WANA (Aug 11) – Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated Iran’s unwavering position in support of Lebanon’s territorial integrity and independence during a press conference on Monday (August 11). He stated: “We recognize Lebanon’s inherent right to defend itself against Israeli aggression. The exercise of this right is impossible without possessing military capability, and decisions in this regard fall entirely within Lebanon’s domestic authority.”

 

Condemnation of Attacks on Journalists in Gaza

At the start of the briefing, Baghaei recalled the anniversary of the attack on Iran’s consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif, which resulted in the deaths of diplomats and journalists, and described the recent attacks on journalists in Gaza as “a clear war crime.” Referring to the killing of at least 240 media workers in Palestine over the past two years, he read an excerpt from the will of Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif.

killing of the entire Al Jazeera media team in Gaza City . Social Media / WANA News Agency

Killing of the entire Al Jazeera media team in Gaza City . Social Media / WANA News Agency

Developments in the Caucasus and the Zangezur Corridor

In response to a question regarding the publication of the “Zangezur Corridor” agreement text, Baghaei said Iran remains in close contact with both Azerbaijan and Armenia, with high-level consultations with Armenian officials taking place today and tomorrow. He stressed the importance of preserving national sovereignty and international borders, and reiterated Iran’s opposition to the involvement of extra-regional powers.

 

Ongoing Talks with Europe

The spokesperson underlined that dialogue with European countries has not stopped. Following the Istanbul meeting, both sides are coordinating to set the time and venue for the next round of talks.

 

Israeli Plan to Occupy Gaza

Baghaei described the Israeli cabinet’s approved plan to occupy Gaza as “another step toward forced displacement and genocide,” calling for urgent international action to prevent it.

 

Visit of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary to Iraq

He noted that finalizing the security agreement with Iraq is one of the objectives of this trip, adding that Larijani will also meet Lebanese officials to discuss regional developments.

 

 

Iran’s Formal Accession to the Palermo Convention

According to Baghaei, Iran officially joined the Palermo Convention on August 6— an international treaty aimed at combating transnational organized crime.

 

Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia to Visit Tehran

Baghaei announced that Armenia’s deputy foreign minister will arrive in Tehran tomorrow, while the Armenian prime minister is meeting with Iran’s president today.

 

Meeting Between IAEA Deputy Director General and Iranian Officials

He said talks with the IAEA deputy director general will begin today, focusing on continued cooperation in light of recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

 

 

Reaction to U.S. Remarks on Attacks Against Nuclear Facilities

The spokesperson dismissed the U.S. Secretary of State’s claim of preventing a regional war as “a ridiculous excuse,” adding: “In the middle of negotiations, the U.S. sent Israel as its proxy to wage war against Iran, and it also participated in the attacks itself.”

 

Foreign Ministry’s Ongoing Cases

Baghaei listed three major cases under active follow-up by the ministry: the 1998 attack on Iran’s consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif, the 1982 abduction of four Iranian diplomats in Lebanon, and the 1980 assault on Iran’s embassy in London. He said Iran’s proposal to form a joint fact-finding committee with Lebanon to determine the fate of the abducted diplomats remains on the table.

 

Abduction of four Iranian diplomats in Lebanon—Messrs. Seyed Mohsen Mousavi, Ahmad Motevaselian, Kazem Akhavan, and Taqi Rastegar Moghaddam / WANA News Agency

Abduction of four Iranian diplomats in Lebanon—Messrs. Seyed Mohsen Mousavi, Ahmad Motevaselian, Kazem Akhavan, and Taqi Rastegar Moghaddam / WANA News Agency

Legal Action on U.S. and Israeli Military Aggression

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that since the onset of the attack, documentation and reporting to the United Nations have begun, and coordination with the Judiciary and the Presidential Legal Affairs Office is ongoing to file complaints with international bodies.

 

Trigger Mechanism Marginalizes Europe

According to him, Europe’s use of the “trigger mechanism” to pressure Iran reflects its lack of constructive engagement and only serves to weaken its position in the negotiation process.

 

Nuclear Talks Under the Supervision of the Supreme National Security Council

The Foreign Ministry remains responsible for the negotiations but operates based on decisions by the competent authorities and in coordination with the Supreme National Security Council.

 

 

Regional Consultations to Preserve Peace and Stability

The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council’s visit to Iraq and Lebanon aims to discuss the latest developments and strengthen stability in West Asia.

 

Zero Trust in the United States

The spokesperson said that even during negotiations there was no trust in the United States, and Washington’s involvement in the recent attack has eliminated even the minimal trust that existed.

 

No Interference in Other Leaders’ Meetings

He stressed that Iran does not intervene in meetings between other countries’ leaders and remains focused on its own bilateral and multilateral interests and consultations.

 

Iran–China Relations Independent of U.S. Pressure

He described U.S. sanctions targeting Tehran–Beijing relations as a violation of international law and said the two countries will continue their cooperation based on their mutual interests.

Egypt’s Role in Regional Consensus Against Attack on Iran

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that following Israel’s military aggression, Egypt played an important role in building regional consensus against the move, and that Tehran–Cairo contacts have continued steadily over the past year.

 

Diplomatic Relations with Egypt on a Path to Understanding

He stated that the two sides have reached the necessary understandings, but the final decision on fully restoring relations and exchanging ambassadors will be taken at the appropriate time by mutual agreement. For now, the two countries’ interests sections remain active.

 

Talks with the U.S. Through Intermediaries

Baqaei said communication with the United States takes place solely through intermediaries, the interests section, and certain countries for message exchanges, and that no decision has yet been made to start direct negotiations.