WANA (Jun 23) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei strongly emphasized during his weekly press briefing on Monday that while Iranians remain committed to peace and international principles, they will never compromise when it comes to defending their sovereignty and national dignity.

 

Baghaei opened the session by stating, “Today marks the eleventh day of Iranian resistance against Zionist regime attacks, and the second day of standing firm against U.S. aggression targeting Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.” Quoting renowned Iranian poet Dehkhoda, he said the Iranian people are filled with sorrow and rage over the recent violations of their country’s sovereignty.

 

“Clear Coordination Between U.S. and Israeli Aggression”

Baghaei asserted that there is no longer any doubt that the Israeli attack on Iran was carried out in coordination with the United States. Referring to the strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, he added, “No one at any level of the international community can justify these blatant acts of aggression.”

 

He stressed that the Iranian nation will not allow its territory to become a battleground for what he described as “criminal forces.” “The Iranian people will stand with full resolve against this clear act of aggression,” he added.

 

Tribute to Recent Martyrs and Highlighting Diplomatic Engagement

In his remarks, Baghaei also honored the memory of those who lost their lives in the recent Israeli attacks on Iran. He described the upcoming visit of Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Russia as highly significant, noting that Russia is a JCPOA member and a strategic partner of Iran. “We are engaged in dialogue with other nations, including those with whom we have no formal diplomatic ties, to address the recent assaults,” he stated.

 

“Violation of Iran Is a Violation of International Law”

The spokesperson denounced the recent attacks as violations of international law, emphasizing, “These are not actions by a few countries or actors. An attack on Iran is an attack on international law itself. Every nation has a responsibility to take a stance according to its capacity and status in the international system.”

 

Iranian Pilgrims to Return Within a Week

Commenting on the return of Iranian pilgrims, Baghaei acknowledged that the Israeli strikes had disrupted air travel and affected Iranian pilgrims. “We’ve taken steps to address this issue. Around 84,000 to 85,000 Iranians participated in this year’s Hajj. So far, approximately 26,000 have returned via land routes through Iraq, with significant cooperation from Saudi and Iraqi authorities. We expect all pilgrims to return within the week.”

 

Response to U.S. Officials’ Remarks

Responding to comments by U.S. officials describing the strike on Iran as a “beautiful operation,” Baghaei criticized such rhetoric, calling it “a dangerous precedent in international relations.” He warned, “This blatant violation will remain a lasting stain on America’s history.”

 

Hormuz Strait and Iran’s Defense Strategy

When asked about potential Iranian action in the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said all decisions on defense strategies, including the tools and methods used, lie with the country’s competent authorities. “Our armed forces know how to protect the nation’s sovereignty,” he stated.

 

Message to Neighboring Countries

Regarding reports that the Israeli regime may have used the airspace of neighboring countries to carry out its attacks, Baghaei reiterated Iran’s commitment to good neighborly relations. He urged all regional countries not to allow their territory or airspace to be used for hostile actions against others. “This principle should guide all regional behavior,” he said.

 

Araghchi’s Mission: Defending Iran on the Diplomatic Front

Addressing questions about how Foreign Minister Araghchi was able to travel given the reported closure of Iranian airspace, Baghaei noted that Iran’s defenders know how to choose the best path. “Mr. Araghchi is a veteran of the Sacred Defense, a patriot, and a representative of the Iranian nation. He is carrying out his mission with the utmost responsibility and strategic awareness.”

 

International Community Must not Stay Silent on Aggression Against Iran

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson rejected the term “tension” used by a foreign journalist to describe recent U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, stating:

 

“This is not tension; it’s blatant aggression against a sovereign UN member. Those who speak ambiguously or urge Iran to show restraint are effectively justifying the aggression. We judge our counterparts’ seriousness by whether they demand the aggressor to stop.”

 

He added that Iran is committed to defending its sovereignty and ensuring such attacks never recur. The recent assaults caused significant damage, targeted nuclear facilities, and struck residential areas. He stressed:

 

“The international community must not remain indifferent or inactive in the face of this crime.”

 

No Further Trips Planned After Russia

Asked about possible future visits by the Foreign Minister, the spokesperson said Araghchi’s last scheduled trip was to Russia.

 

Geneva Visit: Demanding Responsible Action from Europe

Regarding the Geneva negotiations, he said: “At a time of brutal military aggression, our priority is defending Iran, ending the attack, and preventing future crimes.

 

Dr. Araghchi’s Geneva visit aimed to demand action from European JCPOA members, especially France and the UK, to stop this legal violation under UNSC Resolution 2231.”

 

He reaffirmed Iran’s clear nuclear stance: Tehran seeks only its legal NPT rights, nothing more. Araghchi also addressed the UN Human Rights Council to highlight the Iranian people’s suffering and strength, calling for condemnation of the Zionist regime’s grave violations, including the killing of civilians and attacks on ambulances.

 

OIC Resolution: Important and Significant

He described the OIC’s condemnation of the Israeli attack and its formation of a contact group as a “very important” step, saying:

 

“Muslim countries understand the long-term risks of this aggression. We expect them to act collectively to end it and confront Zionist expansionism. The resolution reflects serious commitment.”

 

But he added: “One resolution isn’t enough. This must be followed up regionally and internationally—especially through the OIC.”

 

Europe’s Silence Equals Complicity

On Europe’s failure to condemn Israel’s actions: “Silence leads to inaction and complicity. This is what we see now in some European countries.

 

Over the past decades—and especially the last two years—global inaction has emboldened the Zionist regime’s aggression. Had institutions acted earlier in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and now Iran, these crimes wouldn’t have spread.”

 

Zionist Crimes Won’t Stay Confined to the Region

“The world now understands: if you don’t stop evil, it spreads. Zionist crimes won’t remain in our region.

 

European countries justifying Israel today will not be safe tomorrow. Sooner or later, the Zionist regime will turn its attention to Europe.”

 

Baghaei stated: “It may sound laughable now, but history will prove it. When that day comes, regret will be too late.”

 

“We Did Not Exploit Negotiations — That Claim Is Baseless”

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei rejected claims made by the Israeli representative to the UN that Iran used nuclear talks as a cover for enrichment and missile development. He stressed that Iran entered negotiations seriously and consistently demonstrated readiness to reach a resolution, including offering to extend talks in Muscat beyond weekly meetings.

“The party that misused negotiations was certainly not Iran,” he said. “We participated fully prepared, while others made baseless accusations from the outset.”

 

Baghaei emphasized that his remarks were not directed at Israel, “masters of distorting reality,” but at Western analysts and officials who questioned Iran’s negotiating behavior. He described U.S. and Israeli actions as illegal and criminal, warning that countries justifying them were undermining international law and the UN Charter.

 

He added that amid the ongoing military conflict targeting Iran, a coordinated psychological and media war was also underway.

 

“This includes manipulating language, reversing victim-aggressor roles, and portraying Iran’s precision strikes on military targets as attacks on civilians,” he said.

 

He reaffirmed Iran’s adherence to humanitarian law, contrasting it with Israel’s deliberate targeting of civilians, hospitals, and residential areas. “Iran has never, and will never, violate international humanitarian law or laws of armed conflict.”

 

Regarding Trump’s recent comments and the future of talks with Europe, Baghaei insisted Iran’s commitment to diplomacy should not be mistaken for weakness: “Despite U.S. betrayal, we maintain engagement with all JCPOA parties except the U.S., which unilaterally left. We had agreed to present our proposal in Muscat in the sixth round of talks.”

 

He warned against being distracted by media narratives and stressed that Iran’s diplomatic conduct was genuine—only to be met with unlawful aggression supported by the U.S.

 

On IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi

Responding to a question about IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, Baghaei urged him to remain impartial and bound by the agency’s regulations. He criticized Grossi’s recent report—requested by the U.S. and three European states—as politically motivated, and said it formed the basis for an unjust resolution against Iran.

 

“Despite the ambiguities in the report, it did not contain a single claim of Iran’s non-compliance or pursuit of nuclear weapons. The only issues raised were vague concerns about events 20–25 years ago.”

 

He noted that even Grossi admitted last week on CNN that there was no evidence Iran was pursuing nuclear arms.

 

Iran Will Never Yield to Intimidation

Commenting on U.S. perceptions of Iranian sovereignty, Baghaei said Iranians have proven they will never yield or pay bribes to preserve their dignity and independence.

 

“America must remember its historical interference, including the 1953 coup. Now, peaceful nuclear energy is being wrongly framed as a threat—just like nationalizing oil was once claimed to endanger global peace.”

 

He condemned recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities as another “stain in Washington’s disgraceful history with the Iranian people.”

 

UN Security Council’s Inaction Criticized

Baghaei confirmed that Iran had called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting immediately after Israel’s strike. Despite widespread condemnation, he said U.S. obstruction—alongside one or two other states—had prevented any meaningful action.

 

He criticized some members’ ambiguous positions in last night’s UNSC session and warned that such stances undermined their responsibility to maintain international peace and security.