WANA (May 19) – Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, voiced concern over Yemen and also what he described as “contradictory positions” taken by the United States during negotiations, warning that such inconsistencies prolong talks and deepen mistrust.

 

“Each round of negotiations is marred by conflicting stances, which inevitably lead to extended discussions and a growing lack of trust,” Baghaei said in an interview. “We are negotiating under the shadow of continued U.S. actions against Iran, including sanctions and threats. In such circumstances, we do not expect mutual trust to prevail during the talks.”

 

Baghaei also expressed skepticism regarding recent U.S. proposals aimed at “bringing Iran’s uranium enrichment level to zero.” “We cannot fully understand the intent behind the Americans’ push to eliminate our enrichment capacity,” he stated.

 

Turning to regional affairs, Baghaei emphasized the Islamic Republic’s strategic approach toward neighboring countries, saying: “Iran assigns great importance to its neighbors. Regional security is a strategic priority for us. We believe a strong region emerges only when powerful countries cooperate constructively and harmoniously. Based on this principle, we have always extended a hand of friendship and stand ready for dialogue and collaboration with our neighbors.”

 

Baghaei further warned that legislative actions in some quarters are increasingly influenced by external pressures that undermine diplomatic efforts.

 

“Any observer can conclude that lawmakers are gradually being swayed by pressures incompatible with diplomacy,” he noted, pointing to Israel as a major source of regional destabilization.

 

“It appears that one of the main driving forces behind these pressures is the Zionist regime, which seeks to maintain a state of perpetual conflict in the region.”

 

Yemen’s Support for Palestine Is a Moral and Legal Stand

In a separate interview, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson voiced support for Yemen’s actions in solidarity with the Palestinian people, describing them as “ethical measures aligned with international charters.”

 

“Yemen has not attacked anyone,” Baghaei stated. “From the beginning, the Yemenis made it clear that their objective was to halt the massacre in occupied Palestine and to end the blockade imposed on its people.”

 

He went on to call on Muslim nations, regional actors, and the broader international community to take a firm stand against Israeli actions targeting Yemen.

 

“Islamic countries and the global community have a responsibility to support the Palestinian people and to oppose the occupying regime’s violations of Yemeni sovereignty and destruction of its infrastructure,” he said.

 

Baghaei concluded by condemning Israeli strikes on Yemen’s civilian infrastructure.“The Zionist regime’s attacks on Sanaa airport, ports, and service centers in Yemen are war crimes,” he declared.