Baqaei to the PGCC: Don’t Become a Pawn of Israel
WANA (Dec 07) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, in his press briefing today reaffirmed Iran’s sovereignty over the three Persian Gulf islands and urged the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council not to “play into the hands of the region’s main adversary.” His remarks came in response to the UAE’s repeated claims over Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, which he described as “recycled positions” that hold no legal value for Iran.
International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures
Baqaei highlighted the first-ever session of the “International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures” at the UN General Assembly as one of last week’s major developments. He said the event reflected the global community’s growing concern over economic and banking sanctions, which, he stressed, “undermine fundamental human rights” and contradict the UN Charter.
Ongoing Violence in Gaza and the West Bank
Reiterating Iran’s alarm over the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, Baqaei stated: “Nearly 400 Palestinians have lost their lives in just these fifty-some days since the ceasefire was announced.” He also referred to “threats against judges of the International Criminal Court,” calling them evidence of “the United States’ unconditional support” for Israel.
Iran Issues 11-Point Statement on New UN Security Council Resolution Regarding Gaza
WANA (Nov 19) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran issued an 11-point statement on Tuesday night expressing its serious concerns over the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 on Gaza. In the statement—centered on criticism of certain elements of the resolution and an emphasis on the […]
The New U.S. National Security Strategy
In response to a question about the newly released U.S. National Security Strategy, Baqaei said the document “is less a national security strategy for the United States and more for Israel.” He added that the strategy lays out longstanding U.S. policies “openly, stripped of any human-rights or democracy veneer,” with its main focus being “guaranteeing Israel’s security and securing access to energy.”
The Three Islands: Iran’s Firm Position
Reaffirming Iran’s position, he said: “There is no doubt whatsoever about the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the islands of Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb.” He added that every Iranian, “regardless of political affiliation,” is sensitive to this issue.
Iran’s Three Islands: Symbols of Sovereignty, History, and Diplomatic Deadlock
WANA (Dec 02) – “The policies of foreign powers and their ambitions toward Iran’s islands will fail; the Iranian nation’s historical right to these islands is beyond doubt.” These were the words of the Commander of the Iranian Army Navy, spoken on the occasion of Iran’s newly designated National Day of the Three Islands. […]
Relations With the IAEA
In response to a question about the possibility of renewed negotiations, Baqaei emphasized that Iran’s contacts with the IAEA are “direct and continuous,” but these exchanges “do not mean mediation or the start of new negotiations.”
The Crescent Case
Regarding the Crescent dispute at the UK Supreme Court, he noted that the case is being handled by the Presidential Legal Department and the Ministry of Petroleum, and that the Foreign Ministry will assist when needed.
Iran’s Crescent Appeal Admitted by UK Supreme Court
WANA (Dec 06) – The UK Supreme Court has officially registered the National Iranian Oil Company’s (NIOC) appeal in the Crescent legal dispute, placing the case on its docket for review. The development opens a new window of opportunity to prevent the seizure of a valuable property belonging to the Oil Industry Pension Fund in […]
Lebanon and Claims of Iranian Interference
Baqaei dismissed allegations of Iranian meddling in Lebanon as “a diversionary narrative,” adding: “Hezbollah is an institution deeply rooted in Lebanese society and makes its own decisions regarding its conduct.” He stressed that the issue of resistance arms and Lebanon’s defense strategy must be resolved “within a Lebanese–Lebanese dialogue framework.”
Cultural Diplomacy and the Fajr Film Festival
He described holding the international section of the Fajr Film Festival in Shiraz as a positive step for “expanding Iran’s cultural engagement with the world.”
Iran–U.S. Relations
Baqaei reiterated: “There is no special communication channel between Iran and the United States.” He said the only official mechanism remains the Interests Section offices in Tehran and Washington.
Iran’s Supreme Leader: The U.S. Government Is Not Worthy of Engagement with Iran
WANA (Nov 27) – In a televised address to the Iranian nation, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Leader of the Islamic Revolution, outlined the Islamic Republic’s key positions on domestic, regional, and international issues. His remarks addressed the “12 day war,” the expansion of the resistance front, the conduct of the United States and the Israeli […]
U.S. Remarks on Democracy in Europe
Referring to Germany’s sharp response to comments from Washington about the “decline of democracy in Europe,” Baqaei remarked humorously: “Whatever you don’t approve for yourself, don’t prescribe for others.”
U.S. Official’s Admission on Attempts to Change Iran’s System
Reacting to comments from the U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, he said the remarks amounted to “an admission of interference in Iran’s internal affairs,” adding that such behavior has “a very long record.” He continued: “From the American perspective, a ‘logical negotiation’ is nothing but dictation.”
A book with a cover design of the Iran-US negotiations is seen in Tehran, Iran, April 26, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Afghanistan–Pakistan Tensions
He expressed concern over border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying that any insecurity in the region is “harmful” to Iran. He noted that Iran is in contact with both sides and is ready to help de-escalate tensions.
Resistance Groups in Iraq and the Region
Responding to rumors—later denied—that Hezbollah and Ansarallah might be added to Iraq’s terrorism list, Baqaei stressed that these groups are “recognized under international law as liberation movements,” and that American labels “have no basis or legitimacy .”
Car Rallies in Baghdad and Basra in Support of Hezbollah and Ansarullah
WANA (Dec 05) – Hundreds of Iraqis took to the streets of Baghdad and Basra on Wednesday in car rallies to protest the initial inclusion of Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Yemen’s Ansarullah in the Iraqi government’s list of designated terrorist groups — a move that was reversed hours later after the publication of a revised version […]
Decision-Making on Negotiations
Addressing criticism of the Foreign Ministry, Baqaei noted that foreign policy—including matters related to negotiations—is determined “by higher-level bodies such as the Suprem e National Security Council,” and the Foreign Ministry acts based on “defined national interests.”
President to Visit Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan; Foreign Minister to Travel to Russia
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, referring to the recent increase in diplomatic exchanges, announced that Dr. Araghchi’s visit to Baku will take place today. He added that tomorrow Araghchi will meet with the foreign minister, the president, and several senior officials of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He said: “Our relationship with Azerbaijan is extremely important; we are two neighboring countries with shared faith, culture, and deep historical ties.”
Esmail Baghaei emphasized that the goal of these consultations is to strengthen stability in the Caucasus, adding: “Our aim is to expand relations through these visits and help reinforce understanding, peace, and stability in the region.” He also announced that the President will travel to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan in the coming days, noting that further details will be released by the president’s office.
Baghaei went on to outline the Foreign Minister’s upcoming trips: “In the coming weeks, there will be meetings with senior officials of Belarus and Russia. Dr. Araghchi will travel to these two countries as part of ongoing consultations.”
Iran’s Position in the ‘New Middle East’
In response to a question about the concept of a “New Middle East” and Dr. Zarif’s recent remarks that “the world must accept a strong Iran,” Baghaei said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has never sought dominance over the region. A simple look at the facts is enough: the only party occupying the territory of two regional countries is the Israeli regime.”
He added: “Iran is the inheritor of an ancient civilization and a rich culture that has long learned how to adapt to changing conditions. What should concern the countries of the region is the expansionist behavior of Israel.”
Referring to the attacks on Gaza over the past two years, the spokesperson said: “The party that has massacred more than 70,000 innocent people in two years clearly shows it has no belonging to this region; otherwise, it would not so coldly kill civilians and repeatedly attack neighboring countries.”
What Was the Special Message of the Sahand 2025 Exercise?
WANA (Dec 06) – The joint counterterrorism exercise “Sahand 2025,” held in Shabestar in Iran’s East Azerbaijan province, was far more than a routine multinational military drill. The participation of operational units from ten member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization — Russia, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus — […]
Response to U.S. Decision on World Cup Visas
Elsewhere in the press conference, the spokesperson reacted to the United States’ refusal to issue visas for Iranian spectators of the World Cup. “As the host country, the U.S. is obligated under FIFA regulations to provide the necessary conditions for the presence of teams and delegations. Violating this commitment carries international responsibility for the United States.”
He added that Iran has filed a formal complaint with FIFA and stated: “We expect this matter—which is entirely legal and reasonable—to be respected by the organizing body.”
Cooperation With Venezuela, China, and Russia
Responding to a question on coordination with Venezuela, China, and Russia, Baghaei said: “What is happening in the Western Hemisphere is an act based on force and a clear example of bullying.” He said Tehran’s cooperation with these countries continues at various international levels, adding: “If the threatening measures against Venezuela are not met with resistance and a comprehensive response, they could set the foundation for a new pattern of lawlessness internationally.”
Presidents of Iran and China. Social media / WANA News Agency
U.S. Pressure on UN Rapporteur
Regarding alleged U.S. pressure on Ms. Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur, the spokesperson said: “If another country had taken such action against a UN official, it would certainly have faced sharp statements and resolutions.” He described these actions as “an attempt to silence any voice supporting the people of Palestine.”
Details on the Return of Iranians From the U.S.
Baghaei then addressed the issue of Iranians being returned from the United States, saying: “Over the past year, racist measures against foreign nationals—particularly people from the region and Iranians—have intensified.” According to him, this is the second group of Iranians to be returned in recent months, and “the Interests Section of Iran has provided the necessary arrangements for the return of around 50 to 55 people.”
He added: “More than 500,000 nationals of various countries have been returned under similar pretexts over the past year, and in the case of Iranians, these pressures are political.”
The Story of 120 Iranians Deported from the United States
WANA (Oct 07) – More than 120 Iranian migrants have been deported from the United States and returned to Tehran, in what Iranian officials describe as part of the process of repatriating citizens under consular cooperation with Washington. The flight departed from Louisiana and, after stops in Egypt and Qatar, landed at Imam Khomeini […]
Warning on Use of Azerbaijani Airspace
Responding to a question about the possibility of Israel using Azerbaijan’s airspace to attack Iran, Baghaei said: “We will show zero tolerance toward any violation of Iran’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.” He stressed that Iran bases its positions on “documents and verified information” in responding to any such claims.
