WANA (Jan 06) – The Spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baqaei, during his weekly press conference on Monday, in response to a question about the possibility of negotiations between Iran and the United States, said: “The Foreign Minister has explicitly stated that we are ready for dignified and honorable negotiations to lift sanctions.”

 

The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran honored the memory of General Qassem Soleimani and his comrades and commemorated the arrival of “Martyrs’ Day” in Palestine and stated: “Unfortunately, the crimes and genocide of the Zionist regime continue, and the cold and harsh weather conditions have made the situation even more difficult for the heroic people of Gaza.”

 

Iran-Russia Agreement Expands Bilateral Cooperation

Responding to questions about the recent signing of a comprehensive cooperation agreement between Iran and Russia in Moscow, Baqaei explained that the document covers various domains, including economy, trade, energy, environment, defense, and security. He described the agreement as complementary to a previous pact between the two nations, aimed at enhancing relations in multiple areas.

 

First Presidential Visit to Eurasia Scheduled

Baqaei announced President Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to Tajikistan later in January at the invitation of the Tajik president. This marks the President’s first trip to the Eurasian region. During the visit, key economic, trade, and cultural agreements are expected to be signed. Additionally, the reopening of an Iranian cultural center and the inauguration of an Iranian Red Crescent health facility in Tajikistan will be highlights of the trip, he said.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaee speaks during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, January 6, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Fuel Issue for Iranian Trucks at Turkish Border is Technical

Regarding fuel issues faced by Iranian trucks at the Turkish border, Baqaei clarified that the problem is technical, not political. He noted that both nations are working towards a resolution, with extensive discussions already held. An Iranian delegation is set to visit Turkey soon to address the matter.

 

Syria Must Not Become a Haven for Terrorists

Commenting on recent remarks by Syrian figure Abu Mohammad al-Julani about Iran and the state of Iran-Syria relations, Baqaei reaffirmed respect for the Syrian people’s choices. He stressed the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity and the need for a future free from external interference. Baqaei also highlighted shared concerns among regional nations, emphasizing that Syria must not become a refuge for terrorists.

 

Why Did Iran Withdraw from the Japan Expo?

The Spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, in response to a question about analyses regarding Iran’s reasons for withdrawing from the Japan Expo, including claims that it was due to Iran’s booth being placed next to Israel, said: “This analysis is incorrect, and it was never intended for Iran’s booths to be placed next to the Zionist regime.”

 

Referring to statements by the Government Spokesperson regarding the reasons for Iran’s withdrawal from the Japan Expo, he said: “The essence of the matter is as the honorable Government Spokesperson mentioned, and the decision not to participate was made by the relevant authority.”

 

Baqaei noted: “As far as I know, several other countries, including South Africa, also withdrew from participation for their own reasons.” He emphasized: “As I mentioned, this decision was made by the relevant authority.”

 

Iraqi Prime Minister’s Visit to Tehran

Baqaei confirmed the upcoming visit of Iraq’s Prime Minister to Tehran as a bilateral engagement, denying connections to rumors about the dissolution of the Popular Mobilization Forces or the transmission of messages from American and Syrian officials. Details of the visit will be announced by the Iranian President’s office.

 

Italian Journalist Arrested for Violating Iran’s Laws

The spokesperson also commented on the case of “Abedini,” an Iranian citizen detained in Italy, saying: “Several Iranian nationals in some countries are pursued and extradited at the request of the United States, and we consider this a form of hostage-taking.” He added: “The charge attributed to these citizens is evading unilateral U.S. sanctions, a charge that is fundamentally baseless.”

 

Baqaei stated: “Our demand from countries is not to allow third parties’ unlawful demands to affect their bilateral relations with Iran.” He further mentioned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Iranian Embassy in Italy have been following up on the case of this Iranian citizen, noting: “Based on the follow-up actions, consular services have been somewhat provided, and he can be in contact with his family. The efforts regarding this Iranian citizen’s status are ongoing.”

 

The spokesperson also responded to a question about the detention of the Italian journalist in Iran, which some media outlets linked to the detention of “Mohammad Abedini” in Italy, saying: “These two issues are entirely unrelated.” He added: “The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance issued a clear statement regarding the reasons for the detention of this Italian journalist, announcing that he was arrested for violating Iran’s laws.”

Mohammad Abedini (Right) and Cecilia Sala (Left)

Italian Ambassador Summoned in Tehran

WANA (Jan 03) – In response to the continued detention of Mr. Mohammad Abedini, an Iranian citizen, by Italy, the Italian Ambassador in Tehran was summoned today by the Director-General of Western Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   Director-General of Western Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: The arrest of Abedini is […]

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Takhteravanchi’s Trip to Attend the 19th Round of Iran-India Consultative Meetings

Regarding the recent trip of “Majid Takht-Ravanchi,” Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, to India, he said: “Mr. Takht-Ravanchi’s trip to India was to participate in the 19th round of the Iran-India consultative meetings.” Baqaei clarified: “He met and discussed with his counterpart and the Indian Minister of Foreign Affairs. A range of topics were discussed, with one of the key issues being trade and economic cooperation.”

 

He continued: “The development of the Chabahar Port and India’s participation in completing the Zahedan-Chabahar railway project were among the issues addressed in this meeting. The facilitation of visa issuance for Iranians was also pursued during these talks, as there had been disruptions in this regard since the COVID-19 pandemic, and good decisions were made during this trip.”

 

Execution of 6 Iranians in Saudi Arabia Being Followed Up

About Iran-Saudi relations after the execution of six Iranian nationals in Saudi Arabia and news about the departure of the Saudi holding company Savola from Iran, Baqaei said: “Just because these events happen simultaneously, it doesn’t mean they are politically connected; they simply occurred at the same time.”

 

Baqaei clarified: “The information we received from the Investment Organization about this company indicates that no currency has left, and the transfer of shares was from one company to another. This is not related to the consular issue (execution of six Iranians).”

 

He continued: “Regarding the consular issue, our consular section immediately took a position as soon as the issue (execution of six Iranians) became public, and the Saudi Ambassador was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where our position was clearly communicated.”

 

Baqaei added that the issue is still under follow-up, saying: “We are in talks with the Saudi side regarding the dispatch of a consular delegation. We will certainly pursue this issue within the framework of protecting nationals and providing consular services.”

 

New Round of Iran-Europe Talks to Be Held in Geneva on 13-14 January

Baqaei also responded to another question about the new round of Iran-Europe talks, saying: “The new round of talks between Iran and Europe will take place on 13 and 14 January in Geneva, continuing the discussions that took place in December.”

 

He added: “A range of issues, including regional matters, bilateral relations, nuclear issues, and sanctions relief, will be discussed. As I mentioned earlier, these talks are a continuation of an already agreed-upon process and another step in the Iran-Europe dialogue.”

 

He also said: “We have never avoided the negotiating table and have always been in favor of dialogue. Mr. Araqchi also stated that we are ready for honorable negotiations to lift sanctions and address the nuclear program. How the negotiations are conducted will be decided.”

 

Efforts to Expand Relations Between Iran, Egypt, and Bahrain Continue

Efforts to normalize and expand relations with Egypt and Bahrain continue, according to the Foreign Ministry. Reports from an Egyptian outlet suggested a potential agreement to reopen embassies in Tehran and Cairo within six months, following discussions between Masoud Pezeshkian and Egypt’s President. The spokesperson expressed hope that these efforts would yield results soon, aligning with Iran’s strategy of improving ties with regional neighbors.

 

He said: “Iran’s approach to expanding relations with its neighbors encompasses all countries in the region.”Baqaei emphasized: “Efforts to expand relations with Egypt and Bahrain continue steadily, and this is on the agenda of both sides. We hope that this will reach a positive outcome as soon as possible.”

Ex-Syrian Media Chief Reveals New Details on Damascus Fall

WANA (Jan 05) – The former head of the Syrian presidential media office has disclosed new insights into the events leading to the fall of Damascus.   On Saturday, Kamel Saqr, the ex-director of Syria’s presidential media office, claimed that Russia declined Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s request to facilitate the transfer of Iranian military aid […]

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Reaction to Every Narrative is Not Necessary

The spokesperson for the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also responded to a question about a statement made by Bashar al-Assad’s head of office, who claimed that Russia had prevented the delivery of Iran’s aid to Syria in the days leading up to the fall of Bashar al-Assad in the Arab country. He said: “As I have emphasized in previous meetings, in such situations, various parties present their own narratives about these events, and there is no need for us to react to each of these narratives.”

 

Israel Has Never Been Serious in Fulfilling Its Commitments

In response to another question about the continued violation of the ceasefire by the Israeli regime in Lebanon and reports suggesting Israel’s reluctance to withdraw from southern Lebanon as scheduled, he said: “The record of this regime shows that it has never been serious in fulfilling its commitments and agreements, and whenever it found an opportunity, it violated them.”

 

The spokesperson added: “The parties that presented themselves as guarantors of the ceasefire have a direct and clear responsibility to ensure that this regime does not repeatedly violate the ceasefire.”

 

Baqaei emphasized: “This issue should be pursued seriously by both the relevant authorities in the Lebanese government and the parties involved in this process.”

 

Fabricated News is Designed to Stir Up Discord Between Regional Countries

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to another question regarding comments attributed to Iran’s Foreign Minister about the dangers of forming an Islamic government in Syria, saying: “I invite you and others to be very cautious when taking seriously and re-sharing news and reports that can be doubted from the beginning.”

 

He added: “These kinds of news are easy to fact-check, and to verify them, you can refer to the previous statements of the Foreign Minister.”

 

Baqaei said: “Such news fabrication and the spread of false statements are designed to provoke discord among regional countries, and given the current regional developments, it’s possible to guess their source and origin.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaee speaks during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, January 6, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

The UN Security Council Should Hold the U.S. Accountable for Violating International Commitments

Baqaei also addressed the threatening statements made by Jake Sullivan, the U.S. National Security Advisor, against Iran. He said: “This issue has been repeated many times, and from an international law perspective, threats of the use of force are a violation of the UN Charter. Since this is a threat against the peaceful nuclear facilities of a country, it constitutes a violation of international obligations and is, in a sense, a threat to international peace and security. The Security Council should address this and hold the U.S. accountable for these statements.”

 

He continued: “This should be considered alongside other recent statements by the U.S. Democratic government against the Islamic Republic of Iran. This is a form of self-discrediting, and Blinken recently spoke about efforts to intervene in Iran.”

 

The spokesperson also stated: “On the other hand, it seems that a government, which some Americans have labeled as the most incompetent and corrupt in U.S. history, is trying to dictate its failed methods to the next U.S. administration.”

 

Baqaei stressed: “As far as we are concerned, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iranian people have shown that they will act decisively in defending their national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and dignity.”

espionage

Israeli Citizen Accused of Spying for Iran

WANA (Dec 31) – Israeli prosecutors intend to charge an Israeli citizen with espionage for Iran.   Alexander Granovsky, 29, is the latest among approximately 30 suspects arrested in recent months on charges of spying for the Islamic Republic of Iran.   According to newly released information, Israeli prosecutors plan to accuse this 29-year-old resident […]

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We Will Use All Capacities to Pursue Iran’s Water Rights from Afghanistan

Regarding the issue of Iran’s water rights from Afghanistan and the new dams being built by Afghanistan on the shared border rivers, Baqaei said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the country’s diplomatic authority, has continuously pursued securing Iran’s water rights from the shared border rivers as a permanent agenda. Regarding Afghanistan and the Harirud river, the issue dates back to the early 2010s. Our objections are recorded, and it remains a continuous matter on our agenda.”

 

Baqaei added: “We have always stated that the waters flowing from Afghanistan to Iran create rights for both parties on either side of the border. We have agreements, and for other matters, we expect the Afghan authorities to take this issue seriously based on customary law and good-neighborliness.”

 

He continued: “We are using all available tools in this matter. Our embassy is active, and the acting head of the embassy is following up on the issue. We are utilizing all available resources to pursue this matter.”

 

The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized: “We also expect the authorities of the Afghan caretaker government to seriously address this issue.”

Unusual Inspection of Iranian Aircraft at Beirut Airport

WANA (Jan 03) – On Thursday evening, Beirut International Airport witnessed unprecedented security measures against the passengers of a Mahan Air flight, sparking widespread criticism and tension.   A thorough inspection of the Iranian aircraft, which was carrying Lebanese passengers, caused several hours of flight delays. Reports suggest the operation was conducted under the supervision […]

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Diplomatic Bag Not Inspected in Lebanon

He addressed the issue of inspection of the diplomatic bag and Iranian passengers aboard a Mahan Air flight traveling to Lebanon last Friday. He stated that the diplomatic bag is subject to specific legal and international regulations, and after the misunderstanding arose, the Iranian Embassy in Lebanon coordinated with the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve the issue.

 

He continued: “There was no inspection of the diplomatic bag. Our Ambassador explained the entire matter, and it was clarified that the issue mainly stemmed from some incorrect information and a misunderstanding. We hope that this process will not be repeated.”

 

He emphasized: “Our colleagues at the embassy in Beirut and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have followed up on the issue in contact with the Lebanese authorities, and the follow-up is ongoing.”

 

Iran’s Stance on UN General Assembly Request to the ICJ

In response to a question regarding the UN General Assembly’s request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an advisory opinion on the violation of obligations by the Israeli regime, the spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “This advisory opinion is one of several requests made to the ICJ regarding the violation of obligations by the Israeli regime, especially during this 15-month period. Following the revocation of the permit for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), an international wave of protest emerged, as the agency’s work was entirely humanitarian and had been helping Palestinian refugees in several countries for decades. Therefore, the international community did not accept this from the outset.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaee speaks during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, January 6, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

He added: “The path that seemed plausible to several countries was to appeal to the ICJ. The request is for the ICJ to address the nature and extent of the violations by the Israeli regime, particularly in relation to its obligations to cooperate with international organizations. This request stems from a resolution and resolution by the UN General Assembly, which the Islamic Republic of Iran also supported. Our intention is to participate in the different stages of the proceedings concerning this request.”

 

Araghchi’s Visit to China Was Very Important

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also addressed a question from a Chinese journalist regarding the visit of Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Beijing last week. He provided details about the discussions during the visit, stating: “This trip to China was extremely important and marked the first bilateral visit of an Iranian Foreign Minister outside the region.”

 

He emphasized: “During this visit, discussions were held regarding the implementation of the 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement between Iran and China, as well as the expansion of cooperation between the two countries in the economic and commercial sectors.”

 

Condemning Terrorism Everywhere and by Anyone

In response to a question about recent terrorist actions in Pakistan and the martyrdom of Shiites in the country, Baqaei stated: “We condemn terrorism by anyone and anywhere.”

 

Our Relationship with Oman is Historical and Excellent

The senior Iranian diplomat was also asked about the content of a message from the Sultan of Oman to the Iranian President, which was delivered by the Omani Foreign Minister during his visit to Tehran. He explained: “Regarding this visit, the Foreign Minister of Iran, during a joint press conference with the Omani Foreign Minister, explained that the visit focused on issues related to the bilateral relations between Iran and Oman and discussions on regional developments.”

 

He added: “This is a topic that is always discussed and deliberated upon in our talks with regional countries, especially Oman, given that our relationship is historical and exceptional.”

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WANA (Dec 30) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi emphasized the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity, unity, and inclusive government during a joint press conference with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi in Tehran on Monday. He highlighted shared views between Iran, Oman, and many regional countries on fostering Syria’s independence and stability.   Speaking […]

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