WANA (Feb 17) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, addressed key issues regarding the recent development of Iran in his weekly press briefing today and announced that a high-ranking delegation from Iran will attend the funeral ceremony of Seyed Hassan Nasrallah, the late secretary-general of Hezbollah.

 

Makran Development and Investment Necessities

The spokesman emphasized the importance of both domestic and foreign investments in the development of the Makran region, stating that regional security is a prerequisite for sustainable growth. He added that positive diplomatic discussions have taken place on this matter.

 

Issue of Iranian Flights to Lebanon

Addressing the recent complications surrounding Iranian flights to Lebanon, the spokesman stated: “We have made our stance clear regarding flights to Beirut, and constructive discussions have taken place between the foreign ministers of Iran and Lebanon. It has been emphasized that both sides should not allow third parties, who do not have the best interests of the two countries and the region in mind, to influence bilateral interactions.” He added that negotiations are ongoing, expressing hope for a reasonable resolution.

 

Iran-Syria Relations

On the subject of Iran’s ties with Syria, the spokesman reaffirmed Iran’s consistent stance, asserting that the Syrian people must determine their own future. He noted that Iran continues to monitor developments and will make decisions based on the actions of the other parties involved.

 

Saudi Mediation Between Iran and the U.S.

The spokesman dismissed speculations about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman mediating between Iran and the United States, stating that Iran has only heard of such claims through media reports.

 

Iran-Europe Talks

Regarding negotiations between Iran and the three European countries (France, Germany, and the UK), he confirmed that discussions and consultations are ongoing, with the time and venue for the next round of talks to be announced once finalized.

 

Detention of British Nationals in Iran

The spokesman confirmed the detention of two British nationals in Iran, adding that the Foreign Ministry has taken the necessary diplomatic steps to facilitate a consular meeting between the British ambassador and the detainees.

 

Murder of Iranian Nationals in France

Commenting on the killing of two Iranians in France, the spokesman stressed that Iran is seeking further details about the incident and is following up on the case through diplomatic channels.

 

Iran-Sweden Communications Over Iranian Citizen’s Death

The spokesman reported ongoing contact between Iran’s embassy in Stockholm and Swedish authorities concerning the murder of an Iranian national. He stated that Iran has formally requested information from the Swedish embassy in Tehran and is ready to cooperate to clarify the details of the case.

 

Iran’s Nuclear Program

In response to remarks by the U.S. National Security Advisor regarding Iran’s nuclear program, the spokesman stated: “Certain statements are made, but the key point is that for over three decades, the Islamic Republic of Iran has remained committed to its rights and obligations under the NPT and Safeguards Agreement.” He reaffirmed that Iran’s peaceful nuclear activities are based on its inalienable rights and that Iran will not waver in pursuing its nuclear program within this framework.

 

BRICS Will Continue on Its Path

Regarding U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against BRICS, the spokesman stated: “International institutions and multilateral organizations are established based on careful assessments by their founding nations, reflecting their collective interests.” He added that BRICS has successfully served its members for years, providing a platform for cooperation, and will not be undermined by geopolitical shifts. “Member states understand the significance of multilateralism and are more committed than ever to continuing their cooperation,” he concluded.

 

Iran-China Relations Will Continue to Thrive Despite External Pressures

The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, addressing concerns over China’s oil purchases from Iran and U.S. pressure on Beijing to halt these transactions, reaffirmed the strength of Iran-China relations. He emphasized that the bilateral ties are deeply rooted in mutual interests and will not be swayed by external pressures, including U.S. sanctions.

 

Iran’s Absence from the Munich Conference Deprives Global Community of a Key Player

Regarding Iran’s decision not to participate in the Munich Security Conference, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson explained that Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was attending the Indian Ocean Rim Conference in Oman, which coincided with the Munich event. He stated that this underscores the greater importance of the Oman conference for Iran. He further noted that Iran’s absence from such events ultimately deprives organizers and the international community of the presence of a key and constructive player like Iran.

 

Additionally, he pointed out that the Munich Security Conference this year mainly focused on U.S.-Europe tensions, and Iran does not believe that missing the event was a significant loss. He also criticized such conferences for gradually losing their original purpose, turning instead into political tools to pressure or reward certain countries.

 

OIC Foreign Ministers to Hold Emergency Meeting in Mid-March

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced Iran’s ongoing efforts to convene an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) regarding Palestine. The meeting, set for March, will focus on developments in Gaza and the condemnation of forced displacement of its residents.

 

Qatari Emir’s Visit to Tehran Unrelated to Iran-U.S. Talks

Responding to speculation about Qatar’s mediation between Iran and the United States, the spokesperson stressed that the Emir of Qatar’s visit to Tehran is not linked to these discussions.

 

Ongoing Iran-Russia Consultations on the JCPOA

The spokesperson also highlighted continuous Iran-Russia communications on various issues, emphasizing that the nuclear issue remains a key topic in Tehran-Moscow dialogues.

 

Iran Dismisses Pressure Over South Africa’s ICJ Case Against Israel

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman stated that pressures and threats from certain countries, including the U.S. and Israel, will not affect South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He emphasized that these countries have taken action based on humanitarian responsibility and international law and will not retreat from their stance.

 

Iran Responds to Israeli Threats: “They Can Do Nothing”

Responding to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s threats against Iran, the spokesperson said that in an ideal world where the rule of law governs international relations, such threats would constitute a blatant violation of the UN Charter’s principles. He stressed that those making such remarks should be held accountable on the international stage.

 

He further added that threatening others is a severe breach of international law and the UN Charter, and in the case of Iran, the response remains clear: “They can do nothing.”

 

U.S. Remarks on Negotiations Branded “Full of Contradictions and Hypocrisy”

Commenting on recent statements by a U.S. official regarding potential negotiations with Iran, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson dismissed them as unserious. He argued that words must align with actions, stating: “You cannot threaten destruction on the one hand and claim to support dialogue on the other.” He described such remarks as contradictory and insincere.

 

Iran Engages Diplomatically to Prevent Anti-Iran Resolution at IAEA

Regarding Iran’s diplomatic efforts to prevent a resolution against Tehran at the upcoming IAEA Board of Governors meeting, the spokesperson noted that Iran continues its consultations through its permanent mission in Vienna. He highlighted that diplomatic exchanges with key stakeholders, including senior political officials, are ongoing and influence mutual interactions.

 

Iran Vows to Safeguard Neighborly Relations Against External Interference

When asked about U.S. attempts to pressure Iran-Iraq economic cooperation, including provisions in a Trump-era executive order, the spokesperson reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to regional stability. “Iran, as a deeply rooted and resilient country in West Asia, will use every opportunity to secure its national interests and regional stability,” he said, stressing that Tehran will not allow third-party interference to harm its good relations with neighboring countries.

 

Deportation of Iranians to Panama Deemed “Unjustifiable”

Iran condemned the deportation of some Iranian citizens from the U.S. to Panama, calling it inhumane and unjustified. The spokesperson announced that Iran is actively pursuing the matter through its Interests Section in Washington and its embassy in Panama.

 

Iran Urges IAEA Chief to Stay Within His Mandate

Addressing recent remarks by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, who warned that time is running out for a deal on Iran’s nuclear program, the spokesperson reiterated that the agency must remain within its technical and legal mandate. He criticized politically charged statements, emphasizing that such comments exceed Grossi’s responsibilities. “We hope there will be a reassessment, and the IAEA chief will adhere to the frameworks defined by the agency’s statute and relevant regulations,” he concluded.

 

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson: Support for Any Initiative to End Ukraine War

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson commented on the ongoing Ukraine crisis, stating: “We support any positive development that leads to halting the conflict and war, and we hope the dispute in Ukraine ends as soon as possible.” He further noted that the differences between the U.S. and Europe on this matter are internal and were addressed during the Munich Security Conference. He emphasized that the international community must work to ensure these differences do not undermine the rule of law and international organizations.

 

Iran’s Ties with Key Players in Syria

In response to a question about Iran’s relations with Syria’s new rulers, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “We are in contact with the new leadership in Syria through our friends.” He added: “We maintain communication with various key countries involved in Syria to better understand the situation and make decisions on necessary steps.” He also mentioned that the recent visit of Raouf Shibani to Russia was part of these efforts.