WANA (Feb 03) – In a recent press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baqaei responded to a question regarding the lack of a stance from the US during the 48th session of the UPR (Universal Periodic Review) working group on Iran’s human rights report. He also addressed reports about the halt of the Biden administration’s multi-million-dollar financial support to Iranian opposition groups under the new US government, which some have interpreted as a “green light” from the US. He stated: “Honestly, we have not seen any light.”

 

Strengthening Ties with Afghanistan

Regarding the visit of Iran’s Foreign Minister to Afghanistan, Baqaei noted that it continued a 3.5-year-long cooperation with the Afghan interim government. The visit addressed concerns and strengthened cooperation, particularly in the economic sector. Baqaei emphasized that the trip was not solely political, with an accompanying economic delegation. Key topics of discussion included illegal immigration, border security, and water rights, with Iran’s water concerns being directly raised with Afghan officials.

 

ECO Deputy Ministers’ Meeting in Iran

Baqaei also spoke about the upcoming meeting of Deputy Foreign Ministers of the ECO in Iran, which follows the ECO Foreign Ministers’ meeting held in Mashhad. The gathering will focus on the implementation of resolutions passed at the ministers’ meeting and future plans for the organization.

 

Azerbaijan-Iran Bilateral Talks

In connection with the recent visit of Azerbaijan’s presidential assistant to Iran, Baqaei described the trip as a follow-up to the visit of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary to Baku. Positive meetings took place, where officials from both countries discussed enhancing bilateral relations and addressing media-related misunderstandings. Baqaei expressed hope that these visits would lead to better mutual understanding and the improvement of relations between the two nations.

 

Iran's Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian looks during a meeting with Iraq's National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji in Tehran, Iran, May 29, 2023. WANA (West Asia News Agency)

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Rebutting Allegations of Hezbollah Funding

Responding to reports from some regional media outlets claiming that Iran is sending money to Hezbollah via suitcases, Baqaei denounced these reports as malicious fabrications aimed at obstructing Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts, orchestrated by “Zionists.”

 

Netanyahu-Trump Visit and Regional Reactions

On Netanyahu’s visit to the United States, Baqaei remarked that it was a bilateral trip long in the making. While Iran remains focused on its own concerns, he emphasized that the effects of such visits on regional dynamics, including the situation in Palestine, will be carefully monitored.

 

Baqaei announced the appointment of Seyed Ali Mousavi, the Foreign Ministry’s Director-General for Legal Affairs, as Iran’s new ambassador to the United Kingdom.

 

Disappearance of Indian Nationals

Responding to a query regarding the report by India’s Foreign Ministry claiming three Indian nationals were missing in Iran, the spokesperson confirmed that the issue had been communicated to Iran by India. “We are in contact with the Indian Embassy in Tehran and the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the matter is under investigation,” he stated.

 

Detention of Iranian Figure in Sweden

Regarding the detention of Mohsen Hakim Elahi, the director of the Islamic Center in Stockholm, and Sweden’s related claims, the Iranian spokesperson firmly rejected the accusations, labeling them baseless. He described Sweden’s recent actions as unconstructive and influenced by third-party pressures.

 

“Our investigations indicate that no charges have been made against him, and this arbitrary detention is contrary to international law and human rights standards,” the spokesperson emphasized.

 

He further noted that Iran had formally expressed its concerns to Swedish authorities, with the Swedish ambassador attending a meeting at Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to hear Iran’s grievances. Additionally, the spokesperson highlighted the violation of consular regulations, citing the restriction of family and diplomatic visits to Hakim Elahi as a matter of protest.

 

Diplomatic Relations Between Iran, Syria, and Regional Mediation

In response to questions about Qatar and Iraq’s mediation efforts to restore relations between Iran and Syria, the spokesperson remarked, “Establishing relations requires careful consideration of the political landscape, and we are closely monitoring developments before making any decisions.”

 

He added, “It is not unusual for friendly nations to take positive actions and send messages. We will utilize all available resources to ensure well-informed decision-making.” Regarding the reopening of the Syrian Embassy in Tehran, he stated that this would depend on appropriate political and security conditions, and a decision would be made once these conditions were met.

 

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On the ongoing situation in Syria, the spokesperson reiterated Iran’s support for any government in Syria that enjoys the backing of the Syrian people, as previously stated by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. “We stress the need for collective efforts from all parties to ensure security and stabilize the situation in Syria,” he said.

 

 

Iranian Official Responds to IAEA Head’s Remarks

In reaction to recent comments by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi regarding Iran, Iran’s spokesperson emphasized that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should focus solely on its technical responsibilities related to nuclear non-proliferation. The spokesperson stated, “We have urged IAEA officials to refrain from political statements, as such remarks harm the agency’s credibility and negatively impact the position of its Director General.”

 

Iran’s Foreign Minister Visits Qatar, No Link to U.S. Talks

The spokesperson also addressed questions regarding the recent visit of Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, to Qatar. According to the spokesperson, the visit was part of normal diplomatic relations between Iran and Qatar.

 

Iran Reaffirms Unwavering Support for Hamas in Doha Meeting

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It was stressed that the trip had no connection to potential negotiations with the Trump administration but was aimed at bilateral consultations and regional developments. During the visit, Araghchi met with senior Hamas officials and congratulated them on the victory of the Palestinian resistance.

 

U.S. Opposition to Multilateralism and the Dollar’s Role in Sanctions

In response to questions about the new U.S. administration’s stance on international organizations, particularly in light of former President Trump’s opposition to multilateralism and the use of a single currency in economic unions like BRICS, the spokesperson noted that one of the group’s goals is to strengthen multilateralism globally.

 

He further remarked that member countries of any economic union act based on shared interests, and the issue of currency diversity in BRICS’ economic exchanges has always been on the agenda. Concerning the U.S. dollar, he stated, “Perhaps no country has damaged the credibility of the dollar more than the United States itself through its weaponization of the currency for sanctions.”

 

Iran Stresses the Importance of Caucasus Security and Stability

In response to a question about peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the significance of security in the Caucasus region. He stated, “The security of the Caucasus, including the security of all neighboring countries such as Armenia and Azerbaijan, is important to us.”

 

He further added, “Our diplomatic exchanges with these two countries are ongoing at various levels, and we are ready to provide any assistance to strengthen security and stability in the South Caucasus, including through supporting dialogue between these two nations.”

 

Iran, Azerbaijan Seek Stronger Ties on Mutual Trust

WANA (Feb 02) – Iran’s Foreign Minister reaffirmed the deep historical, cultural, religious, and familial ties between Iran and Azerbaijan, expressing hope for further strengthening bilateral relations based on mutual respect and trust.   Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, met with Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, on Sunday to discuss bilateral […]

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U.S. Stand on Iran

Regarding another question about the United States’ position on human rights in Iran, especially during the 48th session of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and reports about the Biden administration halting millions of dollars in financial support for Iranian opposition groups, the Iranian spokesperson said, “We have not observed any green light.” He also noted that the American delegation had decided not to comment on human rights issues in certain countries, which he described as an internal matter for the U.S.

 

The senior Iranian diplomat also commented on U.S. financial support for opposition groups, stating, “The U.S. is not a charity organization; these funds are provided to advance its foreign policy objectives.” He emphasized that this was a clear indication of America’s interventionist policy, particularly under the Biden administration, which has sought to influence Iran’s domestic affairs through financial means.

 

Iran Expresses Concern Over Nuclear Submarine Deal Between UK, US, and Australia

The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced concern over the provision of nuclear submarines to Australia by the UK and the US, deeming it a violation of non-proliferation commitments. He criticized the action as indicative of double standards in nuclear matters and pointed out that countries like Australia hold unfair views toward Iran. He also highlighted that Iran has raised its objections at Geneva meetings and other related non-proliferation conferences.

 

In a separate issue, the spokesperson condemned the escalation of Israeli attacks on the West Bank despite a ceasefire in Gaza, calling it an ongoing act of genocide in the region. He urged the international community and Islamic countries to take action to prevent the repetition of Gaza-like events in the West Bank.

 

Iran’s Firm Stance on Non-Intervention in Internal Affairs of Countries

Regarding the recent developments and protests in Serbia, the spokesperson emphasized Iran’s consistent stance on non-interference in the internal affairs of countries. He stated that, as a nation suffering from unlawful sanctions imposed by the US and other countries, Iran holds a firm position against the use of sanctions as a tool of pressure, condemning it as a violation of human rights and the rights of the people of the affected countries.