WANA (Apr 21) – The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced the Foreign Minister’s upcoming trip to China on Tuesday and, referring to the indirect negotiations with the United States, emphasized that “our main demand in any negotiation is the removal of the illegal and oppressive sanctions imposed on Iran.”

 

Esmail Baghaei, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that the past week was filled with diplomatic developments. “We had the Foreign Minister’s visit to Russia, and there was also a meeting with the Italian Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the indirect Iran-U.S. talks. Tomorrow, the Foreign Minister will head to China,” he added.

 

In response to media speculation about the second round of indirect negotiations with the U.S.—particularly claims that Iran had proposed involving other countries in its nuclear program—Baghaei said, “We do not confirm the details circulating in the media; these are merely speculations. It is not intended that details of the talks be discussed publicly, and we do not confirm any of what has been reported. We are still at the beginning of a long road.”

 

Sanctions Relief Must Have Tangible and Effective Outcomes

Addressing Iran’s demand for guarantees regarding sanctions relief, Baghaei stated: “The sanctions imposed on Iran are all unjust, illegal, and oppressive. We make no distinction between the sanctions imposed under various pretexts. Our essential demand in all negotiations is for these sanctions to be lifted in a way that leads to tangible and effective outcomes.”

 

He added that Iran must be able to engage in normal economic, commercial, and banking activities, and there must be guarantees that negative past experiences are not repeated. “Guarantees are about ensuring that if the negotiations reach a conclusion, the outcome will be durable and the other parties will fulfill their commitments seriously,” he said.

 

Holding the Second Round Outside Muscat Was Oman’s Proposal

When asked about the venue of the negotiations—amid reports that expert-level talks might be held in Geneva—Baghaei responded: “Oman, as the mediator and host, has played a very important role in these negotiations, and we appreciate their professional efforts.” He confirmed that the idea to hold the second round outside of Muscat was proposed by Oman, and Iran did not object out of respect. The location was determined by mutual agreement between Oman, Iran, and the United States.

 

“Naturally, holding talks in another country requires different logistical arrangements. The Italian government hosted the talks very well, and we are grateful to them as well,” he added.

 

Baghaei announced that the next round of negotiations will take place in Muscat, including both expert-level and senior-level meetings, scheduled for Saturday.

Iran Expo: The Key Event for Economic Diplomacy

Regarding the seventh edition of Iran Expo, Baghaei described it as “the most important event in Iran’s economic diplomacy,” to be held from April 27 to May 1. He noted significant qualitative and quantitative improvements in this year’s edition, thanks to cooperation between the Foreign Ministry, the Trade Promotion Organization, the Ministry of Industry, and other economic entities.

 

He stated: “Over 100 countries—both private and state-owned entities—are expected to participate. Around the same time, an Iran-Africa economic conference will also take place, with representatives from approximately 40 African countries already confirming their participation, including over 30 senior officials such as ministers and deputy ministers.”

 

Talks in Muscat and Rome Focused on General Frameworks

Asked whether topics beyond nuclear and sanctions were raised by the U.S. in the second round of negotiations, Baghaei reiterated: “Lifting sanctions remains our core demand. We believe—and it is a fact—that the sanctions imposed under the pretext of Iran’s nuclear program have no legal basis.”

 

He noted Iran’s consistent policy over the past three decades of voluntarily taking transparency-enhancing steps to build confidence. “In the upcoming expert-level meeting, we will likely delve further into each side’s positions within the agreed frameworks. So far, the focus has been on overarching principles,” he added.

 

Iran Took the Initiative in Briefing Other Countries on the Talks

Regarding the coinciding timing of the Saudi Defense Minister’s visit to Iran and the Iran-U.S. talks in Rome, Baghaei said: “The visit had been planned in advance and simply happened to coincide with the negotiations. It reflects the success of Iran’s neighborhood policy and our belief that regional countries must work together for Gulf and West Asia’s stability.”

 

He emphasized that Iran has actively engaged with neighboring countries to update them on the negotiation process.

Iran Stresses the Importance of Syria’s Unity and Security

Finally, responding to a question about the Iraqi Prime Minister’s visit to Doha and a meeting with Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Baghaei said: “That’s a matter between Iraq and its neighboring countries. However, we stress the need to preserve Syria’s unity and security, and to form a government that represents all segments of Syrian society. Syria’s stability is directly linked to regional stability and must not become a haven for terrorism and extremism.”

 

Iran Remains in Constant Contact with the European Troika as JCPOA Members

The spokesperson of Iran’s Foreign Ministry stated that consultations with other JCPOA members, particularly China and Russia, are ongoing. “China and Russia are not only key members of the UN Security Council, but also important friends and partners of the Islamic Republic of Iran who have always been informed about the developments surrounding our nuclear issue. From the beginning of these talks, as I previously mentioned, Russia, China, and also regional countries were kept in the loop. We have also remained in contact with the European trio — the UK, France, and Germany — and consulted with them. We will continue these discussions in the context of the Muscat process because, as I have said before, Resolution 2231 is still in effect, the JCPOA still exists, and the countries I named remain legal stakeholders in this agreement. We believe continuing these consultations is necessary for the process to proceed smoothly.”

 

Trigger Mechanism Threats Are Not Constructive

In response to a question about the pace of negotiations and the repeated threats by the European Troika to trigger the snapback mechanism, Baghaei said: “We are serious about lifting the unlawful sanctions imposed on the Iranian people. We will not delay this effort by even a day. For us, speed is critical, but it also depends on the other side. Referring to the so-called ‘snapback mechanism’ by European countries is not at all constructive. They must decide whether they want to play a constructive role and restore their credibility, or act as a disruptive force. Europe once played a significant role in shaping the JCPOA and had a positive experience in contributing to the process. Throughout this time, we have kept them informed of the developments and hope they will reciprocate Iran’s goodwill by helping advance the current efforts.”

 

Iran Invites Kuwait to Negotiations over the Arash Gas Field

Regarding Kuwait’s renewed claims about the Arash gas field, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “Reiterating a claim through media does not create any rights for any state. Repeatedly expressing unilateral positions on an issue that must be resolved through negotiations holds no legal value. We have stated that the Arash joint oil field should be discussed with due regard to the historical and customary rights of both parties — in this case, the Islamic Republic of Iran. Once again, I invite our friends in Kuwait to respond positively to Iran’s invitation for negotiations so that this joint field becomes a source of understanding and friendship between the two nations.”

 

Iranian Expert Delegation for Wednesday Talks Not Finalized Yet

Asked whether Iran’s expert delegation has been determined for the upcoming Wednesday session, Baghaei said: “The composition of our expert team will be finalized based on the progress of negotiations and the specific issues being addressed — namely the nuclear file and sanctions relief. We are currently assessing various aspects and will make decisions based on the understandings reached in the two previous rounds in Muscat and Rome. The matter is still under consideration.”

 

Araghchi Invited to Speak at Nuclear Policy Conference in Washington

Responding to a question about Iran’s participation in the upcoming Carnegie-hosted International Nuclear Policy Conference in Washington, the spokesperson said: “Mr. Araghchi has been invited to the event. I believe the session is scheduled for around 4–5 PM Iran time. We hope his schedule allows for virtual participation and a speech at the conference.”

 

President to Visit Azerbaijan in Early May

Baghaei announced that Iran’s President will visit Azerbaijan in the first week of May. “This visit is important for enhancing bilateral relations and will provide an opportunity to discuss a range of issues related to the development of ties between the two countries,” he said.

 

Condolences on the Death of the Pope

In response to reports about the Pope’s passing, the spokesperson said: “We extend our condolences to all Christians around the world, all monotheists, and followers of divine religions. May God grant him peace.”

Golan Is Part of Syria – This Legal Principle Will Not Change

Commenting on the Israeli military’s occupation of large parts of Syria’s Golan Heights, the spokesperson said: “This is a serious and real concern. Given Israel’s history of occupation and aggression against its neighbors, the issue must be taken seriously. The ongoing occupation of about 370 square kilometers of Syrian territory is completely unjustifiable and constitutes a blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter. The UN Security Council should have acted to stop this aggression as soon as it occurred. According to UN resolutions, the Golan remains Syrian territory, and the passage of time will not alter this legal reality. We expect regional countries, through organizations like the OIC, the Arab League, and other international platforms, to seriously engage with this issue and demand the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Syrian soil.”

 

IAEA Inspections of Iran’s Nuclear Program Continue

Asked about the IAEA’s role in Iran–U.S. talks, the spokesperson said: “The Agency acts in accordance with its statute and the treaties governing its relationship with Iran as a member state. Based on this framework and established procedures, IAEA inspections and monitoring activities continue.”

 

Baghaei also dismissed rumors of a meeting between Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister and the IAEA Director General in Rome. “That is completely untrue. The Director General traveled to Rome on his own initiative. There was no meeting or conversation with him there. Our last engagement with him was in Tehran, and there was no new development warranting further discussion.”

 

Iran and Iraq Share a Common Understanding on Counterterrorism

On the security agreement between Iran and Iraq, Baghaei said: “Our relationship with Iraq is friendly and based on good neighborliness. Both countries believe that terrorist activity could disrupt bilateral ties. This shared understanding has led to an agreement to confront terrorist groups. Following up on the implementation of this agreement remains a key issue on both sides’ diplomatic agenda. We continue to raise it with both the central Iraqi government and the Kurdish Regional Government, and we hope remaining obstacles will soon be resolved.”

 

U.S. Internal Conflict over Talks with Iran Is Historical Irony

When asked about opposition within the U.S., including from some Democrats, to indirect talks with Iran, Baghaei remarked: “It’s one of history’s ironies that a group who once championed and initiated negotiations has now turned into its staunchest critics. One prominent Democrat, with the help of sympathetic media, has recently made every effort to distort perceptions among U.S. decision-makers and disrupt the talks launched in Muscat and Rome.”

 

He added: “We are witnessing a strange alliance — a gathering of opposites — between certain Democratic figures and known war hawks, including Israel. Their aim seems to be to collectively sabotage the progress made in the recent diplomatic efforts. We are closely monitoring this, as are others, and we will find ways to counter these disruptive forces.”

 

U.S. Attacks on Yemen Violate International Law

He said regarding the renewed U.S. attacks on Yemen: “These attacks are against all principles and rules of international law and the UN Charter. They constitute a violation of the prohibition on the use of force against independent states.”

 

The Real Problem: Occupation and Massacres in Gaza and the West Bank

He added: “The real issue in our region is the occupation and killings in Gaza and the West Bank, and the Zionist regime’s aggressions against neighboring countries. The recent intensified attacks on Yemen’s vital infrastructure are nothing but collaboration in the Zionist regime’s aggression and expansionism, aimed at diverting attention from the main regional crisis: the genocide in Gaza and the West Bank.”

 

Condemning the Crimes and the Silence of Human Rights Advocates

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson, once again condemning these crimes, said: “Countries that claim to defend human rights have remained silent in the face of these atrocities. This silence normalizes and legitimizes violations of international law, and this trend will seriously harm the entire international community.”

 

We Have Charted Our Own Path, Free from Media Influence

In response to another question about the destructive role of certain actors—including the Zionist regime—in the indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States, the spokesperson said: “We have charted our path without adopting any mindset from any party and without being influenced by media attacks. We are determined to move forward in this process with goodwill and based on the supreme interests of the Iranian people.”

 

He continued, addressing the journalist: “What you mentioned is a fact. As I previously stated, a coalition is forming among groups that normally have little in common, aiming to undermine and disrupt a diplomacy-based process.”

Anti-Diplomacy and Warmongering Coalition Led by the Zionist Regime

Baqaei emphasized: “This movement can rightly be called anti-diplomacy and warmongering. At its core is the Zionist regime, which has always sought chaos, instability, and lawlessness in the region. Alongside it are various war-seeking groups and figures from different political factions within the United States.”

 

Facing the Situation Requires Will and Responsibility from Negotiating Parties

The senior Iranian diplomat stated: “Confronting this situation depends on the will and responsibility of the parties in charge of the negotiation process. As for us, we are firmly determined to advance on our path, without being influenced by any side or the narratives they try to impose.”

 

U.S. Sanctions and Tariffs Disrupt Global Trade Norms

In response to a Chinese journalist’s question about the heavy sanctions and tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on China, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “It seems that the maximum pressure policy is not only targeting Iran, but is being used against many other countries. This indicates a kind of addiction among American policymakers to intimidation and sanctions.”

 

He added: “This policy disrupts free trade and undermines friendly relations among nations. The sanctions against China are aimed at disrupting South-South cooperation and economic ties between China and developing countries.”

 

Baqaei concluded: “These actions are completely unacceptable and unjustifiable. They disrupt global trade and the rules governing free commerce between countries.”