Iran Reviewing Russia’s Draft on Extending Resolution 2231
WANA (Aug 26) – The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Tehran is reviewing the draft proposed by Russia for extending UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and will announce its position once the assessment is complete.
Condemnation of Israeli Crimes
At his weekly press briefing, Esmaeil Baghaei condemned Israel’s ongoing crimes against the people of Gaza and the killing of journalists, saying these actions demonstrate that Israel has a problem with truth and global awareness.
The five journalists who were killed in the Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital. Social Media / WANA News Agency
Inclusion of Iran’s Proposals in OIC Statement
Referring to the extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers in Jeddah, Baghaei noted that a significant part of Iran’s proposals had been included in the final communiqué of the summit.
On Russia’s Draft Resolution
In response to a question on Russia’s initiative, the spokesperson emphasized: “We are aware of the draft text regarding the extension of Resolution 2231 and are reviewing it.”
Reaction to Australia’s Move
Commenting on Australia’s expulsion of Iranian diplomats, Baghaei said: “Any inappropriate diplomatic action will be met with a response. The matter is under review, and an appropriate decision will be made.” He rejected the accusation of antisemitism as baseless, adding that the move was mainly the result of Australia’s internal political dynamics and pressure from the Zionist lobby.
Australia Expels Iran’s Ambassador, Halts Tehran Embassy
WANA (Aug 26) – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday accused Iran of orchestrating at least two “antisemitic attacks” in the country and announced a series of measures, including expelling Iran’s Ambassador in Australia, against Tehran. Speaking to reporters, Albanese claimed—without presenting evidence—that Australian intelligence services had linked Iran to an attack on a […]
Iran–South Africa Relations
Addressing reports about the visit of a South African military official to Tehran, Baghaei stated: “Exchanges between officials of the two countries are normal. What is abnormal is the unlawful interference of American officials in the relations of an independent state.”
Red Lines in Talks with Europe
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson stressed: “Our national interests are the red line in negotiations with Europe.” On the snapback mechanism, he added: “We have never sought to downplay the consequences of snapback. The European parties are not entitled to use this tool, but Iran is making serious efforts to prevent its activation.”
The Final Stretch of Iran–Europe Nuclear Talks
WANA (Aug 26) – On Tuesday, August 26, negotiations between Iran and the European trio—Germany, France, and the United Kingdom—together with the European Union, are reaching what many describe as the “final round” before a decision is made on the snapback mechanism. If activated, this mechanism could reinstate all United Nations sanctions against Iran. Once […]
Continuation of Sanctions-Relief Talks
Baghaei recalled that negotiations with Europe remain focused on lifting sanctions and clarifying aspects of Iran’s nuclear program, noting that no fundamental change has occurred in these talks.
President’s Trip to China
The spokesperson announced that the President will travel to China on August 31 to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. He described Iran–China relations as “very solid” and said the two countries’ 25-year cooperation agreement is being implemented and strengthened.
Emphasis on National Interests
Baghaei stated: “Iran will make use of all diplomatic tools and capacities to safeguard national interests and prevent unnecessary costs from being imposed.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Warns Against Divisions, Says U.S. Seeks a “Submissive” Tehran
WANA (Aug 24) – Iran’s Supreme Leader, speaking at a religious ceremony in Tehran today, stressed the necessity of maintaining internal cohesion among the people, officials, and the armed forces, warning that this unity “must not be undermined.” Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that past experience has shown Iran’s adversaries that the “steadfastness and strong […]
Iran Dismisses Daily Telegraph Claim on Enrichment Reduction as Baseless
The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected a report by The Daily Telegraph alleging that Iran had reduced its uranium enrichment level to 20 percent, describing it as “fabricated news without any external basis.”
Responding to a question about the newspaper’s claim that Ali Larijani was seeking to lower Iran’s enrichment levels, Esmaeil Baghaei said: “This is not the first time this newspaper has fabricated stories citing so-called ‘informed sources’ that do not exist. The very premise of such a claim is unfounded.”
Chinese Embassy Queues Belong to the Past
Commenting on images circulated online showing long queues outside the Chinese embassy in Tehran, Baghaei explained: “These photos relate to several weeks ago, during the disruption following the 12-day war. Such a situation no longer exists, and the Chinese embassy has been actively working to resolve the issue.”
The image that was shared showing people gathered outside the gates of the Chinese embassy in Iran. Social Media / WANA News Agency
Iran Has Not Abandoned Negotiations
Rejecting claims that Tehran has distanced itself from talks with Washington, the spokesperson said: “Did Iran abandon negotiations? It was the United States that betrayed diplomacy right before the sixth round of talks in Muscat. No one can accuse Iran of walking away from dialogue.”
He added: “We have demonstrated our commitment to dialogue. Even now, because of Europe’s role in the JCPOA and their attempts to use threatening mechanisms, we consider it our duty to defend national interests at the negotiating table.”
Energy Cooperation with Russia
On remarks by Iran’s ambassador to Moscow regarding the transfer of Russian gas to Iran, Baghaei noted: “Our relations with Russia are broad, and energy is one of the key areas of cooperation. Engagement in this field is pursued in line with the country’s needs and capacities. Technical details must be explained by the Ministry of Petroleum.”
Russian Gas to Reach Iran Soon
WANA (Aug 25) – Iran’s ambassador to Moscow expressed hope that Russian gas will soon be delivered to Iran through Azerbaijan. Kazem Jalali, Iran’s ambassador in Moscow, said that Iran expects to start receiving Russian gas via Azerbaijan in the near future, as almost all issues with Gazprom have been resolved. He stated: […]
Update on Iranian Citizen in France
Addressing the case of Iranian national Mahdieh Esfandiari, who has been detained in France, he said: “So far, conditional release has not been granted. Lawyers are following up the matter. We believe the judicial process has not been fair and there is no valid justification for her detention.”
Iranian citizen Mahdieh Esfandiari, a French translator and university lecturer, was arrested in France. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Shanghai Summit and Bilateral Meetings
On the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, Baghaei said: “This summit is highly significant, and multiple meetings are being arranged for the President. The main session and the ‘Shanghai Plus’ meeting will be held on August 31, followed by a bilateral meeting between the Presidents of Iran and China the next day.”
Iran’s Scenarios Regarding the Snapback Mechanism
In response to a question on the possible activation of the snapback mechanism, Baghaei stated: “All scenarios have been taken into account. The Foreign Ministry is one part of the decision-making structure, and other institutions are also reviewing all possibilities in coordination. Our main focus is to prevent measures that would impose unnecessary costs on the country.”
Three Scenarios for Breaking the Deadlock in Iran–U.S. Negotiations
WANA (Aug 23) – Iran–U.S. nuclear talks have once again entered a complicated phase—one that, according to experts, has become even more difficult to resolve following recent regional developments and the 12 day conflict between Iran and Israel. In this context, the roles of Europe, the United States, and global powers such as China and […]
Iran to Respond to Ukraine’s Anti-Iranian Move
The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the Ukrainian government’s unilateral termination of the memorandum on visa exemption for diplomats as “unjustifiable and contrary to international law,” stressing that the move will be met with reciprocal action by Iran.
Esmaeil Baghaei, criticizing Kyiv’s anti-Iran approach, said: “This step is the result of false reports about Iran’s alleged support for Russia in the Ukraine war, and it will be answered with reciprocal measures.”
Ukraine Cancels Iran Diplomatic Visa Deal
WANA (Aug 21) – The Ukrainian Cabinet has terminated a memorandum of understanding with Iran that allowed visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and service passports. Taras Melnychuk, the government’s representative in the Ukrainian parliament, announced the decision on Wednesday via his Telegram channel, stating: “The memorandum of understanding between the Government of […]
Foreign Forces in the Region
Responding to a question about the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq, Baghaei stated: “According to a UN resolution, the United States must evacuate its bases by the summer of 2026. This is a decision by the Iraqi government, and we respect it. Our principled position is that the presence of foreign forces under any pretext undermines regional security.” He added that the Iranian and Iraqi foreign ministers had held talks in Jeddah on developments in Gaza and bilateral relations, and that visits of senior Iraqi officials to Tehran were being planned.
Engagement with the IAEA
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson underlined that “Iran remains a member of the NPT and committed to safeguards,” noting: “Meetings with the Agency took place in Vienna last week. We are drafting a new framework for engagement with the IAEA because the recent action against Iran’s facilities was unprecedented, and both the Agency and the United States bear responsibility in this regard.”
Nuclear Oversight Suspended; Grossi Under Iran’s Blade
WANA (Aug 24) – Following the recent 12-day conflict, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has sought to resume monitoring of Iran’s nuclear program, but Tehran has so far denied inspectors access. According to Iranian officials, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi was suspended from engagement with Tehran after issuing what they described as a “biased […]
Visit of Swiss Official to Tehran
On the visit of Switzerland’s National Security Advisor to Tehran, Baghaei said: “This visit took place within the framework of normal bilateral contacts, and no messages were exchanged between Iran and the United States.”
3+3 Mechanism for the South Caucasus
Commenting on developments in the South Caucasus, Baghaei said: “The 3+3 framework is a longstanding intra-regional mechanism for resolving disputes between countries, including Armenia and Azerbaijan. This mechanism has proven itself, and today the need to keep it active and effective is greater than ever.”
Iran Rejects Accusations of Antisemitism as Absurd and Baseless
The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed recent accusations by some Western governments, stressing that labeling Iran as antisemitic is “absurd and completely unfounded,” calling it part of a deflection strategy aimed at distracting public opinion from Israel’s crimes.
Esmaeil Baghaei said: “The charge of antisemitism against Iran has no foundation and is incompatible with Iran’s history, humanitarian outlook, and principles.” He added: “Claims that Iran engages in destabilizing actions in European countries are also fabricated, and no one truly believes such allegations.”
Iran’s Missile Barrage Showcase Reaches U.S. Youth
WANA (Aug 22) – A recently shared video on social media has revealed an unexpected scene: a group of young Americans mimicking the symbolic hand gesture of firing Iranian missiles — a move first seen in Iraq just weeks ago during a massive religious gathering attended by millions. From a Religious Pilgrimage to U.S. Campuses […]
Deflection from Public Demands
According to Baghaei, certain Western governments, instead of responding to the demands of their own citizens and regional public opinion to stop the genocide in Gaza, target Iran with baseless accusations: “For them, the easiest path is to blame Iran, diverting attention from the realities of the region.” He stressed: “The central reality of the region remains the ongoing genocide and the complicity of the United States and Europe in it.”
European Contradictions Toward Iran
Commenting on the latest UK sanctions, the spokesperson said: “European countries are riddled with contradictions; on one hand, they claim to seek dialogue and engagement, while on the other, they impose illegal sanctions.” He underlined: “The UK, particularly after Brexit, has been at the forefront of JCPOA violations, and the new sanctions will have no impact on Iran’s determination to safeguard its national interests.”
Lebanon and the Right to Resistance
In response to a question on developments in Lebanon, Baghaei said: “Lebanon, as an independent country, must decide on its issues within the framework of Lebanese–Lebanese dialogue.” He emphasized: “In a region where the Zionist regime continuously makes excessive demands, strengthening military capabilities to defend territorial integrity and preserve security is inevitable—a lesson that all regional countries have come to realize more than ever in the past two years.”
The arrival of Ali Larijani, in Beirut . Social media/ WANA News Agency
Response to U.S. Nuclear Proposal
On reports of a U.S. proposal to form a regional nuclear consortium, the spokesperson stated: “As a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran has the right to use peaceful nuclear energy and enrich uranium.” He added: “We consider any initiative that secures our national interests, but given recent developments, such proposals cannot be assumed to stem from goodwill alone.”
