U.S. Has No Right to Comment on Iran’s Defensive Capabilities
WANA (Sep 17) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei has called on European countries to demonstrate independence in their approach to Iran’s nuclear issue and welcomed Iraq’s proposal to host a meeting between Iran and Gulf Arab states. He also stated that America has no right to comment on the defensive capabilities of a nation determined to protect its independence at any cost.
Speaking at his weekly press briefing on Wednesday, Baghaei addressed a range of domestic, regional, and international developments
Baghaei: U.S. Is Complicit in Israel’s Genocide in Gaza
Referring to the ongoing war in Gaza, Baghaei stated, “What is happening in Palestine is a clear case of genocide.” He pointed to renewed Israeli ground attacks on Gaza coinciding with the recent visit of the U.S. Secretary of State to the occupied territories, resulting in the destruction of residential buildings and the killing of civilians.
He added, “These crimes are being committed under the watch of the United States. The genocide in Gaza is taking place with the direct collaboration of the U.S., and this fact is not hidden from the people of the region and the world.”
The U.S.–Israel Project for a New Regional Order and Iran’s Position in the Equation
WANA (Sep 13) – The recent events in the Middle East show that the crisis goes far beyond a temporary military clash. Israel and the United States, through overt or covert cooperation, are pursuing a project to redefine the region’s political and security map—a project designed to alter the status of states and re-engineer the […]
Recalling the Pager Attack Anniversary
Marking the anniversary of the so-called “Pager Incident,” Baghaei described it as an “unprecedented act of terrorism” allegedly orchestrated by Israel using civilian communication tools. He said the attack resulted in hundreds of deaths and injuries, including women and children.
Among the victims was Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, who survived the incident and is considered a key witness to the attack, he said.
“Normalizing Ties with Israel is Normalizing Aggression”
Addressing a question about recent comments by Iran’s Supreme Leader on cutting ties with Israel, Baghaei said: “From the beginning, we have maintained that establishing relations with an occupying, genocidal, and terrorist regime like Israel equates to normalising crime and aggression.”
He emphasised that many countries, even outside the Islamic world, have now severed or suspended diplomatic and trade relations with Israel in protest against its actions in Gaza. Iran, he said, continues to press for suspension of ties with Israel through diplomatic channels and by proposing clauses in final statements of regional summits. “This demand is constant in all forums where the Palestinian issue is discussed,” he added.
He also pointed to ongoing campaigns in Europe aimed at reducing economic ties with Israel and excluding Israeli athletes from international sporting events. “We hope countries in the region and the Islamic world will join these efforts to show concrete opposition to continued massacres and war crimes.”
Pezeshkian: Israel, Not Iran, the True Source of Regional Instability
WANA (Sep 16) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that the recent summit in Qatar could serve as the beginning of efforts to strengthen cohesion and ensure security in the region. He noted that such a process would also enhance economic, social, cultural, political, and scientific ties among Islamic countries while helping to resolve differences […]
“A Regional Consensus Against Israel is Emerging”
Baghaei stressed that an emerging regional consensus is forming against Israel. “Countries in the region are increasingly realizing that the real and immediate threat to peace and security is the Zionist regime. The recent gathering in Doha reflected this shared concern,” he said.
He called for “joint action” by regional states to counter Israeli aggression—without the interference of extra-regional powers.
U.S. Restrictions on Iranian Delegation to UN ‘Unprecedented’
Baghaei criticised U.S. visa restrictions on the Iranian delegation attending the UN General Assembly in New York, calling them “unprecedented” and contrary to the U.S.’s responsibilities as host of the UN headquarters.
He confirmed that some visas have been issued and further updates are awaited from Iran’s missions in Geneva and New York before finalizing the delegation.
Despite restrictions, Iran plans to use the international platform to present its positions—particularly on the nuclear issue and the potential reactivation of UN Security Council resolutions against Iran.
Iran’s President to Deliver Speech at the UN on the Prophet’s Birth Anniversary
WANA (Sep 02) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to deliver a speech on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, marking what Tehran calls the 1,500th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet of Islam. The initiative is part of a broader effort by Iran and several Muslim countries to elevate this […]
Iran Condemns All Terrorism, Unlike U.S.
Commenting on the reported assassination of U.S. political figure Charlie Kirk, Baghaei stated that regardless of internal American divisions, “Iran condemns all acts of terrorism—unlike the U.S. and its allies who use terrorism as a tool to eliminate dissent.”
Phone Call Planned Between Iran, E3, and EU Officials
Baghaei also announced that later today, Iran’s Foreign Minister will hold a phone conversation with the foreign ministers of the UK, Germany, and France, as well as the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, to discuss key issues, including the nuclear file.
Mahdieh Esfandiari Case
Baghaei addressed the arrest of Iranian citizen Mahdieh Esfandiari in France, calling it politically motivated and “tantamount to hostage-taking.”
He said Esfandiari’s arrest—under charges of “inciting terrorism” for posts on social media supporting Palestinians—was unjust. “Her only crime has been standing in solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine,” he said, confirming consular visits and ongoing diplomatic efforts for her release.
Mahdieh Esfandiari: Detained in France, Silenced for a Post?
WANA (Apr 14) – As global outrage mounts over Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza, pro-Palestinian demonstrations have continued across major cities worldwide. In France, protests have been met with heavy-handed suppression — not just in the streets but increasingly on social media. According to reports, a 35-year-old Iranian woman has been arrested on charges […]
Europe Undermining IAEA, Claims Iran
In response to European criticism of Iran’s recent nuclear agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Baghaei said: “We have reached a framework for implementing safeguard obligations with the IAEA, and the agency has confirmed its approval. Yet, some European countries are undermining this by saying it’s not sufficient. Apparently, they don’t trust the IAEA either.”
He expressed hope that the upcoming diplomatic talks would reduce tensions and prevent further escalation.
We Are Not in a Hurry to Establish Relations with Syria
Baghaei, in response to questions about the new Syrian ruler’s statements regarding relations with Iran, said: “We believe that the severance of relations between two Islamic countries with a history of friendship is certainly not permanent. Regarding Syria, we believe that Syria’s destiny should be determined by the Syrian people themselves, taking into account the rights of all ethnic groups and segments that make up Syrian society.”
He emphasised: “We have strongly condemned the Zionist regime’s attacks against Syria and believe that Syria’s territorial integrity and unity must be preserved.”
The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry said, “We consider ourselves friends of the Syrian people and are not in a hurry to establish relations with Syria. Whenever they decide that friendship with Iran is in the interests of their people, we will certainly be ready reciprocally.”
Syria’s Southern Conflict: Lessons for the Region
WANA (Jul 20) – Following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s government, Syria has entered a new phase of fragmentation, particularly in its southern provinces. In this volatile landscape, the Druze minority—reportedly backed by Israel—has consolidated control over parts of southern Syria, positioning itself as a de facto local proxy for Israeli interests in the Levant. […]
Britain Has Played a Role in the Formation of the Genocide Process in Palestine
Baghaei, in response to a question about the British government’s claim that there is not enough evidence of genocide in Gaza, said: “Apparently, this is a decided policy in British governance to deny genocide despite the existence of evidence. Some time ago, the then British Foreign Secretary said that for genocide to occur, millions of people must be killed, but legally this is absolutely not the case.”
He added: “The United Nations Human Rights Commission report has definitively declared the subject of genocide. There is no need for legal debate in this regard; it is an obvious matter.”
The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry continued: “Denying the occurrence of genocide means complicity in its commission. It is believed that genocide began before 1948 during the time of British colonial rule in the historic land of Palestine, and Britain directly played a role in its formation. Instead of denying the facts, Britain should take constructive action to prevent this genocide.”
America Is Responsible for Part of the Zionist Regime’s Crimes
The spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry also, in response to a question regarding some news about a possible Israeli regime attack on Iraq and reports from some Iraqi media stating that some American officials have warned Baghdad about this attack, said: “This American warning itself indicates that wherever such actions are carried out by the Zionist regime, the Americans also bear responsibility and are partners in these actions and are, in fact, considered responsible for part of this crime.”
Baghaei continued: “The Zionist regime has shown that it is not committed to any ethical or human principles, and this reality should lead the countries of the region and the international community to the conclusion that fundamental action is needed to contain the warmongering of the Zionist regime.”
Iran Rejects West’s Accusations as Gaza Genocide Diversion
WANA (Aug 01) – The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned recent actions by the United States, France, and several other Western countries in repeating what he called “baseless and ridiculous accusations” against Iran, describing them as blatant deflection and an attempt to divert public attention from the most pressing issue of the […]
We Welcome Iraq’s Proposal to Iran
He also, in response to another question about the Iraqi Foreign Minister’s meeting with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, on the sidelines of the Doha meeting, in which the Iraqi minister proposed holding a joint meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries with Iraq and Iran on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, said:
“Yes, such a proposal has been made, and we welcome any initiative or plan that leads to closer ties between regional countries and establishes understanding among them. We take such a proposal positively and hope that this meeting will be held.”
America Has No Right to Comment on Iran’s Defensive Capabilities
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to remarks by the U.S. Secretary of State about Iran’s missiles, emphasized: “He spoke without reason. The United States has no standing to comment on the defensive capabilities of a nation that has decided to preserve its independence at any cost, stand on its own feet, and resist the greed, aggression, and invasion of foreigners, including the United States and the Zionist regime.”
Larijani’s Trip to Saudi Arabia Was Planned
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also, in response to a question about whether Mr. Larijani’s trip to Saudi Arabia was pre-planned or due to the Israeli regime’s attack on Qatar, said: “Mr. Larijani’s trip to Riyadh was planned in advance and followed his previous visits to Lebanon and Iraq. These trips and consultations are conducted in line with Iran’s policy to strengthen cooperation with regional countries.”
Regional Developments Discussed in Larijani–Bin Salman Meeting
WANA (Sep 16) – Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, during his official visit to Riyadh. The meeting took place at Al-Yamamah Palace. Talks focused on bilateral relations and regional developments. Larijani arrived in the Saudi capital earlier […]
Iran Will Suspend Implementation of the Understanding with the Agency in Response to Hostile Actions
The spokesperson of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explaining Iran’s position on cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said: “If the Agency performs its technical duties according to resolutions, it will benefit all members. Our problem is that at various times the Agency, under pressure and influence from the United States and three European countries, has issued reports and taken positions beyond its technical mandate.”
Referring to the Agency officials’ narratives about the recent understanding, he stressed: “The Islamic Republic of Iran’s position is clear. As the honorable Foreign Minister stated after signing the understanding, in case of any hostile action against Iran — including the reinstatement of Security Council sanctions — this understanding will be considered terminated. There is no necessity for the clear unilateral position of a country to be explicitly included in the text of the understanding.”
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasised: “It is Iran’s right that if the opposite parties do not fulfill their commitments or pursue extortion, Iran will take reciprocal actions. Under such circumstances, the nature of the issue will fundamentally change, and no one can claim that Iran must remain committed to the understanding.”
U.S. Threats Against the Agency Indicate Washington’s Dangerous Policy of Violating Multilateralism
Baghaei, responding to the U.S. stance on Iran’s draft resolution at the IAEA General Conference, said: “This resolution is nothing but a reaffirmation of a recognized rule of international law — a rule emphasizing the prohibition of attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities of countries, as also stipulated in documents such as IAEA Resolution 533. Therefore, Iran’s proposal was not about establishing a new rule.”
He added: “Our expectation was and is that member states, understanding the dangers of the U.S. and Zionist regime’s lawbreaking, would vote to approve this resolution. However, the U.S. has threatened punitive actions against the Agency if it passes.”
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted: “These threats are a continuation of the recent U.S. approach that has threatened or withdrawn from many international organizations, including the International Criminal Court, the World Health Organization, and UNESCO. This is an unprecedented threat to multilateralism and the structures and rules that have formed the basis of international relations for the past 80 years.”
He stressed: “All countries must feel alarmed about this approach and work to prevent violations of recognized international law rules regarding the prohibition of the use of force.”
BRICS Must Play a Central Role in Countering Unilateralism
WANA (Sep 08) – The Iranian President stated that one of the greatest threats to justice and stability in the contemporary international order is the growing trend of unilateral measures and the instrumental use of sanctions, adding: these policies not only threaten the national interests of independent states, but also disrupt global cooperation and make […]
Iran Will Not Yield to Illegal Western Pressures
The spokesperson of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to a reporter’s question about the head of the Atomic Energy Organization stating that “after Iran’s agreement with the Agency, European pressures against Iran have increased. Does this mean Europeans want to activate the snapback mechanism?”, said: “I do not speculate on their intentions, but certainly, we will not yield to their illegal pressures regarding our positions and rights.”
He continued: “As I have said before, talks between Iran and European countries are ongoing, and we hope the opposing sides will conclude that escalating tensions will not benefit them.”
Western Claims on Iran’s Nuclear Program Are Mere Excuses
The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, referring to recent statements by the United States and France about efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, said: “There is no report from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) indicating any diversion of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program from its path. However, the U.S. and some European countries continuously repeat that they will use any means to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.”
He added, “These positions clearly show that their main objective is merely to find excuses. This highlights the peak of hypocrisy and duplicity of the U.S. and Britain, and it should be clear to our people that these pressures are nothing but a pretext to hinder the progress and development of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Recent Zionist Aggression Unthinkable Without U.S. Coordination
Referring to developments over the past two years, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasised: “No country can consider itself immune from aggression and attacks by the Zionist regime. The history of this regime shows that it has even carried out terrorist acts in some European countries against Palestinians or those opposing its policies.”
He added: “The reality is that the territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and national security of a regional country have been violated, and no one will believe that this act occurred without prior coordination and cooperation with the U.S. Generally, every criminal act by the Zionist regime is preceded by coordination with America.”
Baghaei, referring to Qatar’s role in hosting peace talks for a Gaza ceasefire, noted: “A country that has made extensive efforts over the past two years to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people has itself become a target of attack. This reality shows that the Zionist regime and the U.S. have no desire for peace and stability in the region and seek to embroil the region in endless wars—wars that serve only the interests of Tel Aviv and Washington.”
Araghchi: Iran Backs Qatar, Muslim World Against Threats
WANA (Sep 15) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that the Islamic Republic stands alongside Qatar and all Muslim nations in the face of threats endangering the region. In a post on X, Araghchi wrote: “I am in Doha with a clear message from the people of Iran: Iran stands with Qatar, […]
Sporting Sanctions on the Zionist Regime Are a Legitimate and Reasonable Demand
The spokesperson also responded to a question regarding a campaign launched by Spain to boycott athletes from the Israeli regime, stating: “This is an international demand that athletes from the Zionist regime be banned and restricted from participating in international sports forums, and this demand is legitimate and reasonable.”
Referring to the extent of crimes committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza, Baghaei said: “According to statistics, the Zionist regime has massacred 800 Palestinian athletes of various ages, many of whom were young and teenagers.”
No Specific Country Currently Mediating Between Iran and the U.S.
Regarding indirect talks between Iran and the U.S. in recent months and the possibility of Qatar acting as a mediator, the spokesperson said: “Since the start of these talks, especially in the past two months, several countries—mainly in the region—have utilized their capacities and efforts to facilitate this process. We have always appreciated those countries that, out of responsibility and concern for regional security and stability, have tried to play a positive role in this path.”
However, he stressed, “At present, naming a specific country as a mediator is not applicable.”
Europe Should Act Independently Regarding Iran
In response to questions about statements by Israeli and U.S. officials welcoming European activation of the snapback mechanism and the return of sanctions on Iran, and the intentions behind these remarks, Baghaei said: “Europe must demonstrate that it acts independently concerning Iran’s nuclear issue. Such statements by Zionist and U.S. officials aim to influence European countries to make decisions without considering their own interests.”
He added: “We hope that the three European countries and the European Union, given their role in the JCPOA, will decide independently and without being influenced by such pressures on Iran’s nuclear file.”
Iran Expresses Solidarity with Venezuela
Answering a question about U.S. attacks on some Venezuelan fishing vessels under the pretext of combating drug trafficking and U.S. officials’ statements denying recognition of Venezuela’s current government, the spokesperson said: “What is happening in the Caribbean is part of a unilateral and belligerent process pursued by the U.S. in the international arena, violating international laws. The U.S. military campaign against Venezuela violates international law, and there is no justification for U.S. threats against an independent country.”
Referring to Venezuela’s right to self-determination, he emphasised: “The pressures the U.S. exerts on Venezuela contradict the right to self-determination and international law.”
Referring to recent consultations between Iranian and Venezuelan officials, he said: “In these consultations, we expressed solidarity with Venezuela and condemned the threats against this country.”
Iranian, Venezuelan Presidents Reaffirm Unity Against U.S.
WANA (Sep 09) – In a telephone conversation with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran’s experience has demonstrated the failure of U.S. and Israeli objectives against the country. He said such failures stem from national unity and domestic solidarity, which he described as an “endless source of strength” for […]
Recognition of Palestine on Paper Is Merely a Formality
Regarding a question about the New York statement recognising the Palestinian state based on a two-state solution in the occupied territories, and Japan’s Foreign Minister’s remark that this alone does not solve the Palestinian issue, the spokesperson said:
“This statement is based on a reality. Recognizing Palestine on paper, while Palestinians are still being mutilated and killed and almost nothing remains of the land and territory of Palestine due to the crimes of the Zionist regime, is nothing but a formality and a claim that some action has been taken to help Palestine.”
He added: “One of the reasons Iran did not participate in this process was exactly this issue.”
Human Rights Violations Documents from the 12-Day War Submitted to the UN Human Rights Commissioner
The spokesperson referred to human rights meetings held with the presence of the Judiciary delegation at the European headquarters of the United Nations, saying: “These meetings provide an opportunity to explain Iran’s positions in the field of human rights. Currently, two issues are of special importance to us: first, clarifying the effects and consequences of sanctions on the Iranian people’s enjoyment of human rights; and second, highlighting the crimes of the Zionist regime and blatant violations of humanitarian law during the recent military assault by this regime.”
He added: “As far as I know, several meetings have been held on the sidelines of the Human Rights Council sessions, with the Judiciary delegation attending. Also, documents and evidence regarding human rights violations during the Zionist regime’s military aggression have been submitted in contacts with senior officials of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Labour Organization, and other entities.”
He emphasised:“At the international level, the Vice Presidency for Legal and International Affairs is responsible for pursuing Iran’s cases at relevant authorities, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cooperates in documenting human rights and humanitarian law violations. We continue correspondence with the UN and other related bodies to complete documentation so that a final decision on how to file complaints in international forums can be made.”
Iran Is Not Avoidant of Diplomacy
In response to a question about the Iran-IAEA understanding and European countries’ views following a recent phone call between Iran’s and France’s foreign ministers, the spokesperson said: “It is natural to expect that Iran’s positive and good-faith approach be met with a similar and reciprocal approach from European countries.”
Baghaei, referring to the Iran-IAEA agreement, added: “We have shown that we are not avoidant of diplomacy and take advantage of every opportunity to secure our country’s interests. No one can accuse Iran of turning away from diplomacy.”
