WANA (Apr 28) – Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced today at a press conference that the fourth round of indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, based on previous understandings reached in Muscat, will be held on Saturday, May 3, in Oman. He described the relative slow pace of the talks as “natural” and stressed that uranium enrichment within Iran and the effective lifting of sanctions remain the Islamic Republic’s firm red lines.

 

Condolences for the Shahid Rajaee Port Incident

Baghaei expressed condolences to the families of the victims of the Shahid Rajaee Port incident in Bandar Abbas, Iran, and thanked several countries, including Russia, for their sympathy. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to enhance port safety.

 

Diplomatic Consultations in China and Russia

The spokesperson described the recent visits of Iran’s Foreign Minister to China and Russia as “effective,” noting that they aimed to strengthen bilateral relations and coordinate positions on regional developments, particularly regarding the Gaza crisis. He condemned the genocide in Gaza and called for serious international action.

 

Technical Talks with the IAEA

Baghaei also announced the arrival of a technical delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Tehran to continue technical discussions, aimed at resolving misunderstandings and advancing mutual cooperation.

 

Arrest of Two Iranian Citizens in France

He criticized the arrest of two Iranian citizens in France, describing it as contrary to human rights principles, and stated that Iran’s diplomatic apparatus is actively pursuing their release through legal and diplomatic channels.

 

Case of General Soleimani’s Assassination

In response to a question, Baghaei said that the case regarding the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani is still being seriously pursued in Iran’s judicial authorities.

 

Warning to the Israeli Regime

Referring to recent threats by the Israeli regime against Iran, Baghaei warned that any foolish or aggressive action would be met with a “firm and regret-inducing” response from the Islamic Republic of Iran.

 

Expansion of Economic and Regional Relations

Baghaei highlighted the successful holding of the Iran-Africa Economic Forum and the Iranian Export Capabilities Exhibition, emphasizing the importance of expanding economic relations with the African continent.

 

Sweden’s Allegations Against Iran

He rejected allegations against an Iranian diplomat in Sweden as “baseless” and reiterated Iran’s legitimate right to peaceful use of nuclear technology.

 

Proposal for Joint Reactor Construction with the U.S.

Baghaei mentioned that Iran’s proposal for joint construction of a reactor with the United States was an effort to demonstrate the country’s genuine need for nuclear energy, but that Washington reacted negatively.

 

China’s Constructive Role in Regional Developments

He described China’s role in regional developments as “positive and constructive,” and dismissed Western criticisms of Beijing’s initiatives as mostly politically motivated and lacking credibility.

 

A New Chapter in Iran-Azerbaijan Relations

Baghaei characterized the Iranian President’s recent trip to Azerbaijan as the beginning of “a new chapter in bilateral relations,” expressing hope that it would strengthen economic and political cooperation between the two countries.

 

Criticism of U.S. Pressure Policies

Finally, Baghaei criticized the U.S. policy of maximum pressure against independent countries, including China, as contrary to the principles of free trade, and emphasized the right of nations to determine their own development paths.