Iran Will Not Let U.S. Dictate Timing of Conflict, Baghaei Says
WANA (Jun 27) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman has declared that Tehran has never permitted and will never allow the United States to determine the timing of any military conflict, stressing that national security alone dictates the country’s defensive and diplomatic actions.
Rejection of Foreign Conflict Timelines and Cease-Fire Rumors
Speaking at his weekly press briefing on Monday, Esmaeil Baghaei rejected media reports regarding Iranian and American responses to cease-fire proposals from Qatar and Pakistan.
He stated that those who initiated the conflict under Israeli influence had failed in their original objective to dismantle Iran within three days and were now forced to pay the price for their actions.
Baghaei explained that Iran’s foreign policy decisions were not single-variable equations but were determined through a transparent process involving all relevant national decision-making bodies, including the Foreign Ministry. He emphasized that Iran would defend itself whenever its national interests demanded it and would utilize diplomatic tools whenever deemed appropriate.
IRGC Spokesperson Details Extensive U.S. Losses in Operation Nasr 2
WANA (Jul 26) – Hossein Mohebi, spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), outlined what he described as the full scope of Operation Nasr 2, providing detailed figures on damage inflicted on U.S. military assets and personnel during 15 days of fighting between July 8 and July 22. According to Mohebi, the operation targeted […]
Criticism of Western Human Rights Claims and French Diplomats
Opening the briefing alongside displayed photographs of three young students from Minab killed in recent events, the spokesman questioned statements made by European figures—specifically EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas and French officials—regarding human rights.
He asked whether the slain Iranian children were not innocent human beings worthy of protection, accusing Western nations of hiding behind human rights rhetoric while interfering in Iranian affairs.
Addressing remarks by the French Foreign Minister regarding two French diplomats detained at the residence of a wanted individual, Baghaei rejected France’s demand for an apology and stated that Paris was attempting to deflect responsibility.
He maintained that the diplomats had engaged in actions violating the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations by interfering in internal matters under the guise of civil society engagement. He confirmed that the French Ambassador in Tehran had been summoned to the Foreign Ministry the previous day to receive an official protest.
Baghaei: EU’s Claim of Concern for Iranian Human Rights Is Pure Hypocrisy
WANA (Jul 25) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, has forcefully rejected claims of human rights concerns raised by European officials, describing the stance of the European Union as outright hypocrisy. In response to recent statements made by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baghaei remarked: “Kaja […]
U.S. Responsibility, Regional Base Use, and Western Complicity
Baghaei directly blamed the United States for the military aggression against Iran that started on February 28, 2026. While repeating Iran’s wish for good relations with its neighbors, he said that Tehran couldn’t ignore that some regional countries had allowed their territories to be used by aggressors, with a few participating directly. He called a recent joint statement by the U.S. and the Gulf Cooperation Council destructive.
Commenting on reports that the new British administration had permitted the U.S. to use its military bases during the 40-day conflict and was considering joining a maritime coalition in the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei described the British Prime Minister’s statements as an admission of complicity.
He asserted that using military bases for attacks against Iran violated Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter and warned that any foreign intervention in the Strait of Hormuz would only exacerbate the situation, noting that the strait had been fully open prior to February 28.
Referring to the Bulgarian Parliament’s decision to grant military facilities to the U.S., Baghaei stated that Sofia had previously permitted the deployment of American aircraft to support operations against Iran. He called the decision a violation of international law and noted that public opinion and a significant portion of Bulgaria’s parliament opposed the move.
Iran Warns Bulgaria Against Hosting U.S. Military Aircraft
WANA (Jul 21) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry has warned Bulgaria against allowing the deployment of U.S. military aircraft on its territory after the Bulgarian prime minister said the government was considering a U.S. request to station military aircraft in the country for operations against Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the Bulgarian government […]
Warning to Ukraine over Maritime Attack and Nuclear Double Standards
Responding to a question about an attack on an Iranian merchant vessel attributed to Ukraine, Baghaei warned that such dangerous, illegal actions would not go unanswered.
He criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership, comparing his actions to the dangerous theatrics of pre-World War I anarchists. Baghaei stated that Ukraine’s actions posed a risk to the entire Caspian Sea region and urged Ukraine’s backers to restrain the regime before the consequences spilled over globally.
Regarding the U.S. approach to Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions and Israel’s opposition, Baghaei remarked that Israel naturally opposed any technological advancement in neighboring countries.
He highlighted the fundamental contradiction in U.S. policy, asserting that selective lawmaking would not alter Iran’s principled stance that every signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty is entitled to its rights.
Iran Strongly Condemns Ukrainian Attack on Iranian Vessel in Caspian Sea
WANA (Jul 25) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran has strongly condemned a military attack by Ukraine on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea on Saturday morning, July 25. The attack resulted in an explosion aboard the ship, killing one crew member and injuring another. Tehran […]
Suspension of the Islamabad MoU and U.S. Maritime Provocations
Addressing the status of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, Baghaei clarified that the situation was clear, explaining that while the obligations of both parties were explicitly detailed in the agreement, the United States had completely violated the entire memorandum after 22 days rather than just a portion of it.
He stated that no agreement could be implemented unilaterally and confirmed that Iran had reciprocally suspended the fulfillment of its obligations. Looking ahead, Baghaei noted that future directions remained to be seen, stressing that Iran would not compromise under any circumstances on the fundamental principles defining its national interests and security.
Baghaei further revealed that the Americans—assuming Iran was preoccupied with the funeral of its martyred leader and would show leniency regarding the southern maritime route—had coordinated with regional nations to divert commercial ships from the northern to the southern shipping route.
He asserted that the United States and certain regional states must answer for how commercial vessels were used as cover to transfer military equipment and frigates through the southern passage.
The spokesman described this provocative U.S. action as a deliberate trap designed in coordination with regional allies to make the Strait of Hormuz appear unsafe and create a pretext for escalating warfare.
People walk past an anti-U.S. billboard depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and the Strait of Hormuz, in Tehran, Iran, May 30, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
He questioned who could accept such a disproportionate reaction to an alleged breach of an understanding, accusing the U.S. of committing war crimes against the Iranian people and stating that all evidence pointed to a calculated plot to fabricate pretexts and break commitments.
Direct Negotiation Claims Dismissed and Regional Base Abuse
In response to reports suggesting Iran had requested negotiations with Washington, the spokesman dismissed the claims as media fabrication. He reiterated that while Iran has never shied away from using diplomatic mechanisms to protect its national security and interests, it would avoid taking any action that the opposing side could misinterpret.
Baghaei emphasized that while the opposing side remained engaged in hostile acts against Iran, Tehran’s sole focus remained on defense. He further clarified that while third-party mediators might occasionally transmit messages regarding current developments, there were currently no direct negotiations taking place between Iran and the U.S. side.
Regarding remarks made by Kuwait’s ambassador to the United States, Baghaei noted that such statements were positive only if translated into practice, pointing out that in reality, the U.S. continuously utilizes its bases in Kuwait and exploits Kuwaiti resources to sustain war crimes against Iran.
He added that declared stances by regional nations—which often involved criticizing Iran—needed to be reflected in actions, asserting that regional states should not permit the U.S. to abuse their sovereignty to launch attacks on a neighboring country.
A billboard depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a building in Tehran, Iran, July 21, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Baghaei confirmed that discussions between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz remained ongoing, clarifying that these bilateral talks had no relation to the United States. He dismissed reports regarding embassy operations and rumors of diplomatic departures in Tehran as psychological warfare orchestrated by Washington.
U.S. Behavior, De-escalation Claims, and Response to Attacks
When asked whether the reduced intensity of U.S. attacks could be viewed as a shift toward negotiations and a cease-fire, and regarding Iran’s conditions, the senior Iranian diplomat stated that the United States must learn to act as a responsible state.
He noted that over the past two years, U.S. behavior had resembled that of a mafia syndicate that adheres to no rules or laws, questioning and violating all norms of international law in both speech and conduct. He emphasized that as long as such behavior continues from the U.S., there can be no hope for establishing a reasonable process.
He added that the current situation cannot be labeled a cease-fire, explaining that the relative calm over the past few days was the result of prudence by the Iranian armed forces, who remain vigilant. He warned that any action taken by the U.S. would firmly face a decisive response from Iran, just as witnessed over the past few weeks.
Targeting Civilian Infrastructure and Alleged War Crimes
Regarding the U.S. attack on Iranian pilgrims in Shalamcheh, the diplomacy spokesman stated that out of desperation, the U.S. had launched numerous attacks against Iranian civilian infrastructure over the past seven to eight days.
US Military Launches New Wave of Airstrikes Across Iran
WANA (Jul 23) – The U.S. Military Central Command (CENTCOM) announced early this morning that it has carried out a new series of strikes inside Iranian territory. Meanwhile, reports of explosions and missile strikes emerged from several regions in southern and southwestern Iran including Hormozgan, Khuzestan, and Bushehr provinces: Khuzestan Province: Provincial security […]
He highlighted as significant that during the initial days, U.S. forces attacked routes leading to Mashhad, and recently targeted a passage known to be used for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, asserting that these actions demonstrate hostility toward values held sacred by Iran. He added that attacking such infrastructure amounts to committing war crimes.
Cease-fire Speculation and Oman-Led Discussions
Addressing reports regarding a ten-day cease-fire, Baghaei urged media speculation to be ignored, reiterating that there are currently no negotiations taking place with the United States. He clarified that the only ongoing talks are with Oman, which focus specifically on establishing the necessary arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
Bilateral Relations with China and Regional Stability
Regarding the meeting between Foreign Minister Araghchi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Kyrgyzstan, Baghaei noted that the meeting took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit. He described China as a strategic partner of Iran, an influential member of the SCO and BRICS, and a permanent member of the UN Security Council.
He stated that bilateral relations are continuously expanding, noting that Iran and China share mutual interests as well as common concerns. Baghaei added that China, like Iran, is concerned about regional and global peace and security, with both nations troubled by ongoing unilateralism. He noted that discussions during the meeting focused on coordination between the two countries at various levels.
UK Designates IRGC as a “Terrorist” Organization
WANA (Jul 13) – The UK government has taken a hostile step against the Islamic Republic of Iran by placing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on its alleged list of “terrorist” organizations, in line with policies pursued by the United States. The British government officially designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as […]
Condemnation of the U.K. Action Against the IRGC
On the recent action taken by the United Kingdom regarding the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the senior diplomat noted that British authorities had designated the IRGC as a national security threat under legislation passed in 2023.
He condemned applying such labels to an official state institution that serves as an integral part of Iran’s armed forces—a body that defends Iran and has protected the region against ISIS terrorism—calling it a hostile act contrary to international law and entirely unacceptable.
He stated that the British move was a political action lacking any legal or international basis, stating that the responsibility for the consequences of such an unwarranted decision lies solely with the British side, and emphasizing that Iran will take the necessary measures to counter this illegal act by the U.K.
Netanyahu’s Washington Visit and the Trump-Zelensky Meeting
Regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s scheduled meeting with Donald Trump the following day, and the attack on the Iranian commercial vessel, the Foreign Ministry spokesman suggested that these actions could be interpreted as an attempt by the Ukrainian leadership to curry favor with their patrons.
He characterized the group as forming a “triangle of evil,” asserting that the formation of such alignments has never produced any beneficial effect for international peace and security and has consistently proven destructive.
A billboard depicting pictures of family members of U.S. President Donald Trump is displayed on a pedestrian bridge in Tehran, Iran, July 21, 2026. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Pretexts for U.S. Escalation in the Strait of Hormuz
Baghaei added that the pretext for the recent escalation of U.S. hostility was the incidents involving several vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that over recent months, various parties seeking to prevent further escalation had put forward proposals focusing on this issue; however, he emphasized that discussions held over the past few days have been conducted exclusively with Oman.
Bilateral Consultations with Oman on Maritime Traffic
Baghaei explained that Iran and Oman, as two littoral states, are working together to establish specific mechanisms regarding maritime traffic in the strait, confirming that these consultations remain ongoing.
Response to the PGCC and Jordan Statement
Regarding a question about the joint statement issued by the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) and Jordan against Iran, Baghaei stated that it was one of the ironies of the times that Iran had been labeled as the aggressor. He noted that the PGCC countries, by reducing themselves to being accomplices of the United States, needed to reconsider their overall approach.
Baghaei added that Jordan could not deny the fact that its territory had been utilized to launch aggression against Iran. He continued by stating that these countries must abandon political rhetoric, decide to halt such behavior, and prevent the United States from abusing their sovereign territory to carry out attacks against a neighboring nation.
Persian Gulf States and Jordan Issue Joint Anti-Iran Statement
WANA (Jul 23) – The Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) member states and Jordan have issued a joint statement leveling allegations against Iran, notably omitting any condemnation of recent U.S. and Israeli actions in the region. In the statement, Iran’s attacks on U.S. bases across the region were characterized as “a blatant aggression and […]
Addressing Domestic Criticisms of the Diplomacy Apparatus
Responding to a question concerning criticisms directed at the diplomatic apparatus, Baghaei pointed out that any decision regarding the use of diplomacy to secure national interests represented a sovereign decision and was the product of a consensus reached within high-level governing institutions.
He added that the enemy’s duplicity and malice should not cause domestic parties to blame one another. Explaining that the memorandum of understanding had been drafted based on the nation’s supreme interests and expediency, he asked where precisely the content of Article 5 of the memorandum conflicted with the directives issued to the Foreign Ministry.
The spokesman emphasized that because the United States chose to violate the memorandum, blame should not be turned inward. He reiterated that every negotiation and agreement inherently involves two or more participating sides.
