravanchi’s visit to Vienna last week, in the context of Iran-Austria bilateral relations, provided an opportunity for discussions with the new EU foreign policy officials,” he said.