Baqaei: Senior IAEA Official to Visit Iran Within 10 Days
WANA (Aug 04) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baqaei stated in his weekly press briefing today that no inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are currently present in Iran, and added that a visit by a senior IAEA official is scheduled to take place within the next 10 days.
No IAEA Presence in Iran
Responding to a question during the press conference, Baqaei reiterated: “At present, there is no IAEA inspector on Iranian soil.” He stressed that all collaboration with the Agency must now adhere strictly to the latest legislation approved by Iran’s Parliament, which defines the government’s and the Foreign Ministry’s obligations in this regard.
He added, “We have repeatedly and clearly conveyed our grievances about the IAEA’s politically motivated conduct.” Still, he emphasized, “Iran remains a committed member of treaties such as the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and, as long as it stays within these agreements, it continues to respect the associated obligations.”
No Direct Talks with the U.S.
In response to a question about comments by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi—who recently told The Financial Times that direct messages had been exchanged between him and U.S. envoy Witkoff—Baqaei firmly dismissed the possibility of direct talks between Iran and the United States: “No,” he stated unequivocally.
Compensation for Nuclear Attacks to Be on the Table in Any Future Talks
When asked about a U.S. State Department spokesperson who called Iran’s demand for compensation over attacks on its nuclear facilities “ridiculous,” Baqaei responded by defending the legal basis for the demand.
He quoted Araghchi as saying that any future negotiations—should they occur—would differ fundamentally from those before June 13, 2024. “Circumstances have changed significantly,” he said, and in any future negotiation, the issue of U.S. accountability and reparations for military aggression against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities will undoubtedly be on the agenda.
He criticized the dismissive tone of U.S. officials, suggesting they lack sufficient understanding of international law. “Under international law, any wrongful act entails the responsibility of the offending state,” Baqaei said.
He went further to call U.S. policies “ridiculous,” citing their support for unlawful acts by regional allies and specifically referencing recent actions in Gaza. He urged U.S. officials to review historical rulings by international courts, including the International Court of Justice’s findings against the U.S. in the Nicaragua case and the Iran oil platforms case, where Washington was found in breach of legal obligations.
“All actors, whether direct or indirect participants in such unlawful actions, must be held accountable,” Baqaei added.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaee attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, August 4, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
No Fixed Date for Next Round of Talks with Europe
Baqaei confirmed that while Iran and the E3 (Germany, France, and the UK) agreed during their recent Istanbul meeting to continue diplomatic talks, no specific date has been set for the next round. He said Iran’s deputy foreign ministers remain in contact with their European counterparts.
He underlined that Iran enters any nuclear negotiation seriously and insists that all discussions must be purposeful and results-driven. He criticized speculative remarks by some European officials, saying they only add confusion and complicate the process.
Iran Responds to UK Foreign Secretary’s Remarks on Nuclear Program
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Baqaei firmly rejected recent comments made by the UK Foreign Secretary questioning the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program, stating that such remarks are politically motivated and lack credibility.
“The British Foreign Secretary is in no position to cast doubt on the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear activities—unless we consider his statement nothing more than a politically driven and interventionist comment,” Baqaei told reporters during a press briefing.
He added that if Western governments claim to trust the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), they must also accept its findings. “The IAEA has never reported any deviation from peaceful nuclear activities by Iran,” Baqaei said.
Baqaei went on to warn that the UK’s stance may have broader implications: “Such remarks only add to their international responsibilities and reinforce the impression that the three European countries, including the UK, no longer consider themselves active members of the JCPOA.”
He emphasized that a genuine commitment to the nuclear deal and UN Security Council Resolution 2231 would require recognition of Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear activities, including enrichment. “The statements made by the British official—most of which are clearly interventionist—seem to follow a longstanding tradition among British politicians, one rooted in a colonial mindset,” Baqaei said.
He drew a historical parallel, referencing the 1953 UK-backed coup against Iran’s elected government: “Such rhetoric reminds us of 1953, when the UK described the nationalization of Iran’s oil industry as a threat to international peace and security, and sought to drag Iran before the UN Security Council.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaee attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, August 4, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Iran Open to Proposals That Respect Enrichment Rights
Addressing a separate question regarding the “Minaret” proposal published in The Guardian by former Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and former diplomat Mohsen Baharvand—concerning uranium enrichment—Baghaei said:
“The authors of the proposal are best suited to elaborate on its content. As for the Foreign Ministry, I can say that the idea of a consortium is not new; it has been discussed in previous negotiations, though we never explored its details formally.”
He added, “In a country where nuclear issues have been on the agenda for 10 to 20 years, it’s natural for experts and concerned thinkers to offer ideas. Our enrichment program is a non-negotiable right under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), and any plan that guarantees this right is open to consideration.”
U.S. Shares Responsibility with Israel for Genocide in Gaza, Iran Says
Turning to U.S. policy on Gaza, Baqaei strongly condemned Washington’s support for Israel, saying both Democratic and Republican administrations have consistently enabled Israeli crimes.
“For the people of the region and the Palestinians, the U.S. is complicit with the Zionist regime in crimes against humanity and genocide,” he said.
He credited media coverage for exposing the scale of the atrocities: “Thanks to the sacrifices of journalists and media professionals, there’s no longer any doubt that a horrific genocide is taking place in Gaza. This has been ongoing for two years.”
Baqaei dismissed recent U.S. gestures, including the visit of a U.S. envoy to Gaza, as superficial: “It was merely a show. It further highlighted the U.S. role in concealing Israeli crimes while continuing to fully support the regime.”
He added, “No American statement can wash away its guilt or complicity in these crimes.”
Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref meeting with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev on January 31, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency
VP Aref to Visit Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan
The spokesman also announced that First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref is traveling to Turkmenistan to attend a UN summit on landlocked developing countries. Baqaei noted that this is the third such summit organized by the United Nations, and that Iran is directly connected to 8 of the 32 participating landlocked countries, 7 of which are ECO members.
The summit aims to outline a new 10-year development program for these countries. Aref will also hold bilateral meetings with counterparts and participate in the ECO Ministers of Transport Meeting, chaired by Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development.
Additionally, Baqaei said Aref will travel to Kyrgyzstan next week to attend the Eurasian Economic Union Prime Ministers’ Summit.
Iran Warns European Trio Against Trigger Mechanism Abuse
Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson strongly criticized three European countries for their approach to the 2015 nuclear deal’s “trigger mechanism,” warning that any misuse of the mechanism to reinstate sanctions would carry serious consequences.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Baqaei said: “Enough has been said about the so-called trigger mechanism. These three European countries have neither the legal nor moral right to abuse this tool in order to reimpose sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran. It has become clear to them that any such abuse will undoubtedly have consequences — both for the non-proliferation regime and for the countries themselves.”
He added that Iran’s position on the matter is “crystal clear”: “Back during the twelfth administration, we explicitly stated that any misuse of the so-called snapback mechanism would be met with a response. The path forward is well defined.”
Iran–Tajikistan Relations: A Model of Cultural and Historical Unity’
Commenting on Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s recent visit to Tajikistan, Baqaei praised the ties between the two nations: “The relationship between the people of Iran and Tajikistan is exemplary. We are one nation in many ways — we share a language, lineage, and cultural affinity. These historical, civilizational, and linguistic bonds must be used to strengthen cooperation in economic, scientific, commercial, and cultural domains.”
He described the trip as part of Iran’s policy to deepen ties with its neighbors, particularly in Central Asia and the Caucasus: “This was a bilateral visit aimed at reinforcing neighborhood diplomacy. We hope such exchanges will lead to greater connectivity, both at the people-to-people level and in terms of expanding economic and trade cooperation between Iran and Tajikistan.”
Meeting and Talks Between Seyed Abbas Araqchi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Foreign Minister of Tajikistan. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Iran’s Defensive Capabilities ‘Not Up for Negotiation’
In response to recent comments by the German Foreign Minister regarding Iran’s missile program in the context of talks with Europe, Baqaei reaffirmed Tehran’s position: “As we’ve repeatedly stated, the defensive capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran — including its long-range missile program — will under no circumstances be part of any negotiations.”
Iran–Iraq Energy Ties to Continue
Addressing the recent visit of Iraq’s Minister of Electricity to Iran, Baqaei said: “While the Ministry of Energy is the best source for details on recent agreements, what’s important is that energy and electricity cooperation between Iran and Iraq has been longstanding. Payment issues for electricity have also been consistently addressed by both countries.”
He added that the visit was timed to coincide with preparations for the upcoming Arbaeen pilgrimage and aimed at exploring ways to ensure energy supplies during the event and beyond.
Attacks on Journalists Are War Crimes, Iran Asserts
Turning to the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, the Iranian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Israeli attacks on media personnel and facilities. Baqaei referred specifically to the deaths of journalists and the bombing of Iran’s state media glass building during the 12-day conflict.
“According to international law, attacks on journalists and media personnel are strictly prohibited. Under the 1949 Geneva Conventions, such acts constitute war crimes,” he said.
Baqaei continued: “The killing of journalists in Gaza and Lebanon, and the targeting of the glass media building in Tehran, are all clear examples of war crimes. We have documented all these incidents and are actively pursuing the matter at the UN Security Council and through international human rights bodies. We will leave no opportunity unused in recording these crimes and seeking justice.”
Israeli Attack Targets Iran’s State Broadcaster Headquarters
WANA (Jun 16) – Earlier today, the main headquarters of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) in Tehran — commonly known as the “Glass Building” — was targeted in a missile strike by Israel. The attack briefly interrupted the live broadcast of Iran’s News Channel but was met with swift operational recovery and widespread […]
Afghanistan: A Joint Concern for Iran and Pakistan
When asked whether the visit resulted in a joint approach towards Afghanistan and if Russia’s recognition of the Taliban government would influence Iran’s stance, Mr. Baqaei emphasized the sovereignty of each nation in recognizing foreign governments: “Recognition of other countries and governments is an independent, sovereign decision for each state. Iran will decide based on its national interests and considerations.”
He stressed the naturalness of Afghanistan’s role in bilateral talks between neighboring countries, especially when Afghanistan faces crises that directly or indirectly impact their national security. Both Iran and Pakistan have long hosted Afghan refugees and share extensive historical, cultural, civilizational, and religious ties with Afghanistan.
“Hence, developments in Afghanistan are naturally a shared concern of Iran and Pakistan. Consequently, any dialogue or meeting between officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan always includes Afghanistan and ways to help it achieve greater stability, prosperity, and security as a main topic of discussion.”
Trilateral Cooperation Among Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey
Regarding proposals raised during the President’s Islamabad visit about reviving trilateral agreements with Pakistan and Turkey, Baqaei noted: “The cooperation among Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey has deep roots. Decades ago, these three nations founded the Regional Cooperation for Development organization, which later evolved into the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).”
He further explained that this trilateral cooperation is not only historic but also operates within an institutional and regional framework: “While initially focused on economic development among member states, if these countries succeed in economic cooperation, this experience can easily extend to other areas such as political, security, cultural, and regional cooperation.”
Pezeshkian Calls for Revival of Iran-Pakistan-Turkey Trade Pacts
WANA (Aug 03) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the need to revive long-standing but unimplemented trilateral trade and economic agreements between Iran, Pakistan, and Turkey. On Sunday, during the second day of his official visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Pezeshkian met with Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister […]
Iran to Decide on Future IAEA Cooperation
Addressing Iran’s conditions for cooperation with the IAEA and the upcoming visit of an agency official to Tehran, the spokesperson said: “Currently, the issue is not about inspector presence at our sites, since, based on a parliamentary resolution, our cooperation with the IAEA is suspended.”
Baqaei described Iran’s current status as exceptional: “For the first time in IAEA history, operational facilities of an NPT member state, monitored 24/7 by the Agency, have been illegally attacked by two nuclear-armed regimes.”
He criticized the IAEA’s lack of neutrality and failure to condemn these attacks: “The Agency did not remain impartial, did not fulfill its responsibilities, issued no condemnation, and even issued reports and resolutions that facilitated psychological and political pretexts used by the U.S. and the Zionist regime. We are therefore in a special situation regarding the non-proliferation regime and usual IAEA activities.”
Baqaei concluded: “We await this visit, and based on its outcome and in compliance with our binding parliamentary law, we will decide on our future interactions with the IAEA.”
Appropriate Treatment of Iranian Prisoners in Azerbaijan is a Legitimate Expectation
Regarding reports of mistreatment of Iranian detainees in Azerbaijani prisons, Baqaei said: “Iran has repeatedly conveyed its protests and concerns through diplomatic notes to Azerbaijani authorities, and consular officials are actively pursuing the matter both in Baku and Tehran.”
“Appropriate treatment of Iranian prisoners, consistent with Azerbaijan’s human rights commitments, is a very legitimate and reasonable expectation. The Vienna Convention on Consular Relations is clear on this matter.”
Baqaei lamented that in some cases, despite prisoners being held for two or three years, Iranian consular officials have not been granted access. He also referred to a prisoner transfer agreement between Iran and Azerbaijan, which could help resolve many issues:
“This matter remains a constant part of the Foreign Ministry’s agenda in its interactions with Azerbaijan.”
Iran Unaware of Gulf States’ Mediation Proposal for US–Iran Talks
Responding to a question about reports that Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are working on a plan to help Iran and the U.S. reach an agreement on outstanding disputes, Baqaei said: “We have no knowledge of such a plan.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaee attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, August 4, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Significance of the President’s Visit to Pakistan
Baqaei elaborated on the achievements and importance of the Iranian president’s recent visit to Pakistan, underscoring its role in strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation.
Tribute to Fallen Journalists on National Reporters’ Day
The briefing coincided with Iran’s National Reporters’ Day, and the family of Nima Rajabpour, the late editor-in-chief of IRIB News, who was killed in an Israeli strike, was present at the session. Baqaei began by commemorating the occasion and expressed condolences for journalists recently killed in Gaza and in Israeli attacks on Iran.
Ongoing Inaction on Gaza
Baqaei condemned the continued genocide in Gaza by the Israeli regime and slammed the ongoing inaction of international institutions. “One of the most pressing international issues remains the Zionist regime’s campaign of extermination in Gaza,” he said.
Following the Foreign Ministry spokesperson’s briefing, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi also appeared in this briefing.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaee attend a press conference in Tehran, Iran, August 4, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
