WANA (May 01) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated in a televised interview on Thursday that the United States lacks a serious approach toward nuclear issues and sanctions.

 

He noted that Washington has failed to learn from its previous mistakes, leading to a state of profound suspicion and mistrust in bilateral relations. He emphasized that the primary obstacle remains the American tendency to demand maximum concessions during negotiations.

 

The Objective of the Second Islamabad Visit

Baghaei explained that the primary goal of the recent visit by the Foreign Minister to Pakistan was to convey Iran’s perspectives to the Pakistani side.

 

He addressed the extensive domestic media debates regarding the visit, expressing hope that lessons would be learned from these experiences.

 

He advised that Iranian media should not immediately translate or publish every tweet or statement from American officials or outlets, as many are inaccurate or intentionally misleading.

 

Commitment to Transparency

The spokesman asserted that the government is committed to being honest with the public and would transparently announce any actual negotiations with the U.S. if they were to occur.

 

He noted that by remaining transparent, any external lies would eventually be exposed. He urged caution in the future dissemination of information to avoid falling into media traps set by the opposition.

 

Media Superiority and Reactionary Policies

Baghaei acknowledged the U.S. advantage in media resources but argued that Iran’s experience shows American claims often shift over time. He stated that the Foreign Ministry has decided not to react to every American tweet or statement, focusing instead on internal objectives.

 

He clarified that regarding the recent Islamabad trip, Iran had maintained there would be no direct talks with the U.S., only discussions with Pakistan as a mediator focused on ending the war and nuclear issues.

 

Lack of Seriousness in Lifting Sanctions

Baghaei reported that despite discussions over the past year and a half regarding nuclear issues and sanctions, the U.S. has consistently taken military action against Iran following such talks. He argued that one cannot claim to lift sanctions while simultaneously intensifying them and committing maritime piracy against Iranian vessels.

 

He noted that the U.S. has not learned from past mistakes and described the background of these negotiations as “bloody,” stating that “trust” is no longer a relevant term due to the severe mutual suspicion.

 

The Ceasefire as a Prelude to Ending the War

The spokesman explained that Iran’s 10-point proposal was focused on ending the conflict. He stated that Iran accepted a ceasefire only as a preliminary step toward a total conclusion of the war.

 

He highlighted that the past 40 days had been a “test,” noting that the U.S. and Israel committed significant crimes, including the assassination of leaders and the killing of children in Minab.

 

He further accused the U.S. of violating the ceasefire in Lebanon—which was an integral part of the agreement brokered after General Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran—on the very first day.

 

The Unreliability of the U.S. and Israel

Baghaei stated that while Iran anticipated the Israeli regime and the U.S. would violate their commitments, the ceasefire was part of a package endorsed by the Pakistani mediator. He argued that if the opposition cannot fulfill temporary commitments during a ceasefire, they cannot be trusted with long-term agreements.

 

Iran’s Power as the Greatest Guarantee

Regarding diplomatic efforts in Oman and Russia, Baghaei asserted that Iran’s own power is the only true guarantee for the fulfillment of mutual obligations, as international law or organizations have proven insufficient.

 

He praised Oman for its friendship and accused the U.S. of betraying both diplomacy and the institution of international mediation. He also emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership with Russia and China, noting that their UN Security Council vetoes were vital in defeating “insidious actions” by other nations.

 

Regional Relations and Pakistan’s Role

Baghaei remarked that regional countries have now seen the consequences of both hostility and friendship with Iran. He confirmed that Pakistan remains the official mediator due to its balanced and capable approach.

 

He cautioned that expecting a quick resolution is unrealistic, given that Iran is contending with two “ruthless” regimes—one of which is pursued by the International Criminal Court for genocide—and a 47-year history of mistrust.

 

Maritime Piracy and the Strait of Hormuz

The spokesman characterized the U.S. seizure of an Iranian ship and its crew as “maritime piracy” and confirmed that the Ministry is pursuing the release of the crew through Pakistani mediators.

 

He further stated that Iran cannot allow the Strait of Hormuz to be used against it, criticizing some regional countries for aiding foreign entities against a fellow Islamic nation during Ramadan.

 

U.S. Internal Disarray and “Moving Goalposts”

Baghaei accused U.S. negotiators of “moving the goalposts” by constantly changing their positions. He cited examples where negotiators would agree to terms regarding nuclear materials, only to be contradicted by a superior’s tweet shortly after.

 

He pointed to the lack of coordination within the U.S. government and contrasted it with Iran’s consensus-based decision-making. He noted that while U.S. officials have faced resignations and dismissals, Iran’s structure remains stable despite external pressures.

 

National Cohesion against Psychological War

Baghaei stated that the U.S. is using media as a direct tool of war to create psychological turmoil and internal division in Iran. He called for “internal cohesion” and urged the public to rely on accurate information rather than misleading external tweets. He emphasized that the government’s ultimate goal is to reach a space where the “danger of war” is completely eliminated.