WANA (Jun 02) – Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated on Monday that any proposal from the United States that includes “radical and maximalist demands” or disregards Iran’s legitimate rights and interests will not be met with a positive response.

 

Addressing reporters during his weekly press conference, Baghaei clarified that receiving a draft proposal from Washington does not imply acceptance. “Exchanging texts is a normal part of negotiations,” he said, emphasizing that Iran had also submitted the first written proposal during indirect talks.

 

He referred to Foreign Minister Araghchi’s statement on Saturday, confirming that Iran has received the U.S. proposal and will respond based on the nation’s principles and rights.

 

Baghaei stressed that any acceptable document must reflect the outcomes of the five previous rounds of Iran-U.S. indirect negotiations and include Iran’s demands for continued uranium enrichment and the effective lifting of sanctions. “Any proposal that ignores these foundations will certainly be rejected,” he said.

 

IAEA Report Biased Under Western Pressure

Turning to the recent report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Baghaei accused certain Western countries of exerting political pressure on the Agency. “This report contains repetitive content and exaggerates technical issues,” he said. “It is clear to us that the document was shaped under the influence of specific countries, damaging the credibility of a scientific institution.”

 

He criticized the IAEA’s failure to mention Iran’s continued cooperation, including the ongoing work of 125 inspectors, while focusing instead on the revocation of a few inspector accreditations — an action taken within the framework of Iran’s comprehensive safeguards agreement.

 

Baghaei added that Iran will closely monitor the actions of influential countries within the IAEA and respond accordingly, stressing that while Tehran does not seek to disrupt cooperation, it will not hesitate to take necessary steps if provoked.

 

Past Resolutions Failed, and So Will This Approach

The spokesperson recalled that in November 2024, three European countries pushed through a resolution ignoring the progress made during the IAEA Director General’s visit to Tehran. “That resolution failed to achieve its goals, and Iran responded with reciprocal measures,” he said.

 

Baghaei warned that Western powers’ continued misuse of international institutions for political purposes is a failed strategy that has produced no results for over two decades.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, March 17, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Iran’s Regional Diplomacy in Full Swing

Baghaei noted that Foreign Minister Araghchi is currently in Cairo to meet with Egyptian officials and will travel to Lebanon on Tuesday for further consultations. He also reviewed recent diplomatic engagements, including President Pezeshkian’s trip to Oman, the First Vice President’s visit to Tajikistan, the Omani Foreign Minister’s recent visit to Tehran, and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s tour of Latin America for bilateral and multilateral discussions.

 

Palestine Must Remain a Global Priority

Addressing developments at the Human Rights Council, Baghaei expressed concern that the issue of Palestine, especially Agenda Item 7 concerning the occupied territories, has been increasingly sidelined. “No other humanitarian crisis in the world compares to what is happening in Gaza,” he said.

 

He criticized the Council’s failure to hold even a single emergency session on Gaza over the past two years, and condemned restrictions on UNRWA and the obstruction of humanitarian operations in the occupied territories.

 

Baghaei emphasized that the Palestinian issue must not be marginalized under any pretext. He said Iran’s diplomatic missions in Geneva and New York are working closely with Islamic and developing countries to ensure Palestine remains a priority on the global agenda.

 

An Iranian international law researcher , Helia Dotaqi / WANA News Agency

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Israel Is Using Nuclear Allegations to Control U.S. Foreign Policy

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Baghaei dismissed Western claims that Iran is seeking nuclear weapons, describing them as politically motivated and long-discredited. He noted that since 1984, Israeli officials have repeatedly claimed Iran was “six months away” from building a nuclear bomb — claims that have proven false for four decades. According to Baghaei, these accusations serve as a pretext for Israel to influence and dominate U.S. foreign policy in the region.

 

Baghaei accused Israel of exploiting the U.S. to ignite endless regional conflicts, asserting that such wars have served neither the interests of the region nor those of the American people, but only prolonged instability and confrontation.

 

U.S. Lacks Transparency on Sanctions Relief

On the ongoing indirect talks with the United States, Baghaei reiterated that Iran’s primary demand remains the complete lifting of sanctions. He emphasized that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful and fully verifiable, and that the real issue lies in U.S. reluctance to clarify how and when sanctions will be lifted.

 

Iran, he said, requires concrete assurances and a verifiable mechanism to ensure that past failures will not repeat themselves and that sanctions relief will translate into tangible economic outcomes, including in trade and banking.

 

Iran Ready for Cooperation with IAEA

Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s willingness to engage in transparent and confidence-building measures under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reinforcing Iran’s position that it has no intention of pursuing nuclear weapons.

 

Finland Spy Allegation Part of European Pressure Campaign

Responding to recent claims by Finland that Iran was conducting espionage activities on its soil, Baghaei called the accusation “strange and unfounded.” He said Iran has always maintained rational relations with Finland, and such charges have never been raised before. He described the move as part of a coordinated European effort to pressure Iran. The Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned Finland’s ambassador in Tehran to formally protest the claim and demand clarification.

 

New U.S. Sanctions Undermine Diplomatic Credibility

Commenting on a new proposal by U.S. lawmakers to make some sanctions against Iran permanent, Baghaei said such moves contradict Washington’s stated commitment to diplomacy. “We view each new sanctions package as a clear sign of a lack of seriousness on the part of the U.S. to pursue a genuine diplomatic path,” he stated, adding that Tehran does not distinguish between Congress and the administration when assessing American intentions.

 

Iran Warns of Reciprocal Action if E3 Activates Snapback

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Baghaei warned that any resort by European JCPOA parties to the “snapback mechanism” would trigger a reciprocal and proportionate response from Tehran. “Considering the actions of the other side, we have anticipated various scenarios. Should any of them occur, we will respond in accordance with the situation,” he said.

 

Baghaei emphasized that Iran has previously declared it possesses the means and options to respond to any “unconstructive mechanisms” employed by other parties.

Iran and the European Troika - WANA

FM’s Visit to Egypt

Speaking on the Foreign Minister’s trip to Egypt, Baghaei said the visit is part of Iran’s ongoing policy of strengthening relations with Islamic and regional nations. “Over the past year and a half, we’ve held high-level meetings with Egyptian counterparts, including at the presidential and ministerial level,” he noted.

 

He confirmed that the latest regional developments, particularly in occupied Palestine, are on the agenda of discussions with Egyptian officials. “We’ve kept regional states informed of our indirect talks with the U.S., and this issue will naturally be part of this visit’s discussions,” Baghaei added.

 

Middle East Nuclear-Free Zone Must Begin with Israeli Disarmament

Reiterating Iran’s longstanding position, Baghaei stated that the initiative for a WMD-free zone in West Asia was originally proposed by Iran in the 1970s, later joined by Egypt. “Today, both Iran and Egypt are recognized as founders of this idea,” he said.

 

He underscored that the only obstacle to realizing this goal is the Israeli regime, which continues to possess nuclear weapons. “If there is any genuine will to combat WMD proliferation, efforts must focus on Israeli disarmament,” Baghaei stressed, urging both regional countries and the international community to pressure Tel Aviv.

 

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No Concrete Shift in U.S. Sanctions Policy Observed

Addressing claims of halted U.S. sanctions, Baghaei said the lifting of sanctions remains a fundamental component of any potential understanding with Washington. “No agreement will take shape unless we receive clear assurances about the termination of sanctions that target the Iranian people—especially in areas like medicine and treatment,” he asserted.

 

Baghaei said the U.S. has not taken any meaningful steps beyond recycling sanctions ahead of each negotiation round. “These actions are transparent and no secret to anyone,” he said, stressing that Iran seeks real, observable changes in American behavior—none of which have materialized so far.

 

On future Iran-U.S. dialogue, he noted that decisions will depend on ongoing consultations and Oman’s mediation efforts.

 

Iranian Nation Will Not Bow to Threats or Pressure

“The Iranian nation is not one to surrender in the face of threats, intimidation, or pressure,” Baghaei declared. He criticized the dominant U.S. media and political establishment for suppressing rational voices that oppose conflict in the region. “Unfortunately, American policies over the past decades have consistently followed a path of confrontation,” he said.

 

He expressed hope that reason and fairness would eventually prevail in U.S. policy-making.

 

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Israel Exploiting IAEA Report to Fuel Iranophobia

Responding to recent threats and military drills by the Israeli regime, Baghaei called them “nothing new,” warning that any reckless Israeli action would face a decisive Iranian response.

 

He said Israel’s immediate reaction to the IAEA report was a clear case of “diversion,” accusing a regime with dozens of nuclear warheads and WMD stockpiles of using the report to justify ongoing Iranophobia. He pointed out that Israel continues its aggression in occupied Palestine and holds territory in two other countries, all while ignoring international disarmament treaties.

 

Baghaei stated that the report adds no value and only reaffirms Israel’s aggressive nature. He called on the IAEA and the UN Secretary-General to address repeated Israeli threats against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, citing IAEA Resolution 533, which deems such threats as violations of international peace and security.

 

Iran Dismisses Report of Meeting with IAEA Chief in Egypt

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denied reports in some Egyptian outlets regarding a trilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of Iran and Egypt with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. “Such a meeting cannot be confirmed. I have not heard of any encounter with the IAEA taking place in Egypt,” he said.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, May 5, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

US-Israel Discord Mainly Concerns Methods of Pressuring Iran

Responding to a question on how seriously Tehran views claims of disagreements between the U.S. and the Zionist regime regarding Iran, Baghaei said: “If there is any disagreement, it is mostly about how to exert pressure on the Iranian nation. There is no doubt that both sides — in words and in action — have sought to damage the interests of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

 

He added: “What is occasionally portrayed in the media as disagreement between the two countries soon proves to be a coordinated division of labor aimed at shaping media narratives against the Islamic Republic. We are fully aware of such coordination, which unfortunately has become common among many of our counterparts.”

 

Iran Committed to Professional Diplomacy

On the publication of negotiation details between Iran and the U.S. in Western media, Baghaei said: “We have acted in a fully professional manner. Whenever necessary, we have transparently informed our own media.”

 

“At the same time,” he continued, “we are aware that the other side uses media as a tool to influence public opinion and create psychological pressure. We have responded when necessary and beneficial, but we’ve also shown that we act as a responsible player committed to conducting diplomacy professionally.”

 

US and Certain Western States Complicit in Israeli Atrocities in Gaza

Addressing the recent massacre of civilians in Gaza by the Zionist regime during aid distribution, Baghaei said: “There is no doubt that what is taking place in occupied Palestine — especially in Gaza and the West Bank — implicates the U.S. and other countries supporting the Zionist regime as accomplices and partners in these crimes.”

 

Referring to the ban on UNRWA’s operations and the introduction of alternative aid groups, he said: “This was one of the clearest examples where it became evident that negative, if not malicious, intent lay behind this replacement.”

 

“What followed,” Baghaei said, “as many countries and international organizations had warned, clearly demonstrated the consequences of sidelining UNRWA. Its suspension has only accelerated the ongoing genocide. It is truly heartbreaking and tragic to see civilians gathering for basic necessities, or being deliberately gathered, and then attacked. This is a textbook case of the worst kind of war crime and crime against humanity.”

 

New Iranian Ambassador to Baku Selected

On the appointment of a new Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan, Baghaei said: “Our relations with Central Asian countries are very important and sensitive. Central Asia and the Caucasus, particularly the Republic of Azerbaijan, hold special significance for Iran.”

 

He confirmed that the administrative process for selecting the ambassador has been completed, and the chosen candidate — a seasoned and well-known diplomat with expertise in Eurasian affairs — will proceed through the necessary formalities. “Further details will be announced once the process is finalized,” he added.

 

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Iran Respects All Foreign Nationals Residing Legally in the Country

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei emphasized that Iran fully respects all foreign nationals who are legally present in the country. Addressing claims about the possible arrest of foreign citizens, Baghaei stated that those who have entered Iran legally and in accordance with national laws are entitled to their rights and will be treated respectfully.

 

He pointed out that recent concerns are rooted not in domestic actions, but in Iran’s criticism of certain European countries—particularly France—for their treatment of Iranian citizens.

 

“Iranians have been targeted, arrested, or prosecuted in Europe simply for expressing views on the genocide occurring in occupied Palestine,” Baghaei said. He cited the ongoing detention of Ms. Esfandiari in France, noting that her only known “offense” has been expressing support for Palestinians amid Israeli aggression in Gaza.

 

Iran Rejects False Choice Between Military Conflict and Unfavorable Agreement

Responding to a question about Iran’s stance if forced to choose between a military conflict and a deal that fails to meet its key demands—such as the lifting of sanctions and the continuation of enrichment—Baghaei firmly rejected the premise.

 

“We will never accept such a binary equation,” he said. “As an independent nation, with centuries of experience in defending its interests and dignity, the Islamic Republic knows well how to safeguard its rights through effective and decisive means.”

 

He added that Iran retains a range of serious and efficient options, which it will employ as necessary in response to evolving developments.

 

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Iran Condemns European Misuse of IAEA Mechanisms

Baghaei also criticized the actions of the three European parties to the JCPOA, accusing them of misusing their positions within the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). “Any member state can request a resolution, but such actions must be based on logic and principles. What we have seen recently is a clear case of misuse,” he said.

 

He referred to the visit of IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to Tehran, which resulted in what both sides described as a positive understanding. However, immediately upon Grossi’s return to Vienna, the European parties began drafting a resolution against Iran, contradicting earlier commitments and exacerbating tensions.

 

Baghaei labeled the move as “provocative and counterproductive,” warning that Iran would not remain passive in the face of such developments. He said turning Iran’s peaceful nuclear file into a subject for the IAEA Board of Governors or the UN Security Council is a continuation of the European abuse of UN mechanisms, a process that began in 2005–2006 to falsely present Iran as a violator.

 

ECO Summit in Tehran

The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, referring to the upcoming meeting of ECO Ministers of Roads and Urban Development in Tehran, said: “This summit is significant in many aspects; both as an opportunity to examine the level of multilateral cooperation among ECO member states and to assess the opportunities and challenges in road and transport connectivity between these countries.”

 

Baghaei stated that one of the main agenda items is exploring mechanisms for exchanges. “Proposals have been made to determine how we can facilitate and accelerate travel, commercial exchanges, and transportation among ECO members, to prevent future issues and challenges,” he said.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaee, attends a press conference in Tehran

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei attends a press conference in Tehran, Iran, April 7, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Multiple Layers of War Crimes in Gaza

Speaking about the continued killing of civilians in Gaza by the Israeli regime, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “It is heartbreaking that every week we must announce new death tolls in Gaza. This reflects a normalization of atrocities that conceals the scale and depth of the disaster.”

 

Baghaei added: “One of the sacred elements in human civilization, international norms, and laws is medical centers and healthcare workers, which must always remain protected. However, for the past two years, they have been targets of the Zionist regime’s attacks. In massive bombings, hospitals — the only places that can help the wounded — are deliberately bombed to ensure genocide and deprive people of the chance to survive. This constitutes war crimes and is part of a genocide. We are witnessing multilayered war crimes in Gaza.”

 

“These actions further burden the responsibility of the UN Secretary-General, the United Nations, and the International Criminal Court to take serious action in prosecuting the criminals,” he stated.

 

Parliamentary Diplomacy Supports National Foreign Policy

Regarding the Iranian Parliament Speaker’s trip to Latin America, Baghaei said: “Iran has always valued parliamentary capacities and meetings between parliaments. We believe parliamentary diplomacy contributes to the advancement of the country’s broader diplomacy.”

 

He continued: “BRICS is rapidly becoming a multifaceted and influential international institution active in various fields, including parliamentary cooperation. This is the 11th meeting of the BRICS parliaments — an opportunity for discussions on global developments and bilateral talks. Iran enjoys good bilateral relations with both Cuba and Venezuela, and also at the level of multilateral bodies and the United Nations.”

 

Iran-Egypt Relations Progressing Steadily

Regarding the Foreign Minister’s upcoming visit to Egypt, Baghaei said: “Naturally, bilateral issues are on the agenda. Iran and Egypt, as two civilizational countries in the region and the Islamic world, share common positions on many regional and international issues, with Palestine being one of them.”

 

He emphasized that the process of restoring relations is continuing “steadily and consistently,” expressing hope that with further consultations between officials, positive outcomes will follow. “During the visit, the Foreign Minister will meet both his Egyptian counterpart and the President of Egypt.”

 

No Idea Can Replace Domestic Enrichment

On the idea of establishing a nuclear fuel consortium, Baghaei said: “This is not a new idea — it has been discussed for decades and recently appeared again in the media. So it’s not surprising to hear it from negotiating parties.”

 

“What matters,” he added, “is that the consortium idea can in no way replace domestic enrichment in Iran. If parties propose a joint initiative to supply fuel for reactors, Iran would welcome it.”

 

He stressed, “Many regional countries are seeking to develop nuclear power plants. Iran supports this and is ready to cooperate. But our firm position is that no such initiative can substitute for enrichment within Iran.”

 

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IAEA Report Politically Driven and Unconstructive

Regarding the impact of the IAEA Director General’s report on negotiations, Baghaei said: “It depends on the intentions of the other parties. The report itself was produced under pressure from European members and other Board of Governors members. It is essentially a political and unconstructive move.”

 

He warned: “If this report is used politically in the next steps, it will face a reaction from Iran.”

 

Unfounded Accusations at European Defense Ministers Meeting

On allegations raised against Iran at a European defense ministers meeting, Baghaei said: “These are not new claims. Accusations of Iranian involvement in the Ukraine conflict began months after it started. Iran has clearly denied them, and there is no evidence proving Iran’s participation.”

 

“If the basis of these accusations is simply Iran’s good relations with Russia, that is fundamentally illogical,” he said. “Iran maintains good relations with many countries, and its ties with Russia have strengthened after the signing of a strategic treaty.”

 

He emphasized: “This relationship is shaped based on mutual interests of the two nations and will continue, without being directed against any third party.”