Talks with the IAEA Have Been Positive / Ongoing Contacts with Europe
WANA (Sep 08) – Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, outlined the country’s key foreign policy positions during his weekly press briefing.
Referring to developments in Gaza, he stressed: “The Islamic world and global public opinion demand an end to the crimes of the Zionist regime and the prosecution of its perpetrators.”
Baghaei also announced that three consignments of aid from the Iranian Red Crescent had been sent to earthquake victims in Afghanistan, and expressed condolences to the government and people of Pakistan over the recent floods.
Iran Sends 100 Tons of Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan. Social media/ WANA News Agency
Engagement with the IAEA
On the latest report by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the spokesperson said: “We have reviewed the report and will convey our positions in the form of a note to the Agency and the Board of Governors.” He added: “The IAEA has come to understand that Iran’s safeguards obligations cannot be implemented in the same way as before. Three rounds of talks have been held in Tehran and Vienna. We have not yet reached a final conclusion, but the process has been positive.”
Baghaei also addressed the issue of inspector access, describing the transfer of documents from the Fordow facility to Vienna as “contrary to protocol,” and stated that Iran’s decision to block the re-entry of certain inspectors was “fully justifiable.”
Grossi: Access Limited to Bushehr
WANA (Sep 07) – The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that inspectors have only had access to the Bushehr nuclear power plant, and there is no evidence of Iran resuming nuclear activities in the near future. Grossi also warned about the damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear facilities by U.S. and […]
Europe and the Snapback Mechanism
Regarding Foreign Minister Abdollahian’s meeting with Josep Borrell in Doha, Baghaei described the talks as “useful,” noting: “Ideas were exchanged, and we hope Europe will reconsider its approach.” He confirmed that Iran maintains continuous contacts with Europe and that the proposals raised are under review.
Regional Developments and Diplomatic Visits
Responding to a question about a possible visit by the Foreign Minister to Egypt, Baghaei said: “Visits to regional countries are part of the Islamic Republic’s policy to strengthen cooperation. Such trips will take place if agreed upon by both sides.” He also noted plans for a visit to Tunisia.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi with his Egyptian counterpart during a joint press conference on June 02, 2025. Social media/ WANA News Agency
The Case of Amir Mousavi
On reports of Amir Mousavi’s disappearance in Egypt, the spokesperson clarified: “He is not a diplomat. He previously served as Iran’s cultural attaché. According to our information, he entered Egypt with an Iraqi passport, and the matter is being followed up.”
Amir Mousavi, Former Cultural Attaché of Iran. Social media / WANA News Agency
President’s Presence at the UN
Baghaei confirmed that Iran’s President will travel to New York to attend the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, saying: “The Foreign Ministry is making the necessary arrangements. Given recent developments, especially the genocide in Palestine, it is expected that this issue will be at the forefront of the international community’s agenda.”
U.S. Restrictions on Iran in New York
In response to a question about the restrictions imposed by the United States on the Iranian delegation attending the UN General Assembly, Baghaei stressed: “These measures are in violation of international law, and the U.S. government has no right to impose such limitations. Similar restrictions have existed in previous years, and Iran’s objections have been conveyed through official mechanisms.” He added that the purpose of these restrictions is to limit the rights of countries to participate equally and effectively in international forums.
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WANA (Sep 07) – The Deputy Chief of Protocol at the Iranian Presidency criticized the U.S. government’s reported plan to impose restrictions on the Iranian delegation attending the United Nations General Assembly, calling the move “illegal” and stressing that Washington has no right to prevent member states from participating in the annual gathering. According […]
Israel and Weapons of Mass Destruction
Commenting on Israel’s possession of weapons of mass destruction, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “Israel is not a party to the NPT and has become a serious obstacle to the establishment of a WMD-free zone. Its foundations rest on terror and usurpation, making it an immediate threat to regional and global peace and security.” He further emphasized that all responsible countries in the region demand Israel’s accession to international treaties and accountability regarding its WMDs.
The NPT and Iran’s Nuclear Policy
Baghaei stated: “Iran is a member of the NPT and remains committed to it. Any discussions about withdrawal from the NPT are matters that must be decided by the country’s governing system.”
Lebanon and the Issue of Resistance Arms
Regarding the Lebanese government’s decision on the weapons of the resistance, he said: “The Lebanese society and its institutions must make the best decision for the country’s security. Considering Israel’s behavior and the unilateral actions of the United States, self-defense and the protection of nations are inherent rights.”
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WANA (Aug 12) – In recent days, following official Iranian support for the weapons of the Resistance and opposition to their disarmament in favor of the Israeli regime, Takfiri militants, and local collaborators, Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, Yousef Rajeh, issued statements far removed from reality, diplomatic etiquette, and the dignity of his office—an ill-considered reaction to […]
The President’s Trip and Sanctions
On the President’s recent visit to China, the spokesperson explained: “During this trip, consultations were held on U.S. attempts to reinstate UN Security Council sanctions against Iran, and the matter was also discussed with Russian and Chinese counterparts.”
Follow-up on the Case of Imam Musa Sadr
In response to a BBC report claiming the possible identification of Imam Musa Sadr’s body in Libya, Baghaei said: “Imam Musa Sadr was an influential figure in the Islamic world and internationally. His disappearance in 1979 constitutes a case of enforced disappearance, and Iran continues to pursue the case through bilateral mechanisms and talks with Libyan authorities. The evidence presented so far has been mostly speculative, and no credible proof has been provided.”
Imam Musa al-Sadr
U.S. Admission of Its War-Driven Nature
Baghaei , reacting to the renaming of the U.S. Department of Defense, said: “They have honestly admitted to an existing reality.” He explained that this institution has always been engaged in designing and waging wars against other countries, with nothing resembling genuine “defense” in its record.
Return of Sanctions and the Snapback Mechanism
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson stressed regarding the possible return of UN Security Council sanctions: “The reimposition of sanctions is illegal, unjust, and harmful.” He added that Iran is consulting with China, Russia, and neighboring countries, and has made the necessary preparations to manage the situation if sanctions return, ensuring the country can endure with minimal damage.
Araghchi: Europe Must Change Its Destructive Course
WANA (Sep 07) – Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, strongly criticized the recent move by the three European countries—Britain, France, and Germany—to trigger the UN snapback mechanism against Iran. Writing in an op-ed for The Guardian, he described the decision as “legally baseless” and “counterproductive,” warning that it […]
Europe’s Conditions and Western Evasion of Responsibility
Baghaei described Europe’s conditions for negotiations with Iran as “illogical” and said: “European countries should fulfill their commitments instead of setting conditions.” He also characterized Europe’s stance during U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran as “irresponsible.”
Ban on Negotiations Over Defensive Capabilities
In response to speculation about talks with the U.S., the Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized: “Under no circumstances will we negotiate over the country’s defensive capabilities and capacities.” He added that the Iranian people will not allow defensive tools essential to independence and security to become a subject of negotiations.
“Eghtedar Paydar 2025” (dubbed in English Sustainable Authority) naval missile drill of the Islamic Republic of Iran Navy. Source: Iran Army PR/ WANA News Agency
Support for Venezuela
Baghaei , commenting on U.S. pressure against Venezuela, said: “Iran’s declaration of support for Venezuela is based on international law and on recognizing the dangers of unilateralism and bullying.” He stressed that relations between the two countries are longstanding, rooted in common interests, and will continue.
Israel’s Conference on Ethnic Minorities
Regarding Israel’s conference on ethnic minorities in the region, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “This is like asking Jeffrey Epstein to comment on victims of human trafficking.” He added that Israel harbors no goodwill toward the region, and its attacks in recent years on neighboring countries’ infrastructure confirm this reality.
Iran, China, and Russia Aligned at the Security Council
Baghaei , speaking on China and Russia’s efforts to prevent activation of the snapback mechanism, said: “Both countries believe the three European states lack legal authority to reimpose sanctions on Iran.” He added that a joint letter by the foreign ministers of Iran, China, and Russia made this position clear, and that many Security Council members have expressed dissatisfaction with Europe’s approach.
The Foreign Ministers of Iran, China, and Russia. Social Media / WANA News Agency
UK’s Accusations Against Iran
In reaction to the UK’s recent accusations, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “All these accusations are baseless and have no foundation.” He recalled that this stance is part of London’s traditional policy of aligning with Washington to pressure Iran, and that public opinion is well aware of the UK’s record of interventionist behavior.
U.S. Revokes Visas for Palestinian Officials
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson commented on the U.S. decision to revoke visas for officials of the Palestinian Authority to attend the UN General Assembly, saying: “This move is in violation of America’s commitments under the UN Headquarters Agreement.”
He recalled a similar case in 1988, when the U.S. blocked the Palestine Liberation Organization from attending a UN meeting, forcing the session to be held in Geneva instead. According to him, this precedent highlights the responsibility of the host country to ensure participation of all states in UN meetings.
Baqaei added: “This latest measure not only breaches international obligations, but also reflects Washington’s dangerous policy of collusion with Israel to remove the Palestinian issue from the UN agenda — a move that in fact seeks to erase the identity and rights of the Palestinian people.”
Music and Cultural Diplomacy Between Iran and Armenia
In response to a question about the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at Persepolis, the spokesperson said: “The aim of this initiative is to use art and culture to strengthen relations between the peoples of Iran and Armenia, and this will not be limited to a single event.”
He pointed to a series of recent cultural collaborations, including Russia’s cultural week in Tehran featuring a Russian orchestra, as well as the Iranian Symphony Orchestra’s performance in Yerevan. Baqaei also outlined upcoming programs: “The Iran-Tajikistan Cultural Week in autumn, and joint Iran-Turkey events in 2025, which has been designated as Turkey’s cultural year.”
He stressed that such cultural and artistic exchanges create a platform for strengthening people-to-people ties and will continue in the future.
