Iran and Oman Developing Joint Navigation Mechanism for Strait of Hormuz
WANA (May 18) – Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced that Iran and Oman are actively drafting a joint security mechanism to ensure safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Baghaei emphasized that Iran’s maritime security measures strictly adhere to international law, noting that expert-level bilateral talks were held in Muscat last week and remain ongoing.
Baghaei attributed the current instability in the Strait of Hormuz to “lawbreaking by the United States and Israel” following events triggered on February 28.
Dismissing attempts to reduce the naval security arrangements to a purely financial matter as a “deviation from the core issue,” he stated that while any littoral state may levy fees for navigational services and environmental protection, Iran’s primary objective remains ensuring safe passage, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.
UN Security Council Fails to Pass Anti-Iran Draft Resolution on Strait of Hormuz as Russia and China Veto
WANA (Apr 07) – The United Nations Security Council failed to adopt a draft resolution on the Strait of Hormuz, proposed by Bahrain and backed by several Arab states on the Persian Gulf, in a move that could have created a legal basis for the use of military force to ensure freedom of navigation through […]
US-Bahrain UNSC Draft Resolution Condemned
Addressing a pending draft resolution by the U.S. and Bahrain concerning the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei criticized it as the third flawed attempt to distort realities on the ground while ignoring acts of aggression against Iran.
“The UN Security Council cannot hold Iran responsible for insecurity in the region,” Baghaei asserted, adding that China and Russia are fully aware that the U.S. is the primary threat to maritime navigation. He recalled that a previous draft prepared by Bahrain was responsibly vetoed by China and Russia, and he urged the international community to officially condemn the U.S. and Israel.
Relations with Arab Neighbors and Foreign Conspiracies
Responding to reports regarding Israeli officials visiting the UAE during the “Ramadan War,” and allegations detailing active roles played by the UAE, Jordan, and Bahrain, Baghaei reaffirmed that Iran does not view regional nations as adversaries.
“We are permanent neighbors with these countries, including the UAE,” Baghaei said, urging regional states to remain vigilant against foreign conspiracies designed to sow division between regional countries, including Iran and the UAE. However, the spokesperson expressed deep grievances toward neighboring countries that permitted the use of their territory by aggressors.
UAE Was a Partner in Aggression Against Iran
WANA (May 14) – Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, reacted sharply to remarks made by a senior Emirati official accusing Tehran of aggression, saying the United Arab Emirates was not a victim, but had played a direct role in military actions against the Islamic Republic. Speaking on Thursday […]
He asserted that recent developments proved that the U.S. military presence does not bring security, and questioned the yields of Arab-Israeli normalization, stating it has only emboldened Israel to perpetrate “genocide against the people of Gaza, aggression against Lebanon, and attacks on a Muslim nation using the territory of Muslim countries.”
Indirect Nuclear Talks with the U.S. via Pakistan
On the diplomatic front, Baghaei confirmed that continuous, indirect negotiations with the United States are ongoing via a Pakistani mediator.
Following Iran’s submission of a 14-point proposal and subsequent American feedback, Iran received a modified set of proposals through Pakistan, despite public U.S. assertions that the Iranian plan had been rejected.
Iran reviewed the points and relayed its counter-perspectives back to the U.S. side yesterday. Baghaei stressed that Iran’s right to uranium enrichment under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) is absolute and non-negotiable.
Iran Rejects Western Media Claims on Nuclear Suspension and Transfer of Enriched Material
WANA (May 11) – A source close to Iran’s negotiating team has dismissed recent reports in Western media about the contents of Tehran’s proposed framework in ongoing talks, describing them as part of a “psychological operation” aimed at influencing the negotiation process. According to the informed source, contrary to claims made by several Western […]
Touching upon U.S. economic sanctions, Baghaei stated that economic pressure would fail to deter Iran from pursuing its rights. “If the slightest error is committed by the opposing side against Iran, we know very well how to respond, and you can hear this response clearly these nights from the voices of the people in the streets,” he warned.
Legal Action Against the United States
Baghaei disclosed that Iran filed a formal lawsuit against the U.S. at the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal on February 26 to demand compensation for damages. He acknowledged that while legal proceedings are time-consuming, Iran began documenting U.S. crimes from the opening hours of the “12-Day War” and the most recent conflict.
This includes registering international human rights violations, such as the attack on the Minab school, as well as reporting strikes on hospitals to the World Health Organization (WHO), Baghaei said.
Border Clash with Kuwait and Regional Ties
Baghaei strongly condemned a recent attack by Kuwait on an Iranian border guard vessel and the subsequent detention of Iranian citizens, calling the incident “unacceptable and completely inappropriate.”
Araghchi Demands Immediate Release of Four Iranians Detained by Kuwait
WANA (May 13) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has issued a formal demand for the release of four Iranian nationals following a maritime incident in the Persian Gulf. According to a statement released by the Foreign Minister, Kuwait unlawfully attacked an Iranian boat and detained four citizens in what he described as […]
He rejected the media narrative surrounding the event, stating that such actions run counter to the principles of good neighborliness. He urged Kuwait to immediately release the detained Iranian citizens and avoid falling into the trap of “stereotypes promoted by certain parties over the last two to three months.”
Reflecting on broader Arab relations, Baghaei highlighted that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s first regional trip following the recent developments was to Oman. While acknowledging that “wounds have been caused” due to the complicity of certain regional states with aggressors, he noted that fractures only benefit the Israeli regime.
Separately, Baghaei welcomed the formation of the new Iraqi government, stating that changes in administration would not impact the deep-rooted ties between Tehran and Baghdad.
Qalibaf Appointed Special Envoy to China
Baghaei confirmed the appointment of Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf as Iran’s “Special Envoy for China Affairs,” a portfolio previously managed by Ali Larijani.
“This demonstrates the high importance we attach to relations with China,” Baghaei concluded, noting that shifting international dynamics require a macro-strategic outlook to effectively secure Iran’s national interests with Beijing.
Iran’s Armed Forces Have ‘New Surprises’ for Enemies
Our armed forces have new surprises for the enemy,” the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in response to a question about whether a renewed war between Iran and the U.S. is imminent and if it will be managed and resolved through smart diplomacy, addressing the reporter: “Are you asking me for an analysis?”
He nevertheless continued: “Do not doubt that our diplomacy is smart and we are pursuing this matter with seriousness; we are not going to be subdued by the contradictory behaviors and threats of the opposing side.”
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, “We are prepared with all our power for any scenario, and if any insane act is committed by the opposing side, we will respond with full force, and our armed forces will certainly have new surprises for the enemy.”
Iran Warns US of ‘Crushing Blows’ Over Threats
WANA (May 17) – The senior spokesperson for the Iranian Armed Forces has issued a stern warning to Washington in response to repeated threats from the U.S. president, stating that any “foolish” military action against Iran will be met with severe and devastating retaliation. Speaking to reporters regarding recent rhetoric from Washington, Brigadier General […]
Foreign Ministry Questions Identity Behind South Korean Ship Attack
Iran’s Foreign Ministry questioned the identity of the regional actor responsible for a recent attack on a South Korean vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, urging all nations to remain vigilant against potential “false flag operations” designed to destabilize the region.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that the attack was a focal point during recent phone consultations between the foreign ministers of Iran and South Korea, marking their third or fourth call within the past two months.
While emphasizing that Tehran maintains strong bilateral ties with Seoul and shares its maritime security concerns, Baghaei stressed that an official investigation is required to identify the perpetrators.
Nuclear Stance and War Reparations
Addressing recent proposals by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a “20-year suspension” of Iran’s nuclear enrichment, the spokesperson clarified that Tehran will not deviate from its rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
He underscored that Iran is not currently negotiating nuclear technicalities, as its diplomatic focus remains squarely on bringing an immediate end to the ongoing war.
Furthermore, Baghaei characterized Iran’s pursuit of war reparations as a logical demand following what he described as an illegal, imposed war.
He stated that relevant economic agencies are continuously evaluating the financial damages, noting that certain losses—particularly those inflicted upon Iran’s historical and cultural heritage in regions like Kurdistan—cannot be easily quantified.
World Cup Visa Disputes and Diplomatic Outreaches
On sports diplomacy, the Foreign Ministry labeled potential U.S. visa denials for members of Iran’s national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as “unacceptable.”
Iran National Team Heads to Antalya for Final World Cup Preparations. Social Media / WANA News Agency
Baghaei stated that hosting nations are legally bound by FIFA regulations to clear arriving teams and technical staff. Following recent assurances from FIFA officials during a meeting in Turkey, Baghaei affirmed that the Iranian Football Federation is actively monitoring the situation to counter any American obstructionism.
Concurrently, the ministry defended its ongoing diplomatic outreach to Beijing and New Delhi. Baghaei noted that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent trip to India centered heavily on BRICS alignments, while his visit to China focused on bilateral strategic ties, U.S. legal infractions, and joint coordination at the UN Security Council.
The spokesperson reiterated the necessity of maintaining robust communication channels with Moscow and Beijing to help safeguard international peace.
Iran Welcomes Regional Security Initiatives
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Iran will welcome any regional security initiative, responding to reports regarding a potential non-aggression pact proposed by Saudi Arabia. While unable to confirm a specific draft, Baghaei noted that recent U.S. and Israeli-induced instability has prompted regional countries to reconsider their defense strategies.
Ghalibaf: US Presence in Region Paves Way for Insecurity
WANA (May 17) – The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated during a meeting with Pakistani Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Sunday that recent regional events prove the United States’ presence in the Middle East actively undermines regional stability. “Some governments in the region imagined that the US presence would […]
He emphasized that sustainable security must be locally driven, adding that Iran is actively coordinating with Oman to finalize the legal regime for the Strait of Hormuz.
Baghaei expressed profound skepticism regarding indirect talks with Washington, stating that Iran participates with “deep suspicion and severe mistrust” due to a history of American betrayal.
Characterizing the U.S. as an unreliable international actor prone to contradictory statements, he affirmed that past experiences dictate caution, though they will not prevent Iran from confidently engaging in diplomacy to safeguard its national interests.
Dismissing media leaks regarding a “5-for-5 conditional swap” attributed to “informed sources,” the spokesperson clarified that Iran’s positions are legitimate demands rather than mere conditions.
Baghaei concluded that unfreezing blocked Iranian assets worldwide and lifting sanctions remain primary, non-negotiable demands aggressively pursued by the diplomatic team.
