Decisions on Details of Any Potential Diplomatic Process Are Underway
WANA (Feb 02) – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai stated in a press briefing on Monday that decisions regarding the details of any potential diplomatic process are currently under consideration, with final conclusions expected in the coming days.
He noted that last week saw continued provocative actions by the United States and Israel, while Iran’s diplomacy remained active in protecting national interests and regional stability.
Iran’s Response to the EU’s Designation of the IRGC
Baghai emphasized that summoning European ambassadors in Tehran was only a minimal step and that Iran’s formal protest had been submitted in writing.
“A range of countermeasures is being considered, and a final decision is expected in the coming days,” he added. He described the EU’s move as an insult to the Iranian nation and a strategic mistake.
Nuclear Talks and Sanctions Relief
Regarding negotiations with the United States, the spokesperson stressed that the Islamic Republic has no need to prove its seriousness or good faith, noting that the other side has repeatedly failed in this regard.
Evaluations of the negotiation framework are ongoing, and regional countries are making sincere efforts to play a positive role, while some European nations continue to escalate tensions. Baghai stated: “Sanctions relief is a top priority for Iran, and nuclear negotiations are being conducted to achieve this goal.”
U.S.-Iran Talks Stall; Attack Unlikely
WANA (Feb 01) – Iran’s leader today stated more explicitly, “The United States should know that if it starts a war, this time, it will be a regional war.” This is the first time Ayatollah Khamenei has issued such a direct threat to his enemies. “We are not the initiators and do not want […]
The Epstein Case and Israel’s Possible Influence
In response to a question about the Epstein case and possible exploitation by Israel to influence Western politicians, Baghai said that there is evidence suggesting such attempts, but he is not in a position to officially confirm or deny these claims.
No Changes in Iran’s Military Exercises
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson addressed recent reports suggesting that Iran’s military exercises had been postponed or canceled, stating: “This matter is for our military colleagues to comment on, but based on my discussions with them, no changes have occurred, and all exercises are proceeding according to schedule.”
He added that these drills, including those of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), are part of routine testing and preparation to enhance Iran’s military readiness.
Annual Naval Drills with China and Russia
Baghai noted that Iran’s annual naval exercises, conducted with China and Russia, have been held six to seven times in the northern Indian Ocean. He emphasized that all drills are conducted according to plan and designed to prepare the military for a variety of potential security scenarios.
Upcoming Trilateral Naval Exercise by Iran, China, and Russia
WANA (Jan 31) – Press TV and Al Jazeera have reported that a joint naval exercise involving Iran, China, and Russia will be held in the coming days in the waters of the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. The maneuver is widely seen as significant, taking place amid rising tensions between […]
Diplomatic Talks Under Review
On the possibility of upcoming U.S.-Iran negotiations in Turkey, Baghai stated: “We are reviewing both general and detailed aspects of this diplomatic process. Regional countries have also played a constructive role in recent days. At this stage, we are in the decision-making phase and considering all aspects of the matter carefully.” He stressed that timing is crucial and that achieving rapid sanctions relief remains a top priority for Iran.
Turkey’s Positive Role in Reducing Regional Tensions
Regarding recent arrests of Turkish citizens accused of spying for Iran and anti-Iran media reports in Turkey, Baghai said: “Iran-Turkey relations are based on mutual respect, and the border between the two countries has long been a border of friendship and peace. In recent days, Turkey has played a positive and constructive role in reducing regional tensions.”
He warned that some parties seek to disrupt regional cooperation, but Turkey is handling these media pressures wisely.
No Cause for Concern Over War
Addressing concerns about potential conflict, Baghai reassured reporters: “There is absolutely no need to worry.” He added that details of negotiations are still under consideration and that current media reports are purely speculative and cannot be confirmed.
People walk past an anti-U.S. billboard in Tehran, Iran, January 31, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Enriched Material Transfers Will Be Decided During Negotiations
On reports suggesting Iran had agreed to transfer enriched nuclear material to a third country, Baghai clarified: “This matter will be determined within the framework of negotiations, and no outcome will be decided before talks take place.”
Realistic Outlook on U.S. Talks
Regarding optimism about negotiations with the United States, Baghai stated: “We are realistic.”
Regional Awareness of the Consequences of Any U.S. Provocation
On the remarks of Iran’s Supreme Leader warning that any attack on Iran could escalate into a regional war, Baghai said: “The reality is that regional countries are collectively striving to prevent rising tensions. This reflects their awareness of the consequences of any U.S. provocations in the region. They understand that any war against Iran would be a war against the region, and over the past two years they have realized that Israel would be the only beneficiary of such a conflict.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader: If the U.S. Starts a War, It Will Be Regional
WANA (Feb 01) – The Supreme Leader of Iran stated: The United States should know that if it starts a war, this time it will be a regional war. Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, said in today’s meeting with a large group of people regarding recent U.S. threats: That they […]
Trump-Pezeshkian Meeting Is Media Speculation
Baghai responded to questions about reports of a possible meeting between Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian, stating: “These speculations have been previously raised in the media. We have not announced any such meeting, and this is purely media conjecture.”
Iran Maintains a Realistic Approach to U.S. Talks
On questions regarding Iran’s outlook toward negotiations with the United States, and in reference to a recent tweet by Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Baghai said: “We are realistic.”
Foreign Interference in Iraq’s Internal Affairs Is Harmful
Addressing reports that Iran had sent messages regarding the choice of Iraq’s prime minister, Baghai emphasized: “Internal affairs of Iraq are for Iraqis to decide. Any foreign intervention, including recent U.S. involvement, is harmful. We have consistently called on all parties to respect Iraq’s sovereignty and its legal political processes.”
Europe’s Contradictory Approach to Diplomacy and Adversarial Actions
Regarding Europe’s simultaneous designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization and statements about keeping diplomatic channels open, Baghai stated: “This is a clear contradiction. They cannot take hostile and illegal actions against Iran’s national interests while claiming to support diplomacy. This is deliberate duplicity.”
No Justification for Europe’s Contradictory Behavior
He added: “We have witnessed Europe’s inconsistent actions in nuclear issues and Iran’s internal affairs in recent years. There is no justification for these actions, and the public cannot be convinced that European countries are serious about diplomacy.”
Malaysia’s Alleged Seizure of Two Iranian Tankers Is Media Speculation
In response to reports that Malaysia had seized two Iranian oil tankers, Baghai said: “According to consultations with the Oil Ministry, the claim is denied. What has been reported is purely media speculation.”
Iran Never Accepts Ultimatums or Deadlines
Addressing questions about U.S. deadlines related to agreements, Baghai stated: “Iran is serious and sincere in diplomatic processes but has never accepted ultimatums or imposed deadlines, and such claims are not valid.”
Araghchi: If Iran’s Right to Enrichment Is Respected, All Details Are Negotiable
WANA (Feb 02) – Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has stated that if Iran’s right to uranium enrichment is formally recognized, all aspects of the nuclear file can be negotiated and reaching an agreement with the United States would be possible. In an interview with CNN, Seyed Abbas Araghchi said that Iran and the […]
We Maintain Close Contacts with Saudi Officials
The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responding to a question about remarks attributed to Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman—suggesting Riyadh’s support for a potential U.S. military attack on Iran, which contradicts Saudi Arabia’s official stance emphasizing dialogue and rejecting the use of its territory for such an attack—said:
“We have also seen these media reports. Iran and Saudi Arabia are two Muslim countries, and we have always maintained a positive view toward our brothers in the region. We believe regional countries are fully aware that any insecurity or adventurism in the region will have contagious consequences. The efforts made by regional states to reduce tensions indicate a shared understanding on this matter.”
Baghaei added that all countries must remain vigilant, stressing that media manipulation and the destructive role of third parties in regional issues are real concerns, and that a country’s position cannot be judged based solely on a single media report.
Ongoing Diplomatic Engagement Between Tehran and Riyadh
He continued: “We maintain close contacts with Saudi officials. Iran’s ambassador in Riyadh is in constant communication with Saudi authorities, and just yesterday there was a constructive conversation between the foreign ministers of Iran and Saudi Arabia. At the same time, we call on all regional countries to carefully and seriously consider the current situation and not allow parties that clearly do not seek the region’s well-being to exploit these developments.”
The IRGC Is the Guardian of Security and Stability in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz
In response to a question regarding warnings issued by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) about Iran’s use of live ammunition during a planned military exercise in the Strait of Hormuz—despite the U.S. designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization—Baghaei stated:
“Branding and the use of insulting labels do not change the nature of an institution or any branch of the official armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Referring to the IRGC as an official component of Iran’s armed forces and an institution rooted in the Iranian people, he said the IRGC is fully capable of carrying out its duties. He added that military drills are held regularly each year and that this year’s exercises will be conducted professionally and in line with strengthening Iran’s defensive capabilities.
Baghaei emphasized that the IRGC is fundamentally responsible for safeguarding security and stability in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, and that all parties must recognize this clear reality.
Lack of Economic Relations Is Due to U.S. Sanctions, Not Iran
Addressing speculation surrounding possible U.S.–Iran economic cooperation raised during discussions mediated by Türkiye, Baghaei said that media analysis and speculation are natural. He recalled that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had made clear that the primary obstacle to economic cooperation between Iran and the United States is the self-imposed sanctions enforced by Washington.
He explained that under U.S. sanctions, any form of interaction between Iranian and American individuals or entities is prohibited, concluding that the absence of economic ties stems from U.S. policies rather than Iran’s position.
Europe Was Warned in Advance About the Consequences of Targeting the IRGC
Responding to a question on whether Tehran had engaged European countries prior to the EU’s resolution against the IRGC, Baghaei said Iran had held talks with European parties as part of its diplomatic responsibilities and had issued clear warnings.
He stressed that the move lacked any legal basis and was entirely political, adding that some European countries took this step mainly to appease the Israeli regime or certain war-minded circles in the United States, without carefully considering the consequences. “Naturally, they must accept responsibility for the outcomes of their decision,” he said.
China and Russia Quickly Opposed U.S. Bullying Measures
Baghaei stated that under international law, all countries—particularly permanent members of the UN Security Council—have a responsibility not to remain silent in the face of serious violations of the principle prohibiting the use of force.
He noted that Iran’s relations with China and Russia are very strong, supported by important agreements covering various areas of cooperation. Continuous contacts are maintained, and both countries have promptly expressed their opposition to the United States’ bullying actions.
He also highlighted the recent visit of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, to Russia, as well as ongoing consultations with China, emphasizing that both countries are fully aware of their responsibilities as permanent Security Council members and as strategic partners of Iran.
Grossi Must Fulfill His Outstanding Responsibilities
Responding to remarks by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi regarding alleged lack of information about Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles and nuclear facilities targeted by the U.S. and Israel, Baghaei said:
“Before the attacks on June 13, the Agency was fully informed about the status of these facilities, and inspections were conducted regularly and in accordance with established procedures. The reason for the current lack of information should be sought from the United States, the Israeli regime, and those who supported this military aggression.”
He added that there is no inspection mechanism for peaceful nuclear facilities that have been attacked and damaged. Baghaei stressed that Iran had entered negotiations in good faith and that the current problems are solely the result of military aggression. He criticized the IAEA Director General for avoiding explicit condemnation of these violations, saying Grossi should fulfill his pending responsibilities instead of addressing the party that was attacked.
Arak nuclear facility after the U.S. strike. Social media/ WANA News Agency
International Law Is the Basis for a “Fair and Just” Agreement
In response to a question about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on the need for a fair and just agreement with Iran, Baghaei said that the meaning of such an agreement is clear to both sides.
“The basis of any fair and just understanding is international treaties and principles of international law,” he said, adding that Iran’s right to the peaceful use of nuclear energy is explicitly recognized under relevant treaties. “We are not going to create a new framework outsid e these established principles.”
