During his weekly press briefing on Monday morning, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei reviewed recent developments concerning Iran and the broader region.
On missile program
Baghaei said Iran’s missile program was developed to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and therefore should not be subject to negotiations.
“Iran’s missile program has been developed to defend the country, not for negotiation,” Baghaei said. “The defensive capabilities of Iran, which are designed to deter any aggressor from contemplating an attack on Iran, are not a matter for discussion.”
Baghaei criticized what he described as contradictory approaches by Western countries, saying Iran’s defensive missile program is portrayed as a threat while, at the same time, large volumes of advanced weaponry are supplied to Israel.
Iran’s defensive missile program is presented as a threat by hostile actors, while, on the other hand, weapons of mass destruction is being sent to the Zionist regime, he said. “This is a clear contradiction and an obvious moral failure, for which the United States and countries supporting the Israeli regime must be held accountable.”
The spokesman also stressed the readiness of Iran’s armed forces, saying they are fully capable of defending the country whenever necessary.
“Our armed forces know very well how to defend themselves whenever required,” Baghaei said. “Regardless of malicious media campaigns, the Iranian nation and all pillars of governance will remain focused on their responsibilities and continue their work.”
On cooperation with IAEA
The senior Iranian diplomat said that contacts and interactions between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency are continuing.
He stressed that as long as Iran remains a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and is committed to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, it is fully aware of how to implement its legal obligations and remains bound by them.
The spokesman said that issues repeatedly raised by the IAEA director general primarily require answers from Rafael Grossi himself and from parties responsible for creating the current situation.
He noted that while Iran’s nuclear program has been subject to the highest level of inspections, facilities under safeguards were subjected to illegal attacks by the Israeli regime and the United States in June.
“The fundamental question is whether Iran caused the interruption of monitoring, or whether it was the perpetrators of illegal and criminal attacks on these facilities,” he said, adding that there is currently no established framework or precedent for inspecting damaged facilities.
The spokesman said that in an effort to resolve the issue, Iran at one point entered into talks with the IAEA, resulting in a mutual understanding that was signed by both sides. However, he said this process was halted due to obstruction by Western parties and the misuse of the JCPOA’s dispute resolution mechanisms known as snapback.
On Ukraine war
Turning to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tehran has no involvement in the Ukraine conflict and has consistently maintained that the crisis should be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic engagement.
He rejected allegations that Iran has played a role in the conflict, stressing that the country has always advocated for a political solution.
Elsewhere in his remarks, Baghaei criticized European expectations that countries maintaining friendly relations with Russia should adjust or sever those ties based on European demands, calling such expectations unreasonable.
He said Iran’s relations with Russia are based on mutual respect and shared interests, adding that European countries should focus on acknowledging their own responsibilities rather than repeating accusations.
The spokesman also addressed the recent visit of Iran’s foreign minister to Moscow, saying the trip took place as part of ongoing consultations between the two countries and within the framework of the comprehensive agreement between Iran and Russia.
On seizure of Chinese oil tanker by US
Baghaei reacted to the US seizure of a Chinese oil tanker in the Caribbean and related threats against Iranian interests, labeling the incident a “serious threat to international peace and stability.”
The spokesperson underlined that nations that consider themselves responsible members of the international community should condemn Washington’s actions. “The overall measures taken by the United States in the Caribbean, aimed at regime change in Venezuela, contradict all international principles and laws. This must be denounced by all governments,” the Iranian official stated.
He added that Iran will firmly defend its national interests against any acts of aggression. “Iran will definitely respond decisively to any violation of its interests,” the spokesperson warned.
MNA