Claims of a Temporary Agreement Between Iran and the U.S. Are Baseless
WANA (Feb 23) – At the weekly press briefing of Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Esmail Baghaei outlined the latest developments in foreign policy and Tehran’s official positions on negotiations and international cooperation.
Speculation About Talks Is Detached From Reality
Responding to a question about the next round of Iran–U.S. talks and the possibility of an interim agreement, Baghaei said that while media speculation is not unusual, none of these claims has been confirmed.
He stressed that the details of any negotiating process are discussed solely within formal talks and at the negotiating table, and that claims of a temporary agreement “have no basis whatsoever.”
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also reacted to remarks by Steve Witkoff suggesting Iran is close to acquiring a nuclear weapon, calling such contradictory statements repetitive and leaving final judgment to public opinion and political elites in Iran and the region.
One-Sided Negotiations Lead Nowhere
Baghaei emphasized that no negotiation aimed at imposing unilateral demands on the other side will succeed, and that such an approach toward Iran will likewise yield no results. He underlined that Iran, confident in the legitimacy of its positions—both regarding its nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions—will continue pursuing diplomacy as long as there remains a realistic prospect of achieving outcomes.
Cooperation With the Agency and the Issue of Damaged Facilities
In response to remarks by Rafael Grossi suggesting that any agreement would be conditional on inspections of bombed facilities, Baghaei said Iran does not accept such a precondition.
Separating Iran’s ongoing cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency from the issue of damaged sites, he added that Iran is fully aware of its obligations and that inspections of its peaceful nuclear facilities have been conducted in line with commitments, with full cooperation in place.
However, examining damaged facilities is unprecedented, as for the first time peaceful facilities of a country have been targeted by a foreign military attack, and no established framework exists for such a situation.
Arak nuclear facility after the U.S. strike. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Uncertainty Over a Possible Trip to Oman
Asked about Iran’s proposed package and reports by Omani sources regarding a possible trip by Ali Larijani to Oman to deliver it, Baghaei said he was unaware of such a visit and that the accuracy of the report would need to be verified.
Management of the Negotiations and the Role of Decision-Making Bodies
Responding to a question about alleged duality between the Foreign Ministry and the Secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council in managing the nuclear negotiations, Esmail Baghaei stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran acts on nuclear matters based on decisions taken by the Council.
He said all relevant bodies—including the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran and economic institutions—participate in the process as required, and that the Foreign Ministry carries out its actions within the framework of those decisions.
The Additional Protocol and the Logic of Reciprocity
Commenting on Iran’s conditions for accepting the Additional Protocol, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Iran had implemented it voluntarily during the period of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, providing practical experience in this regard.
He emphasized that any renewed implementation would be contingent on receiving clear and tangible quid pro quo—especially in the area of sanctions relief—and noted that the protocol is essentially a tool to provide greater assurance about the peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear program.
The Source of Iran’s Confidence Amid Military Pressure
In response to a question about how Iran maintains confidence amid increased U.S. military presence in the region, Baghaei said this confidence is rooted in Iran’s historical, civilizational, and cultural legitimacy, stressing that the Iranian ethos is incompatible with submission.
He added that for more than four decades the Iranian people have sought dignity, independence, and respect for national sovereignty, and that from the perspective of international law, raising the notion of “surrender” runs counter to established principles.
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Washington’s Misreading of Iran’s Power and Interests
The spokesperson attributed the United States’ inability to grasp Iran’s strength to a lack of understanding of Tehran’s concept of dignity and national interests. He said Iran’s security and national concerns cannot be ignored, adding that Iran will stand firm against excessive demands—whether from the United States or any actor pursuing hegemonic ambitions—and that Iran’s judgments will not be shaped by how others view them.
Sanctions Relief: A Rational and Urgent Demand
He went on to say that the public is closely following the nuclear negotiations and sees that Iran is prepared to continue talks for days and weeks to achieve results. From Tehran’s perspective, negotiations are meaningful only when they lead to tangible outcomes, and reason, logic, and ethics all dictate swift action to lift sanctions.
Relations With Afghanistan and the Issue of Recognition
Regarding renewed discussion of recognizing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Baghaei said Iran’s relations with Afghanistan are based on mutual respect and interests. Pointing to shared religious, cultural, and civilizational ties—as well as common borders and concerns—he added that contacts between the two countries are continuing at a satisfactory level, and that once a final decision on recognition is reached, it will be announced by the Foreign Ministry.
The Israeli Regime as a Persistent Regional Threat
Responding to reports about Israeli efforts to weaken regional fronts, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that for Israel there is no distinction between Shia and Sunni, or Arab and non-Arab, and that its officials have openly spoken of expansionist regional objectives. According to Baghaei, such positions once again demonstrate that this regime constitutes a permanent threat to regional security.
He stressed that countries of the region must enhance cooperation and coordination against these dangerous moves before it is too late.
Negotiations Under the Shadow of Threats; “Eyes Wide Open” in the Diplomatic Room
Responding to a question about the rise in threats alongside the negotiation process, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the country’s military forces stand ready to defend the nation “with eyes wide open.” According to him, Tehran has consistently stated that it will not be influenced by threats and that throughout the talks it has pursued whatever it deemed to be in the national interest—both in shaping the format of the negotiations and in setting the agenda.
He stressed that Iran’s focus remains on advancing the interests and rights of its people, and that threats are not a determining factor in this path. At the same time, he warned that if Iran concludes the other side intends to use the negotiations for “deception or trickery,” it will take appropriate countermeasures.
The Foreign Ministry official added that participating in negotiations does not mean neglecting developments on the ground. While talks continue, Iran’s military forces are monitoring developments with heightened vigilance. The remarks reflect Tehran’s effort to maintain a balance between diplomacy and deterrence amid current tensions.
An Iranian newspaper with a cover photo of Iran’s military exercise, in Tehran, Iran, February 17, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Iran’s Proposal Package and the Role of Oman
In response to a question about the possibility of a proposal from the United States, the spokesperson said one sign of seriousness in any negotiation is that all parties strive in good faith to reach a result. Drafting any document or agreement, he noted, requires cooperation from all sides, and Iran is currently working on its own proposals. As for the American delegation, he said Washington has its own perspectives and positions, and questions about the details should be directed to U.S. officials.
He also addressed the timeline for delivering Iran’s proposal package to the other side, explaining that the manner and timing would be determined in coordination with the talks’ mediator, Oman. Tehran, he said, is finalizing its positions, and coordination is ongoing through the mediation channel.
Inspections of Damaged Sites; “No Protocol, No Access”
One of the most sensitive parts of the briefing concerned inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities. Asked whether there were any preconditions for opening nuclear sites to inspectors, the spokesperson said Iran is fully aware of its obligations and that all commitments related to visits to peaceful nuclear facilities in 2025 have been fulfilled.
However, he drew a distinction between active facilities and “damaged sites,” emphasizing that the latter constitute a different matter. In the absence of a specific protocol, he said, Iran is “unable” to grant access in this regard. The position points to the technical and security complexities surrounding certain sites that have in recent months been targeted by attacks or acts of sabotage.
Tensions with the European Union; From Labeling to Retaliation
The spokesperson also reacted to a recent statement by the Council of Ministers of the European Union regarding the designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. He described the move as contrary to international regulations and the Charter of the United Nations, stressing that “labeling part of the official armed forces of a country is not permissible under any circumstances.”
In response, Iran has placed the naval and air forces of EU member states on its own list of terrorist entities. The spokesperson characterized the move as a response to Europe’s “illegal” decision and added that, from now on, the presence of these forces will be assessed differently by Iran. As they are considered a “terrorist organization,” he said, this designation will carry specific consequences and i mplications.
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“24-Hour Psychological Warfare” and Warnings for Foreign Nationals to Leave
Responding to advisories issued by several countries urging their citizens to leave Iran amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson described the atmosphere as the product of “24-hour psychological warfare.”
According to him, under such circumstances an image is constructed suggesting that Iran’s internal situation is “extremely dire,” while foreign journalists present in the country observe that daily life continues as usual. He stressed that Iranian public opinion is fully aware of this psychological campaign and that citizens understand the need to follow developments carefully and analytically.
The diplomat also referred to the routine movement of foreign nationals, noting that it would be inaccurate to issue a definitive judgment that all foreigners are leaving Iran—or, conversely, returning. In his view, diplomatic and individual movements in such conditions are natural and should not be interpreted as conclusive signs of a crisis.
Sanctions and an “Explicit Admission” of Pressure on the People
In another part of his remarks, the spokesperson responded to recent comments by Nancy Pelosi regarding sanctions on Iran. He stated that in the past, sanctions were justified under labels such as “supporting the Iranian people” or “defending human rights.” In recent years, however, U.S. officials have openly acknowledged that the purpose of sanctions is to exert pressure on the Iranian people, government, and state.
According to him, such candor amounts to an acceptance of U.S. responsibility for the humanitarian consequences of sanctions. He characterized this as a clear example of human rights violations and emphasized that the international responsibility of the United States in this regard “never expires.” This position reflects Tehran’s broader strategy of framing economic sanctions within the language of international human rights discourse.
Concerns Over the Possible Resurgence of ISIS
In response to a question about the reported transfer of forces affiliated with ISIS in Iraq and the potential risks posed by the group’s movements, the spokesperson recalled that Iran, Iraq, and Syria have paid a heavy price in the fight against ISIS, and that the region has witnessed Iran’s sacrifices in this struggle.
He warned that any development paving the way for the renewed growth of extremist groups in the region would be a source of concern for Tehran. According to him, the Iraqi government is fully aware of the risks, and Iran, in consultation and coordination with Baghdad, is working to ensure that the region does not once again face an onslaught by Islamic State. His remarks were seen as underscoring broader regional security cooperation aimed at preventing the reactivation of dormant extremist cells.
“U.S. Contradictions” as a Major Obstacle to Negotiations
In another part of the briefing, the spokesperson pointed to what he described as contradictory statements by U.S. officials regarding the negotiation process, saying there is no doubt that such inconsistencies represent one of the major obstacles to progress in talks.
From Tehran’s perspective, differences in tone and messaging within official statements from Washington deepen mistrust and complicate efforts to reach a durable understanding. This assessment comes at a time when both sides publicly affirm their commitment to continued dialogue, even as media and political messaging occasionally convey conflicting signals.
An Iranian newspaper with a cover photo of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, is seen in Tehran, Iran, February 7, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
London’s Position and the Diego Garcia Base
In response to a question about Britain’s position that it would not allow the Diego Garcia base to be used against Iran, the spokesperson emphasized principles of international law, stating that every country must adhere to its international obligations, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of others.
He noted that although the United Kingdom is a European country and no longer a member of the European Union, it remains bound—like all states—by the principle of the prohibition of the use of force. According to him, supporting any military action by one country against another constitutes a violation of the United Nations Charter, and states must prioritize the preservation of international peace and security.
“There Is No Such Thing as a Limited Strike”
Responding to statements by U.S. officials about the possibility of a “limited strike” against Iran, the spokesperson rejected the terminology outright.
“There is no such thing as a limited attack; an act of aggression is an act of aggression,” he said.
He stressed that any military action against Iran—regardless of its scale or label—would be regarded as aggression. In such a case, Tehran would respond within the framework of its “inherent right to self-defense.” According to him, any sovereign state would interpret such action as a violation of its sovereignty and would react decisively and forcefully. “Our response would be the same,” he added.
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What a “Win–Win” Agreement Means for Tehran
Asked what constitutes a “win–win” agreement from Iran’s point of view, the spokesperson said the central criterion is the restoration of Iran’s “undermined rights.”
He emphasized that any acceptable agreement must recognize Iran’s rights in the nuclear field. Since joining the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), he noted, certain nuclear rights have already been acknowledged under international law. Therefore, any new agreement should operate within that established legal framework, rather than impose obligations beyond Iran’s recognized commitments.
Pakistan–Afghanistan Tensions: A Call for Restraint
Addressing recent tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the spokesperson expressed concern, noting that both are neighboring and Muslim countries.
He warned that escalation could have consequences extending beyond bilateral relations. Iran’s consistent recommendation, he said, is dialogue, restraint, and resolving disputes through diplomatic channels. Tehran has repeatedly signaled its readiness to help de-escalate tensions and facilitate communication between the two sides.
Response to Canada
The spokesperson also reacted to recent remarks by Canada’s foreign minister regarding Iran, saying Canada should be more concerned about its own situation.
He suggested that the United States seeks to further consolidate its influence over Canada—an apparent reference to Ottawa’s close strategic alignment with Washington. He also described Canada’s approach toward members of the Iranian community there as “unlawful,” alleging that many Iranian residents have been deprived of fundamental rights. According to him, this issue has previously been raised by Tehran and forms part of the bilateral disagreements.
