WANA (Dec 02) – In today’s press conference, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, reviewed recent developments in Iran’s foreign policy, including the situation in Syria. He stated: “The primary beneficiary of insecurity in the region is the Zionist regime.” He further added that the Islamic Republic is committed to the Astana Process, and other key countries involved in the process share a similar stance on reducing tensions in Syria.

 

U.S. Presence in Syria

In response to a question, Baghaei commented on the U.S. presence in Syria, saying: “The Americans claim their presence in Syria is to fight ISIS, but given this, the question arises: why are terrorist groups, including ISIS, still active in Syria? Also, on what grounds are the Americans in Syria?”

 

Why Did Araghchi Visit Turkey?

Baghaei explained Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s recent trip to Syria and clarified the purpose of the Foreign Minister’s visit to Turkey: “Turkey is an important neighbor of Syria and plays a key role in the Astana process. Given the current regional situation, it was necessary for us to have close consultations with Turkish officials.”

 

Attack on Iranian Diplomatic Facilities in Syria

Regarding the attack on Iran’s consulate in Aleppo, Baghaei mentioned that the consulate was evacuated in time, and no harm came to the Iranian staff. He emphasized that attacks on diplomatic premises are prohibited, and those responsible must be held accountable.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a joint press conference with Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam al-Sabbagh (not pictured) in Tehran

Araghchi: We Firmly Support Syria’s Government and Army Against Terrorists

WANA (Dec 01) – Iran’s Foreign Minister emphasized the Islamic Republic’s unwavering support for Syria in its fight against terrorist groups, stating, “We stand firmly with Syria’s government and army in their confrontation with terrorism.”   On Sunday, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi announced, “Today, I am traveling to Damascus to deliver a message from the Islamic […]

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The Success of the Astana Process

In response to a question about the effectiveness of the Astana process, especially regarding the disarmament of terrorist groups in Syria, which has not occurred recently, Baghaei said: “Everyone acknowledges that the Astana process is the most successful framework for resolving the Syrian crisis. The three guarantor countries have all worked to fulfill their duties within this process.”

 

He further stressed that the Astana process remains active, with the international community recognizing its importance for reducing tensions in Syria and providing a platform for humanitarian actions. Iran remains committed to this process.

 

Iran’s Nuclear Policy

Baghaei responded to a question about Iran’s nuclear program and the possibility of a change in its nuclear doctrine if European countries continue their non-constructive actions regarding Iran’s peaceful nuclear program. He stated: “Iran’s nuclear policy remains unchanged, and our nuclear program is peaceful and will remain so.”

 

He added that Foreign Minister Araghchi had also emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program would remain peaceful, in line with the fatwa of the Supreme Leader and national security assessments.

 

Turkey’s Role in Syria

Regarding Turkey’s role in Syria, Baghaei stated that Turkey is both influential and affected by developments in Syria. He pointed out that Turkey’s concerns about the spread of terrorism in Syria are similar to Iran’s, and within the Astana process, Turkey, Iran, and Russia have all made significant efforts over the past seven to eight years to reduce tensions in Syria.

 

Renewed Terrorist Activities in Syria

Baghaei acknowledged that the resurgence of terrorist groups in Syria was not surprising, as warnings had been issued in Astana statements. He also alluded to the possible cooperation between terrorist groups and Israel.

Araghchi: Terrorist Activities in Syria Part of US-Israeli Plan to Destabilize West Asia

WANA (Nov 30) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has described recent terrorist movements in Syria as part of a coordinated plan by the U.S. and Israel to destabilize the West Asia region.   Araghchi made the remarks during a phone call with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, where the two discussed key regional […]

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Iranian Advisors in Syria

Baghaei emphasized that Iranian advisors are present in Syria at the request of the Syrian government and that Iran is acting as a partner to Syria in this context.

 

Iran’s Request to the German Government

In response to a question about his recent tweet regarding Germany’s role in supplying chemical weapons to Saddam Hussein, Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said: “Several cases are underway in the Netherlands, resulting in rulings against companies and individuals accused of sending chemical items to Saddam.”

 

He further stated that some German companies were among the main suppliers of chemical weapons to Iraq, and Iran has repeatedly requested Germany to provide relevant documents and evidence. Germany has previously acknowledged that in the 1980s, certain German companies exported chemical items to Iraq, and these cases were addressed in the 1990s. Iran is requesting access to the outcomes of these legal proceedings.

 

Chinese Deputy Prime Minister’s Visit to Iran

Regarding the visit of China’s Deputy Prime Minister to Iran, the spokesperson said that the trip is part of the implementation of the 25-year agreement between the two countries. He added that Iran-China relations are extensive, and such diplomatic exchanges are common.

 

Changes in Iran’s Diplomatic Missions

In response to a question about the change of the head of the Iranian embassy in Afghanistan, the spokesperson said that changes in diplomatic missions are routine, and after an ambassador’s term ends, someone else is appointed. Regarding special representatives of the president in various matters, he stated that this issue is under review.

 

Martyrdom of General Pourhashemi in Syria

In response to news about an increase in Iranian martyrs in Syria, the spokesperson stated that he had no information on this and was only aware of the martyrdom of General Pourhashemi, to whom he offered condolences.

 

Did Araghchi Carry a Message from Damascus to Ankara?

Regarding whether Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi carried a message from Damascus to Ankara during his visit to Turkey, the spokesperson said he could not answer the question because he was not present during the trip.

Araqchi: I Conveyed Iran’s Message of Support to Bashar al-Assad

WANA (Dec 01) – Seyed Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, visited Damascus on Sunday night at the head of a diplomatic delegation and held talks with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. During the meeting, Araqchi conveyed Iran’s message of support to the Syrian government and people, emphasizing the continuation of bilateral cooperation.   Highlighting […]

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New Round of Consultations with Europe

The spokesperson, regarding the timing of new negotiations between Iran and Europe, said that decisions are being made on this matter, and no specific time has been set for the new round of talks. He also emphasized that there have been no indirect negotiations between Iran and the U.S. in the Geneva talks.

 

Efforts to Improve Turkey-Syria Relations

In response to a question about whether Iran is acting as a mediator between Syria and Turkey, the spokesperson emphasized: “Efforts to improve Turkey-Syria relations are of interest to us, and this issue has been highlighted in Astana meetings.”

 

He added: “We have been working to improve relations between these two countries and continue to use every opportunity to address and follow up on this matter.”

 

Regional Mechanisms Based on National Interests

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also commented on Trump’s threat regarding the potential decision of BRICS countries to abandon the dollar in their trade relations, saying: “Countries that are members of regional mechanisms and arrangements make decisions based on their own interests.”

European Troika: Diplomatic Talks with Iran Continue

WANA (Nov 30) –  The political directors of the foreign ministries of the UK, France, and Germany—the three countries that last week sponsored an anti-Iran resolution at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors—announced cautiously after meeting with the Iranian delegation in Geneva that diplomatic talks with Iran will continue.   In a […]

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Message of Araghchi’s Presence at a Public Restaurant in Syria

Regarding the message conveyed by Araghchi’s presence at a public restaurant in Syria, Baghaei said: “The message of this presence was clear, though everyone may interpret it differently.” He continued, “Thank God Damascus is safe, and Dr. Araghchi, with his friendly view toward the Syrian people, attended a public place in Damascus.”

 

ECO Foreign Ministers’ Summit

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced that Iran’s FM would return to Iran tonight and will attend the ECO foreign ministers’ meeting in Mashhad tomorrow. He added that Iran’s foreign minister will chair the meeting on Tuesday, and today, an experts’ meeting will be held in Mashhad.

 

Regional Unity in Combating Terrorism

In response to a question about the impact of developments in Syria on Iraq, the spokesperson stated that this issue should be addressed to Iraqi officials. He expressed hope that regional unity in combating terrorist threats would increase.

 

He also referenced past cooperation between Iran and Iraq in fighting terrorism and honored the memory of the martyrdom of General Qasem Soleimani, who played a unique and vital role in confronting threats posed by ISIS.

 

The Nature of Terrorist Groups in Syria Has Not Changed

In response to claims that terrorist groups in Syria are showing less violence, Baghaei emphasized that the nature of these groups has not changed, and the Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham group still claims it should control all of the Levant.

 

He added that this group remains on the United Nations Security Council’s list of terrorist organizations. Baghaei also noted that their violence and sectarianism have not diminished, and it is likely that this time, they have had professional trainers to remind them of the importance of media and imagery.

 

Iran’s Defense of National Sovereignty
In reaction to some countries’ objections to Iran’s “True Promise 3” operation, the spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Iran will not seek permission from any country to defend its interests, territorial integrity, and national sovereignty.