At his Monday press briefing with the media, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei, answering a Nournews question about the need for Iran to present a political plan to end the war while fighting continues, said, we are in conditions where all our capacity and attention must be concentrated on defending the country. Decision-making on war or peace is clearly defined under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and whenever necessary, decisions regarding this war will be taken in accordance with the Constitution and based on the judgment of the competent authorities of the country.

In response to a question on whether proposing such a plan from a country that has been subjected to aggression would be considered dignified, Baqaei added, at a time when the Zionist regime and the United States are escalating their criminal attacks and targeting the country’s infrastructure and scientific and knowledge foundations, the foremost necessity is to focus on comprehensive defense of the nation’s integrity.

He emphasized that the diplomatic apparatus is proceeding in tandem, coordination, and alignment with the armed forces in explaining the realities of the war through contacts and consultations with regional countries, other states, and international organizations, noting, it is important that the world understands what crimes are being committed by the American–Zionist enemy. Under such circumstances, whenever necessary and when national interests require, we will carry out our duties with seriousness based on any new mandate assigned to the foreign policy apparatus, in coordination with the military sector.

No direct negotiations with US so far

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson continued, in response to a question about direct talks with the United States, so far, we have had no direct negotiations with the United States. Since the last round of talks, what has been raised consists of messages conveyed through certain intermediaries, including Pakistan, indicating US willingness and requests for negotiations. Our positions are entirely clear. Whenever we reach a conclusion, we will announce it appropriately.

He added, March 30 marks the thirty-first day of the courageous defense of the Iranian nation against the demonic aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime. We began the spring while Iran came under attack by the most malicious regimes on earth, yet over these 31 days, the Iranian people have shown that when their homes, identity, and culture are at stake, they defend Iran’s dignity and integrity tooth and nail. Iran’s “tooth and nail” have been Kheibarshekan, Arash, and Khorramshahr, launched with full force by the defenders of the Islamic Republic toward the aggressors.

Baqaei further noted, unlike the opposing side, which is constantly marked by shifting positions, contradictory statements, and inconsistent conduct among its officials, the positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran have been clear from the outset regarding the issues raised in the media. We know well the framework we have in mind. As I mentioned before, what has been conveyed to us, under titles such as a 15-point plan, has largely consisted of highly excessive, unrealistic, and unreasonable demands.

He said, meetings that Pakistan holds with neighboring countries are conducted within a framework they themselves have designed, and we have not participated in that framework. Naturally, if regional and neighboring countries are concerned about peace and security, that is commendable. However, the logical expectation of the Islamic Republic of Iran is that any country or party addressing the issue of war in the region must pay attention to who initiated this war. Views must be realistic and fair, and restraint should not be expected from only one side.

Baqaei stressed, everyone must bear in mind that Iran did not start this war. Iran was attacked in the midst of a diplomatic process, and this has now happened for the second time within nine months. Reiterating this fact is essential so that global public opinion does not forget that Iran entered diplomacy as a rational and responsible actor, and it was the United States that, on both occasions, derailed the negotiation process. Our positions are entirely clear. Whenever we reach a conclusion, we will announce it appropriately, because we are confident in our positions and know exactly what we want and what is absolutely unacceptable to us.

We have witnessed most heinous international crimes

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson continued, over the past month, we have witnessed the most heinous international crimes. On the very first day of the Zionist regime’s military aggression, alongside the terrorist attack on our leaders and commanders in Tehran, Iranian children and students were targeted in what is the most sacred place, the Parliament. We honor the memory of all martyrs, including martyred leaders, brave commanders, children and students from Minab, their teachers, and all those who sacrificed their lives for Iran’s dignity and endurance. We are committed to continuing, with all our strength, the path of safeguarding Iran’s integrity; this path is entirely just.

Greatest victim of US war against Iran has been human rights, int’l humanitarian law

Baqaei added, if we are to summarize these 31 days, it can be said that the greatest victim of the US war against Iran has been human rights and international humanitarian law. In the past 80 years, since the establishment of the United Nations, there has been no comparable case in which, within a single month, such grave crimes have occurred, crimes that encompass all the criteria of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and possibly genocide, both in terms of targets struck and the killing of innocent people.

We appreciate the engineers and staff of Ministry of Energy

He said, attacks on universities, cultural centers, and sites of importance not only to Iranians but to humanity as a whole, parts of our shared civilizational heritage, many of which are registered on global heritage lists, have taken place. Numerous cultural sites in Isfahan, Tehran, and other cities have been targeted. Likewise, attacks on hospitals, Red Crescent buildings, and residential areas all constitute war crimes.

Esmail Baqaei stated, strikes on infrastructure essential to people’s daily lives, such as Iran’s energy and electricity networks, have caused damage; as a result, parts of Tehran and Karaj experienced blackouts. At the same time, we must thank the engineers and staff of the Ministry of Energy, who are working around the clock to keep Iran lit. These efforts stand in contrast to enemies seeking to disrupt ordinary life by targeting energy infrastructure.

Insulting Iranian people is an insult to entire nation

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson noted, we are continuously documenting all these crimes, both to pursue accountability for the crimes of the Zionist regime and the United States and to record them for history so future generations are aware. Claims about helping Iran have largely been superficial; in the statements of the aggressors, it is evident that they are confronting Iran’s identity, history, and culture. Insults directed at the Iranian people are, in fact, insults to the entire nation. Invoking distant history to justify today’s attacks reflects a disregard for reality, because Iran, as a civilization rooted deep in history and one of the most enduring and dynamic civilizations on earth, knows well how to confront and contain its enemies.

We appreciate members of media

Baqaei continued by thanking journalists, before taking questions, it is appropriate to thank all colleagues and reporters who strive to inform domestic and international public opinion. Your efforts, both in reporting and in preventing the burial of truth, are highly valuable.

He added, what the Zionist regime and the United States have pursued alongside their aggression against Iran is a media and cognitive war aimed at distorting realities and preventing the world from seeing what is happening. Therefore, the role of journalists in keeping the truth alive is crucial.

Attacks on journalists are part of Zionist regime’s policy of erasing the truth

The spokesperson said, attacks on journalists and media outlets, as part of the regime’s conduct, are carried out within this framework of silencing the truth. Yesterday we witnessed the Zionist regime’s assault on the office of Al Arabiya, and the day before, in Lebanon, an attack resulted in the deaths of journalists from Al Mayadeen and Al Manar, as well as one of their cameramen. This is only part of a long list of journalists and media workers killed over the past three years in Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Any attack on a journalist constitutes a war crime

He continued, amid ongoing aggression and crimes in various regions, including genocide in the occupied Palestinian territories, war crimes in Lebanon, and current crimes in Iran, the field of journalism has been specifically targeted. Under international humanitarian law and international treaties regarding respect for journalists and media, any attack on a journalist explicitly constitutes a war crime. Nevertheless, the Zionist regime adheres to none of these accepted international principles and continues to target numerous journalists and media workers.

Baqaei said, our duty is to state the facts, and your duty is to reflect them so that the conscience of the international community does not become numb in the face of such crimes. Events in recent days across many cities in the United States and Europe are significant, showing that public opinion is coming to understand that this war is illegal and aggressive, not only against Iran, but against the region and the world. Therefore, the truth must continue to be told, in the hope that global public opinion becomes increasingly aware of the crisis born of the greed and criminality of the United States and the Zionist regime.

We have been, and will remain, neighbors with all countries in the region

Responding to a question about US President remarks thanking Arab countries for cooperation in the war, Baqaei said, we have been neighbors with all countries of the region and the southern shores of the Persian Gulf, and we will remain neighbors forever. Prudence therefore requires that we remember that others will leave, while we will remain here as neighbors.

He added, we have never regarded regional countries as enemies and never will. We have repeatedly emphasized that Iran’s defensive operations target military bases and facilities that serve as the origin of aggression against Iran. Iran’s position is logical, grounded in the inherent right of self-defense under international law, and moral.

Saying ‘we are not part of the war’ is not sufficient

He continued, can it be accepted that Iran and its people are subjected to unlawful aggression by the United States and the Zionist regime, that facilities in regional countries are used, and that our armed forces remain silent? It is the duty of any state to respond with full capacity in such circumstances. This is an inherent right explicitly recognized in Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.

The spokesperson said, simply stating that one is not part of the war is not sufficient. Countries are fully aware that allowing their territory to be used for aggression against another state violates international law and effectively makes them part of that aggression. In practice, it is evident, and the world sees, that the United States continuously uses its military bases abroad, particularly in neighboring countries. Recent reports of damage to US aircraft at military installations in neighboring states further illustrate that these territories are being used, willingly or otherwise, by the aggressors.

Iran’s self-defense should not be construed as hostile action by others

He noted, what Iran is doing is self-defense and should not be considered an attack on regional countries. I ask colleagues to take care: Iran’s actions are defensive and must not be interpreted as hostile acts against any country. We expect neighboring states to adhere to international legal obligations, moral commitments, and principles of brotherhood and good neighborliness, and not allow their territory and facilities to be exploited by the United States and the Zionist regime for attacks against a neighboring country.

Iran should not be expected to exercise unilateral restraint in face of aggression

The spokesperson said, this war is not merely against Iran; it risks becoming a source of division in the future. A stable future can only be built on peace, cooperation, and good neighborliness, which requires careful conduct today. Iran should not be expected to show unilateral restraint in the face of aggression; it has been subjected to unlawful attacks by the United States and the Zionist regime, which are knowingly using regional facilities.

He added regarding the UAE, you are better aware than I am of the extent to which Iranian capital, capacity, and effort have contributed to that country’s growth and prosperity. Iranians in the UAE have worked fully toward its economic development; therefore, it is expected that our compatriots are treated with foresight. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Foreign Ministry are duty-bound to protect the rights and interests of Iranian nationals wherever they are, including in Persian Gulf countries.

Rafael Grossi adopted a very wrong approach toward military aggression

Responding to a question about the Director General’s stance, Baqaei said, the Director General has adopted a very wrong approach toward the military aggression of the United States and the Zionist regime, especially against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Instead of condemning the aggressors and holding them accountable, statements have been made in interviews that complicate the situation. The point you raised was not expressed exactly in that form, but even raising such a possibility by someone responsible for safeguarding the nuclear non-proliferation regime is unacceptable.

He added, unfortunately, over the past two years the Director General has not presented a defensible record, both through reports that increasingly suggest politicization of the Agency and through positions that call into question its impartial and technical nature. When a country’s peaceful nuclear facilities are attacked, the first step by the Agency, the Board of Governors, and the Director General should be to condemn such actions and demand accountability and cessation, something we have not seen.

Baqaei said, at the same time, we have fulfilled our responsibilities properly, both within the United Nations framework and through necessary consultations with the . Regardless of the Agency’s shortcomings, as a legal body of which Iran is a member, our demands remain in place.

Linking the Ukraine conflict to West Asia developments is a miscalculation

In response to a question about Ukrainian President Zelensky’s regional visits and alleged proposals, he said, such behavior, linking the Ukraine conflict, which has its own roots, to developments in our region following US military aggression against Iran, is a grave miscalculation. I am confident regional countries will not fall into such a trap. The region is already sufficiently complex due to a clear cause: the war initiated by the United States and the Zionist regime against Iran, which has drawn regional countries into it. We appreciate that some regional states have wisely recognized this scheme and are trying not to become part of the war.

Iran–Saudi diplomatic relations remain in place

Responding to a question about Saudi Arabia, Baqaei said, our diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia are in place; our ambassador is active, and contacts continue. We have clearly conveyed our concerns. Commitments of Saudi Arabia and other regional countries are clear under international law and the principle of good neighborliness: states must not make their territory or facilities available to aggressors. Such actions create responsibility and entitle the attacked state to take defensive measures.

He added, it is by no means desirable for Iran to be forced to conduct defensive operations on the territory of regional countries. Our armed forces act honorably and prudently and do not direct defensive actions toward neighbors. However, it is clear that the United States uses regional facilities, and under international law and the inherent right of self-defense, we are entitled to target the source of aggression.

He further noted, Recent reports indicate US refueling aircraft operating from bases in Saudi Arabia and similar situations in other regional countries. Our expectation is clear: regional states should prevent misuse of their territory for aggression, in line with good neighborliness and international law.

Iran’s greatest strategic ally is its people

Responding to a question about strategic partners, Baqaei said, Iran, as one of the world’s oldest civilizations, is defined by its continuity. Over more than 2,400 to 2,500 years, despite wars and hostile acts, Iran has endured, demonstrating both deep roots and resilience in the face of challenges that others might not withstand.

He added, in my view, Iran’s greatest strategic ally is its people. If asked where Iran’s allies are, the answer is: among the people, in the streets, in the squares, and across the country among those who stand with the defenders of the homeland. Our primary reliance is on the people; historically, Iranians have overcome adversaries by relying on internal capabilities.

He continued, if today culture, identity, knowledge, and industrial capacity are targeted, it is because the opposing side knows where Iran’s strengths lie. We, in turn, know how to reinforce and rely on these strengths to preserve Iran’s continuity and progress. At the same time, we closely monitor other countries’ positions; their approaches today will shape future relations and the emerging order. Indifference or appeasement in the face of clear violations of international rules will have consequences for all.

He added, the fact that some European countries, even among US allies, are attempting to approach this war with foresight reflects their understanding of responsibility. They know that passivity and appeasement in the face of a clear violation can quickly impose serious consequences on the entire international system.

Iran’s ambassador continues his mission in Beirut

On the status of Iran’s embassy in Lebanon, Baqaei said, we first extend condolences for the martyrdom of our colleagues. This act shows the Zionist regime observes no rules. It is a clear example of terrorism and a war crime. We have raised the matter at the United Nations and issued a statement.

He added, regarding recent reports about our ambassador, the issue has been followed up. I can confirm that Iran’s embassy in Lebanon remains open, and our ambassador continues his duties in Beirut following coordination with relevant Lebanese authorities.

Bushehr power plant remains operational

Responding to a question on the Bushehr nuclear power plant, he said, to the best of my knowledge, the plant remains operational. Attacks around the facility have been extremely dangerous and further demonstrate that the United States and the Zionist regime observe no red lines, legal norms, or ethical standards.

He added, the responsibilities of the United Nations and the in this regard are clear. Any threat or attack against peaceful nuclear facilities, including power plants, is a serious matter under international law. For technical details, the Atomic Energy Organization should be consulted, but based on available information, the plant remains active.

Allegations of Iran’s use of cluster munitions are baseless and outrageous

The spokesperson said, these allegations are truly outrageous. It is the Zionist regime and the United States that use cluster weapons, violating all principles of international humanitarian law, while attempting to portray themselves as victims. The claims against Iran are entirely false. What is described as cluster munitions are in fact multiple-warhead missiles, which differ fundamentally in function and effect and are not classified as cluster munitions. Such claims are a form of deflection.

He added, a clear example of war crimes in recent days includes attacks on schools and civilian sites. Reports have even indicated the use of new types of missiles in strikes on civilian locations. Daily attacks include strikes on power infrastructure, universities, stadiums, and the use of weapons causing environmental damage, such as phosphorus bombs in Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Attacking commanders outside a wartime context is a war crime

Baqaei stressed, the Zionist regime is in no position to accuse others of violating humanitarian law. Civilian casualties and damage to both civilian and military sites result directly from aggression. The very nature of the war is unlawful. Attacks on commanders outside an actual wartime context constitute war crimes, as does the attack on the training vessel Dena, which had participated in joint exercises and was targeted unjustly.

Public presence reflects the people’s love for their homeland

Finally, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, the presence of people in the streets during the war can be interpreted in many ways, but in my view, it reflects their love for their homeland and their deep understanding of the situation.

He added, the Iranian people are at the forefront of defending the country. A well-known statement by the Leader, that if something happens to the country, God will raise the Iranian people, should not be taken lightly. The notion of being “raised” is usually reserved for prophets, but here it carries a special meaning regarding the people’s role in guiding the country. What we are witnessing today is nothing but the realization of that meaning.