WANA (Jul 12) – Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei has stated that the United States has undermined the fundamental and self-evident principles of diplomacy, declaring that “our trust in them has dropped below zero.”

 

In an interview, Baghaei emphasized that the illegal attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran, carried out amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, exposed the aggressors and proved that they could not withstand the logic of dialogue and engagement. “It is now clear to all that the Islamic Republic of Iran is committed to dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.

 

Baghaei asserted that the military action against Iran cannot be justified under any legal, moral, or political standards. “Under the UN Charter, this act constitutes a clear case of aggression,” he noted.

 

Calling the attack unjustifiable, Baghaei pointed out that the Israeli regime’s aggression was widely condemned both regionally and internationally. “The strike occurred in the midst of negotiations, while Iran—an influential regional actor—was actively engaged in dialogue. The opposing side, however, discredited the path of diplomacy.”

 

He added, “The United States has weakened the basic principles of diplomacy, and our trust in them has reached below zero.”

 

Regarding ongoing speculation about renewed negotiations, Baghaei remarked, “Such talk always exists. Negotiation is a form of struggle. Just as the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic defended the nation, the diplomatic apparatus must also use the tools of diplomacy to safeguard the interests of the Iranian people, when appropriate.”

 

He stressed that negotiations are not about pleasantries or courtesy. “Negotiation is not a friendly chat. If it isn’t more difficult than a battlefield, it is certainly not easier,” he said, describing diplomacy as a strategic tool for protecting national interests.

 

Baghaei also underscored the importance of using media and communication platforms to present Iran’s own narrative based on facts. “Engaging with regional and international media is helpful, and influential figures in the media space must use their capacities to clarify the truth,” he said.

 

Referring to the events of June 12 (Khordad 23 in the Iranian calendar), Baghaei stated: “On that day, an occupying and apartheid regime carried out an act of aggression against an independent and ancient country in the region.” He noted that this incident revealed the true nature of U.S. involvement and reinforced Iran’s position in the global narrative.

 

The spokesman added that the Iranian Foreign Ministry is actively documenting the events for submission to international organizations and human rights bodies. “We are seriously pursuing legal accountability and will not abandon our efforts to claim our rights,” he said.

 

He described diplomacy as a continuous process and emphasized, “We do not despair in seeking justice. While the international arena is not fair, the Iranian diplomatic apparatus, as a member of the United Nations and the IAEA, remains committed to its responsibilities.”

 

Baghaei also referred to emergency meetings and regional resolutions, stating that more than 100 pieces of evidence and visual documentation have been compiled for communication with international institutions. “These materials will support Iran’s legal case in defending the rights of its people,” he said.

 

In the same interview, Baghaei revealed that four pregnant women were killed in recent attacks. “From unborn children to Iranian professors and scientists, all are valuable to us,” he said. “Their life stories must be told. From day one, we have been documenting their lives, not just listing statistics in reports to the United Nations. We have recorded their biographies.”

 

He concluded by urging those active in media and social platforms to help convey these realities and play a key role in shaping public understanding.