WANA (Jan 20) – At the weekly press conference, Esmail Baqai, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, In response to questions about the Iran-Europe talks in Geneva regarding Iran’s Ballistic missiles and the need to be part of any future negotiations between Iran and Trump, said to the reporters: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has never discussed its military capabilities with anyone and will not do so.”

 

The spokesperson continued regarding activating the snapback mechanism and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), emphasizing that Iran’s response would be clear to any actions related to these issues.

 

Regarding recent claims that have been issued that Iranian negotiators have informed the Europeans that if the snapback mechanism is activated, not only will Iran withdraw from the NPT, but the country’s nuclear doctrine or position may also change, he noted that the threat of Iran’s withdrawal from the NPT is not new, stating that the Iranian government has clarified that if the snapback mechanism is used to exert pressure and gain concessions from Iran, Iran’s response will be proportional. Iran has previously stated that abuse of this mechanism means there would be no justification for Iran to remain in certain existing agreements.

 

Previous Treaties Between Iran and Russia Remain Valid

In response to a question about why two treaties from 1921 and 1940 were mentioned in the introduction of the updated Iran-Russia strategic agreement, Baqai explained that these treaties are part of the history of Iran-Russia relations and remain valid. He further stated that according to the principle of state succession, the commitments of these treaties, signed during the Soviet Union era, have been transferred to the Russian Federation.

 

The spokesperson responded to a question regarding recent media claims that the entry of goods and Iranian citizens into Syria has been banned. He said: “I doubt the authenticity of the news, and it needs to be verified.”

 

He added: “Regarding the travel of Iranian citizens to Syria, I emphasized a few weeks ago, amid developments in Syria, that we do not recommend Iranian citizens travel to Syria under the current circumstances. Therefore, we have advised our citizens not to travel to the country, given the situation there. As I mentioned earlier, I do not think the original news is true, and it requires verification.”

 

Negotiations with the U.S.

The spokesperson also responded to a question regarding a recent statement by one of the President’s advisors who spoke about the necessity of direct negotiations with the U.S., suggesting that this would happen soon. The spokesperson said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government express their position on foreign policy through their official spokespersons.”

 

He continued: “What has been said certainly does not align with our official position, and I assume it was the speaker’s personal opinion. Foreign policy is a specialized matter, and oversimplifying foreign policy issues, even with good intentions, is not helpful.”

 

Was FATF Discussed in the Iran-Russia Agreement?

In response to a question about reports that, during negotiations for the comprehensive strategic agreement between Iran and Russia, the Russians have asked Iran to join FATF and include it in the agreement, the spokesperson said: “It is not unusual for parties to raise issues and points during a negotiation process that has lasted for about four years; this is not something strange.”
Baqai continued: “What is important is the result of these negotiations. The full text of this agreement has now been published, and you can see what issues it refers to.”

 

Decisions Regarding the ‘True Promise 3’ Operation

The spokesperson, in response to a question about the belief that Iran refrained from conducting the ‘True Promise 3’ operation to allow a ceasefire in Gaza and whether the operation might now take place following the ceasefire, said: “Decisions regarding such matters are made by the relevant defense and security institutions in Iran.”

 

Statement by IRGC on Gaza Ceasefire

WANA (Jan 16) – In a statement celebrating the establishment of a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has declared the truce a “clear conquest and a significant victory for Palestine,” while calling it a “monumental defeat for the Zionist regime.”   The statement is as follows: “Indeed, We have […]

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Hamas and the Resistance Movement

The spokesperson, responding to a question about claims that Hamas will not govern Gaza after the ceasefire agreement, said: “You should ask the relevant parties to the agreement about this issue. However, what is clear is that Hamas and the resistance movement are a deeply rooted force in the hearts of the Palestinian people, and no one can ignore the influence and presence of Hamas in the future of Palestine.”

 

Iran’s Efforts to End Genocide in Gaza

Regarding the situation in Gaza and the ceasefire, Baqai stated that Iran has made every effort to stop the genocide in Gaza and has not spared any efforts at the international and regional levels. He emphasized that Iran will continue to support Palestinian resistance and believes that maintaining national unity among Palestinian groups is crucial.

 

Follow-up on the Murder of Two Iranian Citizens in France

On the issue of the murder of two Iranian citizens in France, Baqai affirmed that supporting Iranian citizens abroad is one of the Ministry’s constant priorities. He mentioned that the Iranian government has persistently followed up on the case but still lacks convincing information regarding the nature of the killings. Iran demands clarification of whether the incident was terrorist or racially motivated and expects French authorities to respond to Iran’s inquiries.

 

Regarding recent comments by a Swedish official about Iran, Baqai expressed surprise and called the remarks unacceptable. Iran has officially protested the comments.

 

Iran Acts Decisively in Defense of Its Interests

The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to a question about a claim by one of Trump’s advisors regarding support for an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which allegedly may lead to a decision next month, stated: “Iran’s stance on this matter has been repeatedly expressed. Iran will decisively defend its interests, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”

 

He added: “Such statements, aimed at influencing American decision-makers, are destructive and not in the best interest of any party. Our position is clear, and we will defend our interests firmly.”

 

Sweden’s Anti-Iranian Stance is Unacceptable

Regarding recent statements by Swedish officials against Iran, the spokesperson stated: “These positions are surprising and unacceptable. Such unfounded and deflective remarks, made without any evidence, are not acceptable in diplomatic practice, and we have expressed our protests to Swedish officials on this matter.”

 

Elon Musk Played No Role in the Release of the Italian Journalist

In response to a question about Elon Musk’s statements regarding the release of the Italian journalist from Iran and his claim of playing a role in this, despite Iran and Italy denying it, the spokesperson said: “You should ask him about the reasoning behind his statement.” He added: “Our position is clear. We have denied this claim, and others who have taken a stance have aligned with our position.”

 

Involving Other Countries in the Ukraine Conflict is a Very Destructive Policy

Regarding the possibility of Iran and Europe engaging in dialogue about Ukraine, the spokesperson said: “This issue has a long history. When accusations about Iran’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict were raised, we expressed our readiness to talk with Ukraine and the parties who made such claims. This position has been reiterated in various meetings with European counterparts.”

 

He emphasized: “Unjustly involving other countries in the Ukraine conflict is a very harmful policy. We have rejected the accusations of Iran’s involvement, and whenever European parties have raised these issues, we have promptly denied them, stating that if there is any real evidence, we are willing to discuss it. This issue was also raised during recent talks in Geneva, and both sides presented their views and positions.”

 

France Must Be Held Accountable for the Murder of Two Iranian Citizens

The spokesperson, regarding the latest follow-up on the case of two Iranian citizens murdered in France, said: “We have always emphasized that the protection of Iranian citizens’ rights is a priority for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Ministry and the Iranian embassy in France are actively pursuing this case.”

 

Baqai continued: “We have not yet received convincing and sufficient information from French authorities about the nature of the murders. It must be determined what the nature of this act and murder was. We expect the relevant French authorities to respond promptly and provide adequate and convincing information.”

 

Snapback Mechanism

Snapback Mechanism: A Comprehensive Overview

WANA (Jan 14) – October 2025 marks a crucial milestone in global diplomatic equations, as UN Resolution 2231 expires and all related sanctions on Iran are officially lifted. However, the European members of the JCPOA—Germany, France, and the United Kingdom—have already escalated tensions by threatening to activate the “Snapback” mechanism.   During a Security Council […]

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UN Security Council Meeting and Foreign Minister’s Participation

In response to a question about the United Nations Security Council meeting, which was initially expected to involve Iran’s foreign minister, Baqai clarified that the meeting would still take place today but the minister’s trip to New York was canceled due to recent developments, especially the ceasefire issue in Gaza.

 

Iran and Afghanistan Should Reach an Agreement on Water Rights

Regarding the latest developments in negotiations on water rights for the Hirmand River, Baqai said that the issue of Iran’s water rights from Hirmand and other rivers flowing into Iran has always been an ongoing dialogue between Iran and Afghanistan. He hoped cooperation on water issues could become a strength and area of collaboration between the two countries. He emphasized that the historical and cultural ties between Iran and Afghanistan call for both sides to agree on this matter.

 

We Hope U.S. Policies Will Be Based on International Law

The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding Tehran’s expectations from the upcoming U.S. administration, said: “We hope that four years from now, the judgment that exists about the past four years will not be there and that the approaches and policies of the United States will be realistic, based on international law, and will respect the interests and desires of the people of the region, including Iran.” He added, “Sanctions have never hindered expanding Iran’s relations with other countries.”

 

Expansion of Defense Cooperation Between Iran and Pakistan

The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Major General Baqeri’s visit to Pakistan said: “Cooperation between Iran and Pakistan has been progressing steadily in all areas.”

He referred to the recent visit of Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Pakistan and the consultations that took place during that visit, stating: “The expansion of defense cooperation is also part of the agreements between the two countries, and it is natural that discussions take place between the parties regarding this and to address common threats.”

 

The Biden Administration Had One of the Worst Performances in the Last 60 Years

In response to a question about the performance of the Democratic Biden administration over the past four years, the spokesperson said: “Regionally, I believe the U.S. Democratic government had one of the worst performances in the last 60 years or more, as the last 16 months of this administration were mostly spent in full support of a genocide in our region. The achievement of a ceasefire agreement in the final days of this administration is also significant, as some believe that if this government had continued, the genocide might have continued as well.”

 

Baqai added: “This performance will remain as a dark spot and a stain of shame in the minds of the people in our region, particularly the people of Palestine, Lebanon, and others.”

 

He continued: “On a bilateral level, unfortunately, throughout these four years, the U.S. government’s harassing actions continued, and in relation to the negotiations on restoring the nuclear deal, there was no seriousness shown by them. The unjust sanctions against the people of Iran continued.”