WANA (Mar 17) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baqaei addressed various pressing issues during his weekly press conference, including Iran’s policies on U.S., Trump’s letter, the situation in Yemen, and Iran’s recent joint meeting with China and Russia.

 

No Plans to Publicize Trump’s Letter

Baqaei stated that Iran has no intention of releasing U.S. President Donald Trump’s letter to the media, emphasizing that most reports regarding its content are speculative and lack accuracy. He noted that the letter’s tone aligns with Trump’s public speeches, and Iran will respond appropriately after thorough review.

 

He also clarified that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent visit to Oman was unrelated to the letter, as the trip had been scheduled in advance.

 

Firm Response to Threats Against Iran

Regarding Trump’s reported threats against Iran in an order concerning Yemen, Baqaei stressed that Iran would resolutely respond to any attack on its sovereignty, security, or national interests. He accused the U.S. and its allies of blaming Yemen’s resistance for their own failures over the past 20 months.

 

The US military attack on Yemen is undoubtedly a crime and condemned. It violates all principles of the UN Charter and international law. This is part of America’s long-standing policy of confusing the victim with the perpetrator, he stated.

 

“The people and government of Yemen make independent decisions regarding their actions, including their support for Palestine and its legitimate resistance,” he added.

 

Iran, Turkey Committed to Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baqaei reaffirmed that relations between Iran and Turkey continue as usual, emphasizing both nations’ awareness of the importance of maintaining and expanding their ties.

 

Addressing recent developments in bilateral relations, he stated that while the two countries have differences on regional issues, including Syria, these disagreements are managed through dialogue and engagement.

 

He stressed that neither side wishes for their strong neighborly relations to be overshadowed by other issues or misinterpretations. Diplomatic exchanges and interactions remain ongoing to preserve bilateral ties while handling differences constructively.

 

Iran Criticizes U.S. for Contradictory Messages

Commenting on U.S. communication with Iran, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson described Washington’s messages as inconsistent and contradictory.

 

“The U.S. has a long way to go to prove its sincerity. While expressing willingness for dialogue, it simultaneously imposes sweeping sanctions on various sectors of our economy,” he noted.

 

He criticized the sanctions on Iran’s oil minister, stating that his only “crime” is fulfilling his legal and national duties. Baqaei argued that such actions contradict Washington’s stated intent to negotiate.

 

He further asserted that genuine diplomatic engagement requires mutual respect and recognition of shared interests—principles the U.S. has repeatedly violated over the past 10-15 years.

 

“For Washington, negotiations seem to be merely a political, psychological, and propaganda tool rather than a genuine means to resolve disputes. Our response remains clear,” he said.

 

Iranian Citizen Detained in France

Baqaei confirmed that an Iranian citizen who had gone missing in France was in police custody, though the reason for the arrest remains unclear. He mentioned that the individual was known for supporting Palestine and had posted content in favor of Gaza.

 

Iran, China, and Russia Hold First Trilateral Meeting in Beijing

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the first-ever trilateral meeting, initiated by Iran and hosted by China, aimed to strengthen cooperation and support multilateralism. A joint statement outlined the countries’ positions, and discussions included Iran’s nuclear issue, BRICS, and SCO collaborations.

 

U.S. Travel Restrictions Called ‘Racist’

Commenting on reports of new U.S. travel restrictions targeting certain nationalities, particularly Muslims, Baqaei condemned the policy as a “clear example of racism and ethnic discrimination.” He stated that past restrictions on Iranian travelers under Trump’s administration were part of Washington’s ongoing hostility toward the Iranian people.

 

“Historically, such actions have been part of U.S. pressure tactics against Iran,” he said, warning that such policies harm global understanding and promote division among nations.

 

Iran’s Nuclear Program and UN Sanctions

Baqaei dismissed any justification for reinstating UN Security Council sanctions on Iran, reaffirming that the country’s nuclear activities are entirely peaceful and compliant with international agreements.

 

He warned that using this mechanism would have repercussions for all parties involved. According to him, there is no legitimate justification for invoking it against Iran other than for illegitimate political pressure.

 

He also emphasized Iran’s stance in its joint statement with China and Russia, reiterating that the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) was based on Iran’s voluntary confidence-building measures in exchange for the removal of all unjust sanctions. He called on all parties to uphold their commitments under UN Security Council Resolution 2231.

 

Iran-Lebanon Relations and Flight Issues

Regarding ongoing aviation-related issues between Iran and Lebanon, Baqaei reaffirmed Tehran’s commitment to resolving these challenges through dialogue with Lebanese officials. “We highly value our relationship with Lebanon and see its stability as vital to the region,” he said.

 

Diplomatic Engagements in Vienna and Tehran

Baqaei also stated that Iran’s envoy, Kazem Gharibabadi, had traveled to Vienna for talks with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) officials.

 

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson stated that Kazem Gharibabadi’s meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in Vienna is part of Tehran’s ongoing engagement with the agency within the framework of relevant international treaties.

 

Additionally, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi met with European ambassadors in Tehran for discussions.

 

Addressing Threats to Iran’s Nuclear Program

The spokesperson noted that as threats against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities have increased recently, Tehran is intensifying consultations on technical and operational aspects of the issue. He emphasized that Iran is also warning the IAEA about the consequences of such threats.

 

Political Stances from IAEA Officials Undermine Cooperation

Foreign Ministry official Baqaei stressed that political statements from IAEA officials, including its chief, do not contribute positively to cooperation between Iran and the agency. He reiterated that the IAEA Director General must act within his professional responsibilities and avoid statements influenced by certain member states.

 

Iran’s Approach: Dialogue and Cooperation

Baqaei emphasized that Iran’s approach has always been dialogue and engagement with both the IAEA and JCPOA parties. He pointed to ongoing negotiations, including the recent trilateral talks in Beijing, as part of these efforts. He added that Iran will continue conveying its stance to the IAEA in light of current developments.

 

Europe Failed to Seize Its Opportunity

Addressing European concerns about their diminishing role in the JCPOA, the spokesperson said that European nations had a unique opportunity to assert their international influence through the nuclear deal but failed to capitalize on it.

 

He criticized them for not fulfilling their commitments after the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement and instead aligning with Washington’s policies, despite knowing that the U.S. had left the JCPOA unilaterally and unlawfully.

 

Strengthening Regional Ties Ensures Stability

The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that Iran’s relations with neighboring countries, including Saudi Arabia, are improving, emphasizing that the continuation and strengthening of these ties guarantee regional stability.

 

Regarding communication channels with the U.S., the spokesperson referred to recent remarks by the Foreign Minister about indirect negotiations with Washington through Oman.

 

He noted that Iran and the U.S. have always had designated channels for interaction, with Switzerland’s Interests Section serving as the official conduit. Additionally, other countries have played roles in facilitating communication.

 

He added that the future course of engagement in the coming days, weeks, or months depends on decisions made by relevant authorities, and updates will be provided in due time.

 

U.S. Efforts to Halt Iran’s Oil Sales Violate International Law

On the occasion of Iran’s Nationalization of the Oil Industry Day, the spokesperson condemned U.S. attempts to reduce Iran’s oil exports to zero, calling them a violation of international legal principles.

 

He reaffirmed the Foreign Ministry’s support for the Oil Ministry in safeguarding this national resource, emphasizing that March 19 is a significant day for all Iranians—not just for the nationalization of oil but as a historic movement backed by the entire nation.

 

He stressed that the nationalization of oil played a crucial role in restoring Iran’s national identity and strengthening public confidence in the country’s sovereignty.

 

The spokesperson further pointed out that just a few years after oil was nationalized, the U.S. and the U.K. orchestrated a coup to overthrow Iran’s elected government. Today, he argued, the U.S. is employing sanctions as a modern version of the same strategy to limit Iran’s access to its national resources.

 

“This action is completely at odds with all international legal standards and the right of nations to self-determination,” he asserted. However, he expressed confidence in the collective determination of the Iranian people to overcome such challenges, emphasizing that, as in the past, solutions will be found through national unity and effective governance.

 

Iran-Europe Talks Ongoing, No Preconditioned Negotiations Accepted

Iranian officials confirmed that talks with European counterparts are ongoing and could advance to formal negotiations if the other parties demonstrate seriousness and commitment to a constructive dialogue.

 

Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed that Iran will not accept negotiations with unreasonable and unlawful preconditions, responding to U.S. statements suggesting Iran must abandon uranium enrichment or face military action. He criticized Washington’s contradictory messaging, calling it a sign of inconsistency in U.S. policy.

 

Iran’s Frozen Assets Case Under Review

Iran’s case regarding its frozen assets is being examined by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), with a decision on the next steps pending. The review involves Iran’s Foreign Ministry and legal experts as the 24-month period for resolution nears its end.

 

Israel Seen as Sole Beneficiary of Regional Conflicts

Addressing tensions between Lebanon and Syria, the Iranian official expressed concern over the growing instability in the region, emphasizing that Israel stands as the primary beneficiary of such conflicts. They urged Syria’s leadership to manage the situation carefully to prevent further escalation.