Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, speaking at a press conference with domestic and foreign media, responded to a Nournews question about the possibility of the president traveling to the US to attend the UN General Assembly. He said that no final plans for the president’s trip had yet been finalized, but noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s delegation usually attends the annual UN General Assembly session and that Iran has consistently used the opportunity to hold meetings and pursue issues of interest.

He stressed that Iran also intends to make use of this opportunity this year, but said the final decision on the trip and its schedule would depend on developments in the coming weeks.

Any Regional Security Plan Must Correctly Identify the Main Threat

The Foreign Ministry spokesman, responding at a press conference with domestic and foreign media to a question about the trilateral security memorandum between Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia, explained Iran’s position on the formation of such alliances, saying that the Islamic Republic’s fundamental strategy has always been to encourage regional countries to cooperate in providing endogenous security without relying on actors from outside the region.

Referring to developments in the region over recent months, he said regional countries, following the developments of October last year and the start of the Zionist regime’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as the regime’s attacks on Lebanon and other countries in the region, have increasingly reached the conclusion that the greatest threat to the stability, security and cooperation of the countries of the region, and even to the international community as a whole, is Zionist ambitions.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman continued: This is no longer an imagined or hypothetical matter. We are officially witnessing violations of the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of a significant number of countries in the region.

Referring to the Zionist regime’s attacks on regional countries, including Lebanon and Syria, Baghaei said these developments show that regional countries cannot rely on claims that the US can provide their security.

He added: The US itself is part of the cause of insecurity in the region. If the comprehensive support provided by the US did not exist, and if the political cover and propaganda shield it provides for the Zionist regime did not exist, the regime could not carry out its crimes in the region with such impunity.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman went on to stress the need to take regional realities into account, saying that the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that security in the region is indivisible, and that any plan based on regional realities, universal and inclusive in scope, and capable of correctly identifying the enemy and the threat can help strengthen security and prevent instability and exploitation by the Zionist enemy in the region.

Baghaei stressed that, from Iran’s perspective, the establishment of security mechanisms among regional countries can contribute to strengthening stability when they are based on intra-regional cooperation, a correct understanding of threats and independence from actors outside the region.

Iran Is Not Concerned About the Turkey-Pakistan-Saudi Security Agreement

Responding to a question about the security agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and referring to remarks by the Turkish foreign minister that Iran had been informed during the formation of the agreement, Baghaei said Iran had been informed of the matter, “more or less.”

He added that there is no reason for Tehran to be concerned that the pact was formed against Iran, because Iran has deep religious, historical and civilizational ties with all three countries, Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Referring to the longstanding relations among the peoples of Iran, Pakistan and Turkey, he stressed that this development could be a sign of a change in the approach of regional countries. In other words, they have increasingly reached the conclusion that they cannot rely on claims of security provision by the US and other actors from outside the region and are seeking to test independent mechanisms based on their own capabilities and perspectives, without harmful foreign interference.

Efforts to Secure the Release of Four Iranian Citizens Continue

Responding to a question about the latest status of four Iranian citizens, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said efforts in this regard are continuing and that, unfortunately, despite international legal obligations and explicit provisions in international documents, Iran has been denied access to these citizens.

Baghaei stressed that Iran’s request for consular access is completely legitimate and lawful, and expressed hope that the relevant authorities would reconsider their decision and create the conditions and necessary grounds for the release of the Iranian citizens as soon as possible.

He also addressed the situation of the Iranian school in Kuwait, saying that the recent action by the Kuwaiti government regarding the school was “a strange measure” and, in fact, an act of retaliation against the most innocent people who use the school’s services, and was in no way justifiable.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman added that the school has a long history, that its activities are not political, and that the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is pursuing the matter through the relevant channels to resolve the issue.

No Talks With US, Focus Is on Hormuz Shipping Route

The Foreign Ministry spokesman, speaking about the decision-making process concerning the Iran-Oman memorandum of understanding on the Strait of Hormuz, said that any negotiations conducted by the Foreign Ministry are overseen by the Supreme National Security Council and that the process is fully reported to the council. He added that decisions on this matter would also be made in accordance with the directives of the higher authorities.

Baghaei, responding to a question about the possibility of consultations with the US to revive the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, stressed that there are currently no negotiations underway between Iran and the US. However, he said that the exchange of messages through intermediaries on current issues is normal, and that what the next step will be depends on the circumstances. He concluded by saying that Iran’s current focus is on negotiations with Oman to determine the shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.

Decision on Caspian Cooperation Document Will Be Based on National Interests

Responding to a question about criticism from some lawmakers and critics concerning the timing of implementation of the cooperation document among the Caspian littoral states, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said views on the matter differ, with some believing that implementing the document under the current circumstances, while the war has not yet ended, is not necessary.

Baghaei noted that the document was signed in 2018 and said: Whether an international document is suitable for ratification and implementation at a particular time is a matter on which different analyses can be offered. However, decisions by the Islamic Republic of Iran concerning international documents are always made with the country’s interests and considerations in mind.

He added that seven years have passed since the document was signed and that the necessary assessment for submitting it to the Islamic Consultative Assembly has not yet been completed. Therefore, in our view, linking the issue to developments related to the war has little justification.

Referring to the nature of the document, the spokesman said it has five members and concerns the five littoral states of the Caspian Sea. The other four countries have signed it, and it is natural for countries that draft a document to advance common interests or address shared concerns to want it to enter into force as soon as possible.

Baghaei stressed that the fact that one or more countries may want the document to enter into force sooner does not mean Iran is obliged to accept it, and that the Islamic Republic of Iran will take its own interests and considerations into account.

He continued: We have demonstrated that decisions concerning international documents are made exclusively with the country’s interests and considerations in mind.

Reopening Strait of Hormuz Depends on an End to US Actions and Removal of Imposed Conditions

Responding to a question about Iran-Oman negotiations to secure a safe shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, and referring to the US use of bases located in Persian Gulf countries to attack Iran, Baghaei said it is natural that bilateral talks between Tehran and Muscat would also have implications for international shipping and the routes used by vessels from other countries.

He stressed that the Iran-Oman negotiations concern a bilateral agreement between two littoral states with the specific aim of reaching an agreement on a safe shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.

Regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, he said achieving this depends on conditions that have been imposed on the Islamic Republic of Iran and that the US and Zionist regime’s military aggression and its impact on regional security must be taken into account.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman added: “We are still at war,” and said that as long as the US naval blockade continues and other US actions also persist, the conditions necessary to say that the Strait of Hormuz has become a safe route will not be in place.

Referring to the US’s responsibility in this regard, he said the US side must halt its illegal and destructive actions, which it began only 21 days after signing the memorandum of understanding, and take steps to compensate for those actions.

Iran Stresses Regional Security Without Foreign Intervention

Responding to a question about the possibility of Iran joining the “Mecca Pact” and the idea of establishing regional security mechanisms, Baghaei stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran has previously emphasized the need to establish security arrangements based on cooperation among regional countries. He said Iran’s approach has always been based on creating endogenous security free from the influence and harmful intervention of actors from outside the region.

Referring to Iran’s proposed initiatives, including the “Hormuz Peace Initiative,” he said these proposals remain in place and can be updated in light of new regional developments. He also reported that Tehran continues to maintain close contacts with neighboring countries and other regional states, expressing hope that regional countries, having learned from developments over the past two or three years, will choose the best path toward strengthening collective security and regional cooperation.

Details of Transit Fees Through Strait of Hormuz Are Not Yet on the Negotiating Table

The Foreign Ministry spokesman, responding to a question about the possibility of imposing fees on vessels using the new route through the Strait of Hormuz, said that at the current stage of Iran-Oman negotiations, there has been no discussion of the details of transit fees or how such fees would be divided between the two countries.

Referring to the continuation of the negotiations, he stressed that the two sides have reached an understanding on the navigation map, but that some technical issues are still being examined before the joint statement can be finalized.

Baghaei described the negotiations as “smooth and constructive” and said the mechanisms envisaged would cover not only monitoring the safe passage of vessels but also issues such as environmental protection, maritime services and combating crime. At the same time, he said it is natural that a charge would be collected in return for maritime services provided; “that is not under discussion.”

When You Wrestle With Pigs, You Should Not Expect to Stay Clean

Responding to a question about a change in the tone of some of his recent statements in response to insults by Donald Trump, the Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to using formal, legal language consistent with Iranian dignity and has not departed from that approach.

Referring to his recent use of a story by Obeyd Zakani, he said Iran draws on all the resources at its disposal when confronting an enemy, including the country’s rich literary, cultural and civilizational heritage.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman then referred to a line attributed to English writer and thinker George Bernard Shaw to explain this approach, saying that when you wrestle with pigs, you should not expect to stay clean, because sometimes getting muddy is part of a fight that has been forced upon you. He stressed that these changes in tone do not mean Iran has moved away from its fundamental approach.

Iran and Oman to Agree on Reopening Middle Route Through Strait of Hormuz

The Foreign Ministry spokesman, responding to a question about Iran’s ability to monitor vessel traffic and the issue of mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz, said that under Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding that was violated by the US, responsibility for the future management of the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring its security, including the measures necessary for securing the waterway and clearing mines, had been assigned to Iran.

He stressed that this responsibility would continue to be pursued jointly by the two littoral states, Iran and Oman, and that Iran has the necessary capabilities to carry it out.

He added that following the Iran-Oman understanding, the northern and southern routes would be replaced by a middle route agreed upon by the two countries.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman also stressed that the southern route had never been an authorized and safe route, and that vessels passing through it with their tracking systems switched off had been one of the factors that made the situation more complicated. According to him, the middle route will be temporary until an agreement is reached on a new route.

Iran’s Foreign Policy Is Based on Institutions, Not Individuals

Responding to a question about the impact of changes at the Supreme National Security Council on foreign policy and possible negotiations, the Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed that policymaking and decision-making in the Islamic Republic of Iran take place within a system of institutions and that the country does not rely on individuals.

Referring to developments over the past year and a half, he said the experience of this period has shown that the Islamic Republic of Iran is “a country of institutions, not a country of individuals,” and that decisions on important issues, including negotiations, are made within this framework.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman also congratulated Mohsen Rezaei on his appointment and wished him success, stressing that the Foreign Ministry would continue, in full coordination with the Supreme National Security Council, to work toward advancing the interests and welfare of the Iranian people.

Parliament Does Not Distrust the Negotiations, Coordination on Hormuz Is Ongoing

Responding to a question about a parliamentary proposal to ban US and Israeli vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz and its possible impact on future negotiations, the Foreign Ministry spokesman stressed that the proposal does not mean Parliament distrusts the diplomatic process.

He said the institutions of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Foreign Ministry, maintain full coordination with the Islamic Consultative Assembly on various issues.

Baghaei explained that the proposal concerning management of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is still being reviewed by parliamentary committees and that the Foreign Ministry is also involved in the review process and has presented its views.

He also reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had met with members of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Foreign Policy that morning, saying the meeting covered issues related to the Strait of Hormuz and other current matters.

According to him, continued close consultations between Parliament and the Foreign Ministry can help advance national interests in a coordinated manner.

Iran’s Naval Blockade Is a Continuation of US Aggression

The Foreign Ministry spokesman, responding to claims by US media about new Iranian conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, described the reports as “media manipulation” aimed at whitewashing the root cause of the crisis.

Baghaei stressed: “In any analysis of the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz, immediate attention must be paid to the reason and root cause behind it.”

Referring to the history of activity in the Strait of Hormuz, he said: “Despite the fact that over these 47 years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has faced disgraceful and unjust sanctions from Western parties, we were the guardians of the passage of vessels, and a significant share of the world’s energy passed through this waterway, yet nothing happened to the vessels passing through it.”

The Foreign Ministry spokesman added: “The Strait of Hormuz and the problems that arose there were caused by the military aggression of the US and the Zionist regime, and this aggression is still continuing.”

Responding to claims about Iran’s conditions, he said: “When they say Iran has imposed conditions, they should refer to their own government.”

Referring to claims that the US continues to impose a naval blockade on Iran, he said: “Under these circumstances, the US has no moral or legal standing to complain about the Strait of Hormuz not being open.”

He concluded by stressing: “You cannot remedy what you have brought upon yourself,” adding that as long as US actions, including the naval blockade of Iran, continue, the situation will also affect the security and confidence of international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.