Islamabad Message Exchange Ongoing; Pakistan Envoy Expected in Tehran
WANA (Apr 15) – Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced on Wednesday that messaging between Iran and the United States via Pakistani mediators has continued daily since the Iranian delegation’s return from Islamabad on Sunday.
During his weekly press briefing, Baghaei noted that a high-level Pakistani delegation is “highly likely” to arrive in Tehran today to provide a detailed briefing on discussions held with the American side and to further align regional perspectives.
Nuclear Rights and “Bad Faith” Allegations
Addressing recent accusations from Donald Trump and his administration regarding Iran’s nuclear program, Baghaei dismissed claims that Tehran is seeking a weapon as “ill-intentioned” and “baseless.”
“I truly do not know in what other language to state Iran’s position,” Baghaei said. “The insistence of U.S. officials to pretend they are unaware of our stance is a sign of bad faith. Iran’s nuclear program has never been for anything other than peaceful purposes.”
The spokesman emphasized that Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy is non-negotiable and inherent to its membership in the NPT. Regarding rumors of a “halt to enrichment,” he clarified:
- No agreement exists on specific details until a comprehensive “macro-framework” is finalized.
- While the right to enrich based on national needs is a red line, the “level and type” of enrichment remains a subject for diplomatic discussion.
Ceasefire and Resistance in Lebanon
Baghaei strongly rejected claims that Iran has neglected its regional allies during negotiations. He reaffirmed that a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon remains a core component of the ongoing ceasefire discussions.
“Iran has not retreated from its commitments to the legitimate resistance in Lebanon,” he stated, adding that this was a priority in Islamabad.
Security of the Strait of Hormuz
Responding to reports of European interest in direct talks over maritime security, the spokesman asserted that Iran has served as the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz for decades.
“The only reason safety in this waterway was compromised over the past 40 days was the ‘imposed war’ by the U.S. and Israel,” Baghaei remarked. He argued that regional security is best handled by littoral states, provided “American interference” ends.
Tribute to Seyed Kamal Kharrazi
At the start of the session, the spokesman offered condolences for the “martyrdom” of Seyed Kamal Kharrazi, Iran’s former foreign minister, describing the incident as a clear indicator of Washington’s “hostility toward peace, diplomacy, and logic.”
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On Trump and the Supreme Leader
Regarding Donald Trump’s recent offensive remarks about the Pope, Baghaei drew a parallel to American actions against Iran. He described the “cowardly assassination attempt” on Iran’s Supreme Leader—a major religious authority—as a “stain on the U.S. record that will never be forgotten.”
Baghaei defended the religious leader’s stance against “unjust war” targeting Iran. He found it “meaningful” that U.S. officials seemingly could not tolerate the humanitarian appeals of a high-ranking religious authority.
Regarding rumors of a ceasefire extension, the spokesperson remained non-committal, stating that current speculations cannot be confirmed. “It is the United States,” he concluded, “that must prove its seriousness.”
Vigilance Amid Peace Talks
Responding to reports from the Russian Security Council suggesting that the U.S. and Israel might use peace talks as a “smokescreen” for renewed aggression, Baghaei emphasized that Iran’s military readiness remains absolute.
“Whenever we enter a diplomatic process, our defenders and armed forces monitor developments even more vigilantly than during active warfare,” Baghaei stated. “Our readiness against betrayal or aggression by the opposing parties is a 24-hour, permanent commitment.”
He noted that Iran must learn from historical precedents—referencing past conflicts—to maintain a state of total preparedness.
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Condemning Threats Against Diplomats
Baghaei reacted sharply to a Washington Post report regarding alleged assassination plots against Iranian negotiators. He called on the international community to take action against those inciting violence.
Legal Recourse: He argued that those encouraging the murder of diplomats should be tried in an impartial court.
Civilizational Standards: “Targeting diplomats is contrary to international law and the moral and human standards of modern civilization,” he said.
Regional Security and “Naval Blockades”
The spokesperson dismissed threats of a U.S. naval blockade against Iran, asserting that “Iran cannot be blockaded.” He characterized U.S. maritime movements as provocative and legally baseless, warning that Iranian armed forces would respond whenever necessary.
Regarding regional cooperation, Baghaei delivered a firm message to neighboring countries:
Sovereignty: Countries in the region must not allow their territory or airspace to be used by the U.S. or the “Zionist regime” for acts of aggression.
Accountability: Any nation providing logistical support or territory to aggressors will be held legally responsible for “complicity in aggression.”
Documentation: Baghaei confirmed that Iran is documenting all instances of foreign territory being misused for strikes against Iran and will pursue these violations seriously.
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Rejection of U.S. Preconditions
Addressing the conditions reportedly set by U.S. Vice President JD Vance during the Islamabad talks, Baghaei struck a defiant tone, emphasizing that Iran’s national interests and legal rights are non-negotiable.
“We do not enter negotiations to accept conditions set by the American side,” Baghaei asserted. “The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iranian nation will never accept such dictates. Our criteria are the interests and rights of our people.”
He clarified that while the U.S. presented its package in Islamabad, Iran countered with its own 10-point proposal, noting that it is “natural” for both sides to exchange views, but “unacceptable” to expect Iran to simply sign off on a U.S.-drafted plan.
The Islamabad Diplomatic Track
Baghaei confirmed that while various nations are in dialogue with both Tehran and Washington, Pakistan currently serves as the sole intermediary for the formal exchange of messages.
Nuclear and Sanctions: Baghaei described the U.S. counter-proposals regarding Iran’s 10-point plan as “unreasonable and unrealistic.” He noted that the U.S. remains focused on a “one-sided” nuclear agenda.
Compensation: Iran’s proposal includes detailed demands regarding the lifting of sanctions and the compensation of damages incurred by the Iranian people.
Skepticism of U.S. Rhetoric: Regarding American mentions of economic cooperation, Baghaei remarked, “One may hear terms like ‘economic interaction’ in the vocabulary of U.S. officials, but these claims cannot be believed.”
Strategic Cooperation with Russia
When questioned about potential cooperation with Russia regarding uranium dilution and transport, Baghaei praised the “successful history” of nuclear collaboration between the two nations.
“Russia played a significant role in the implementation of the JCPOA. Russian officials have repeatedly expressed their readiness to assist in advancing a diplomatic process regarding Iran’s nuclear program, and we have always appreciated this positive outlook,” he stated.
He added that specific implementation details, such as the handling of nuclear material, can only be discussed once a comprehensive agreement with the U.S. is reached.
Frozen Assets and the Central Bank’s Role
Baghaei addressed the status of Iran’s frozen assets, clarifying that their release is a “right,” not a “concession.”
Unfinished Business: While the issue was raised in Islamabad, no final conclusion was reached.
Technical Presence: He explained that the Governor of the Central Bank attended the talks to ensure that all necessary expert consultations were available to the head of the negotiating team.
Protection of Iranian Citizens in the UAE
The spokesperson expressed deep concern over the treatment of Iranian nationals living in the United Arab Emirates, stating that the Consular Department is strictly monitoring cases where the rights or property of Iranians have been violated.
“The fire that was lit against Iran—and which regional countries, especially the UAE, unfortunately became involved in—must not become an excuse to violate the rights of Iranian citizens,” Baghaei warned.
He reminded regional neighbors that Iranian nationals have played a significant role in the development and growth of countries like the UAE, and emphasized that Iran will pursue the protection of their rights with the utmost seriousness.
