In his weekly press briefing on Monday, Baqaei addressed a number of current regional developments, especially the renewed US aggression against Iran, in violation of the recent agreement and in defiance of international law.

Responding to the question about the future of the MoU given the set of developments over the past week and the US military actions, the spokesperson said that there was no doubt this understanding had entered a stage of crisis, adding that Iran had never been the first to violate its obligations.

He further explained that the Islamic Republic had entered every negotiation with seriousness, keeping in mind the interests of the Iranian nation, and thus acted in good faith by signing the Islamabad memorandum.

Baqaei said that the US was non-compliant with its promises, saying Washington was so impatient in breaking treaties that it did not allow even the one-month period stipulated in Paragraph 5 of the MoU, regarding Iran’s obligations in the Strait of Hormuz, and began to renege on the very first days.

Referring to the 14-point memorandum, he said that Iran had made it clear it would remain committed to the deal, as long as the other party adheres to its obligations. No one can accuse the Islamic Republic of breaching promises, he added.

Trump’s unfounded claim

Baqaei also rejected the claim of the US president about the recent negotiations between Iran and Oman, saying no subject other than the Strait of Hormuz was raised during the Muscat talks, within the framework of Paragraph 5 of the MoU.

Lying has become part of the behavioral pattern of the US ruling body, and unfortunately, they have become addicted to it, he said in reference to Trump’s claim that the Iranians in Muscat had agreed to everything, including the nuclear issue and the Strait of Hormuz, but attacked ships two hours later.

He underscored that Iran’s effort was to reach a mechanism through consultation with Oman that would provide for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which, he said, could not be achieved due to the overt and covert pressures of the US on Oman.

Millions of hearts beat for martyred Leader

At the beginning of his press conference, the spokesperson, referred to the recent historic funeral ceremonies for the martyred Leader of the Islamic Revolution, saying millions of hearts of the free people of the world beat for one name, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, as it reflected not only in the alleys and streets of Iran, but in the luminous shrines, among the devoted people of Iraq, and beyond the region.

Salutations to the people of Iraq, especially in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, to the people who shared our grief and showed that the thread of affection and empathy transcends borders, Baqaei said, adding that more the enemies tried to dim the enthusiastic presence of people and the uproar of the media to create a distance between the people and their beliefs, more the truth forged its way.

Avenging blood of martyrs

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson, in response to a question regarding crimes committed by the United States and the Israeli regime, said Iran would use all international legal capacities and mechanisms to seek justice for the martyred Leader and all other martyrs of the recent war imposed by the US and Israel against the Islamic Republic.

Stating that combating impunity of criminals for committing their crimes is an internationally consensus-based principle and an accepted principle, Baqaei said the blood-vengeance for every single Iranian who was harmed or martyred during the US-Israeli military aggression is a serious and universal demand.

He emphasized that the Foreign Ministry will leverage all legal tools and opportunities at the international level, both for documenting the crimes and for pursuing the implementation of justice for those whose hands are stained with the blood of the innocent Iranians.

Europe’s subservience to US

In response to a question regarding an anti-Iran statement by three European countries—namely Britain, France and Germany, collectively known as the European Troika or E3, Baqaei described their stance on the Strait of Hormuz as completely baseless.

He said European nations insisted on viewing realities in a distorted manner, keeping a blind eye on the current situation harming the region, which actually stemmed from the aggressive actions of the United States and the Israeli regime in March last year.

He said Europeans could have played, and still can play, a constructive and responsible role in the region, but they have no such intention, seemingly due to their subservience to the United States; therefore, they would only come up with the same repetitive and one-sided statements, which neither help resolve the issue nor enhance Europe’s standing.

US responsible for escalation

Baqaei also addressed the question related to different interpretations of the Islamabad MoU, saying that deliberation on the explicit text is impermissible as it was drafted very clearly and with such precision that it leaves no room for the US to engage in arbitrary interpretation.

Referring to Clause 5 of the MoU, he said the Strait of Hormuz and its southern shores were exploited to undermine Iran’s national security and interests during the Imposed War, and therefore, Iran and ​​Oman, as coastal states, have both the right and the obligation to take the necessary measures to safeguard national security and interests.

He emphasized that Iran would never allow the United States and the Israeli regime to use this strait for transit that undermines the country’s sovereignty and national security, calling it a reason for Clause 5, enabling Iran to devise the necessary measures for safe and secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The US bears direct responsibility for recent events for launching attacks on Iran and defying the agreement, he added.

Iranian military actions defensive

Baqaei also clarified that Iran had not launched any pre-emptive strikes, and will not attack, any country in the region, but the strikes were directed solely against bases, facilities, and positions—including logistical and support infrastructure, that the United States utilizes to target Iran.

He said that Iran had repeatedly called upon and urged regional nations, in accordance with their obligations under international law, not to allow the US and the Israeli regime to use their territory, facilities, or soil to plan, prepare for, or execute acts of aggression against Iran.

Stating that such a request is grounded in both the principle of good neighborliness and accepted tenets of international law, the spokesperson said that otherwise, Iran will not hesitate to defend itself and strike back at any country that is the source of anti-Iran measures.

US foreign policy is marred with rifts

Baqaei described vacillating statements by the Trump administration as a signal of growing rifts within the country’s leadership, which, he said, has spilled over into its foreign policy as well.

In many instances, due to conflicts of interest, we are witnessing a highly destructive state of confusion regarding the articulation of American positions, which, he said, are indicative of how internal conflicts are being imposed upon US foreign policy.

The spokesperson also pointed to the sudden death of Lindsey Graham, an abrasive and hawkish American senator, saying his absence will not sadden any free-spirited person in the world.

Our people, the people of our region, and the free spirits of the world are not expected to mourn a figure whose life philosophy was defined by aggression, war, violence, and intimidation, and who took pride in being the greatest supporter of genocide and mass killing in our region, Baqaei said, referring to Graham's overall personality.

Need for regional security mechanism

In response to a question regarding US militarism and warmongering, Baqaei said West Asia will not become secure unless the countries of the region formulate collective security mechanisms through mutual consultation and without foreign interference.

He said the region has been plunged into insecurity and chaos over the past several months due to the US military presence, the implications of which will be realized by the countries of the region.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, he said Iran's position is clear, and obligations are well-defined, but the US has consistently engaged in obstructionism in the area under the false claims of escorting commercial vessels that only serve to confirm America's insistence on perpetuating.

National interest is priority

The spokesperson rejected the notion that there were different views on military retaliation and diplomatic negotiations in Iran, stressing that the government and the Iranian people have a single shared priority, and that is safeguarding national interests and security.

There is no difference of opinion among any segment of Iranian society regarding the matter of the defense of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Baqaei said.

Hezbollah weapons for Lebanon's defense

In response to a question regarding the issue of disarming Hezbollah, Baqaei said the Lebanese people, including the Hezbollah Resistance Movement—are best positioned to decide on the matter of weapons.

He said Iran's stance on the matter is unequivocal and, regardless of raising this issue with any given international official, the Lebanese people fully appreciate the value and significance of the resistance’s weapons in defending the sovereignty, dignity, and national authority of the Arab country.