WANA (Oct 13) – The Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, in his weekly presser, clarified Iran’s position regarding the upcoming Sharm el-Sheikh summit, confirming that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi had invited Iranian President to attend. He said all aspects of participation were thoroughly assessed both inside and outside of the Foreign Ministry before a final decision was made based on national interests.

 

Gaza and Regional Developments

Baghaei emphasized that the Gaza crisis remains the most pressing issue for the region and the Islamic world. “After over 700 days of continuous genocide and starvation in Gaza, an understanding was reached to halt Israel’s attacks,” he said, noting that debris removal reveals the massive toll on Palestinian civilians. He warned against Israel’s repeated violations of ceasefires, recalling more than 4,500 breaches in Lebanon.

 

Release of an Iranian Prisoner in France

Commenting on the case of Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian detained in France, Baghaei said: “Preparations have been made on our side, and we are seriously following the matter. We hope for her quick release.”

 

Iran’s Role in Regional Affairs

Responding to claims that Iran’s absence from the Sharm el-Sheikh summit weakens its regional role, Baghaei stated that Iran’s influence “is not limited to attending or skipping a single event.” He stressed Iran’s active role in pressuring Israel to stop atrocities in Gaza and in diplomatic efforts through the UN and the OIC.

 

 

Afghanistan–Pakistan Tensions

Baghaei said Iran is monitoring tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, stressing that “any conflict between the two Muslim neighbors can have consequences beyond their borders.” He reaffirmed Iran’s call for dialogue and restraint.

 

European Troika Statement

Baghaei dismissed the recent statement by the European troika (UK, France, Germany) on Iran as “repetitive and insincere.” He said Iran has never sought nuclear weapons, and it was the Europeans who “created a diplomatic deadlock” by misusing the JCPOA dispute mechanism. He urged them to act independently and responsibly in future talks.

 

Return of Ambassadors to Europe

He confirmed that Iranian ambassadors previously recalled from the UK, France, and Germany for consultations have now returned to their posts after discussions on bilateral relations.

 

Israeli Actions Against the Al-Sumoud Convoy

Baghaei condemned Israel’s mistreatment of Al-Sumoud convoy members as “a terrorist act,” citing reports of assault, detention, and torture as human rights violations warranting international accountability.

 

 

Nobel Peace Prize Criticism

He criticized the Nobel Committee for awarding peace prizes to individuals who support the Gaza genocide, saying, “Prizes are not a true measure of peace advocacy; even figures like Netanyahu could claim it next year.”

 

Diplomacy with the IAEA

Regarding possible engagement with the International Atomic Energy Agency, Baghaei said Iran had shown goodwill, but “hostile actions—such as attempts to restore revoked UN resolutions—would make the Cairo understandings unenforceable.”

 

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that the current diplomatic deadlock is primarily the result of actions by the three European countries. He emphasized that “diplomacy never stops” but confirmed that no new talks or meetings are planned in the coming days.

 

 

Bitter Experience with the U.S.

Responding to remarks by the U.S. President suggesting possible cooperation with Iran, Baghaei said: “We have a bitter experience with the United States, particularly in recent months marked by U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran.” He added that Tehran will decide on any future engagement “based on national interests and with eyes wide open.”

 

Oman Water Case and Media Conduct

Baghaei rejected claims that Iran had exported contaminated bottled water to Oman, saying the issue “was unrelated to Iranian products” and was, in fact, a criminal, family-related poisoning case. He criticized “certain Omani media” for making hasty judgments that harmed the reputation of an Iranian company. The Omani chargé d’affaires was summoned, and Tehran demanded clarification and public correction, stressing that such behavior “does not befit the friendly relations between Tehran and Muscat.”

 

 

International Institutions and Human Rights Council

Commenting on Western criticism of Iran and China’s election to the UN Human Rights Council advisory committee, Baghaei called it “a reflection of the hegemonic mindset of countries seeking to dominate international institutions.” He said Iran, as a UN member and observer at the Human Rights Council, has every right to nominate its representatives, and that its participation will “bring balance and fairness to global human rights discussions.”

 

On Cooperation with the U.S. and the JCPOA

Asked about potential Iran–U.S. cooperation on regional issues, Baghaei said past U.S. governments have always taken “a one-sided and domineering approach.” He noted that although both sides once reached a nuclear understanding, “their performance was far from exemplary and cannot serve as a model for future dialogue.”

 

Maintaining Vigilance Toward Israel

Regarding reports that Russia had relayed a message from Israel, Baghaei said Iran “listens carefully but remains alert,” citing Israel’s long record of deception and stressing that Iran’s defensive vigilance remains constant.

 

 

UNSCR 2231 Expiration

Baghaei reaffirmed that UN Security Council Resolution 2231 will expire on October 18 (Mehr 26) and that any attempt by the three European countries to revive previous UN sanctions is illegal and opposed by China and Russia. He said Iran expects all states to refrain from enforcing such actions, adding that “the resolution must end on schedule, and the European move has no legal or practical validity.”

 

Regional Coordination with Azerbaijan and Russia

Baghaei confirmed that the Iran–Azerbaijan–Russia meeting is part of broader regional cooperation frameworks aimed at enhancing stability, economic ties, and security. “Iran believes in achieving stability through intra-regional coordination,” he said.

 

 

Iran’s Position on Comprehensive Agreements and CFT

On why Iran has not signed a comprehensive deal with the West, Baghaei said mutual respect for basic rights is essential for any agreement. “The U.S. approach has always been one-sided and hegemonic,” he added.

 

Regarding CFT (the Convention on the Financing of Terrorism), Baghaei said Iran makes decisions “based solely on national interests,” noting that while approval could ease financial and trade relations, any final decision “will result from a precise cost-benefit analysis made by Iran itself.”

 

Coordinated Media Campaign Against Iran

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said that during Israel’s recent military aggression against Iran, a multi-layered media and cognitive warfare campaign was simultaneously launched by Western outlets in order to “distort realities, fabricate false narratives, and project an illusion of power for the Israeli regime.” while attempting to divide Iranian public opinion.

 

Cooperation with Russia and China

Asked about Russia and China’s concrete measures to counter efforts to reimpose UN sanctions, Baghaei pointed to the joint letter by Iran, Russia, and China to the UN Security Council as a clear and legally documented response. He said the coordinated stance reflects their ongoing consultations and will strengthen bilateral relations. “Our ties with both Moscow and Beijing will not be affected by these developments,” he asserted.

 

 

Iran–Europe Relations and Future Talks

On Iran’s relations with Europe, Baghaei said that the three European countries bear full responsibility for the current situation, citing their “serious failure” to meet JCPOA obligations and their “illegal and illogical” move to misuse the dispute resolution mechanism. “It is now up to these countries to prove they can act as credible and trustworthy diplomatic partners,” he added.

 

Palestine and the Root of the Conflict

Commenting on Donald Trump’s proposed plan for Gaza, Baghaei said that all such initiatives have failed because they ignored the root cause: Israel’s occupation and the denial of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. He stated, “Until that right is fulfilled, instability will persist in the region and beyond.”

 

Counterterrorism and Border Security

Baghaei also addressed recent terrorist activities targeting Iran using neighboring territories. He said Iran’s security and law enforcement agencies continuously monitor such threats. “Whenever there is evidence that terrorists have exploited the soil of neighboring countries, we have formally informed those governments and called for cooperation,” he said, noting that cross-border financing and recruitment by terrorist groups remain a recurring concern.