Iran Critiques U.S. Approach to Negotiations
The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Ismail Baqaei, has expressed strong criticism of the United States, asserting that it has conflated negotiation with imposition. He emphasized that the U.S. has knowingly violated its commitments, and Iran will determine its next steps based on the necessities of each phase and its national interests. In his weekly press conference, Baqaei stated that the U.S. had made conscious commitments only to subsequently decide to breach them, underscoring the need for accountability regarding its extensive violations of the Islamabad memorandum, as reported by the Iranian news agency Fars.
Baqaei further elaborated that Iran's response to unfolding developments will be contingent on daily requirements, and the nation will utilize its diplomatic capabilities whenever necessary to articulate the positions and rights of the Iranian people. Addressing inquiries about whether intermediaries, including Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir, had conveyed any messages to Iran regarding escalating tensions, he reaffirmed that Tehran's primary principle is to prioritize national interests. He noted that decisions would be tailored to the context and specificities required to safeguard these interests, indicating that General Munir did not deliver any positive or negative messages to Iran.
Iran's Nuclear Activities and International Relations
Baqaei also commented on the recent statements from the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, regarding the absence of conclusive evidence supporting allegations about Iran's nuclear activities at Jabal al-Fas. He affirmed that Iran remains in contact with the IAEA within standard frameworks, and the Iranian representative engages with relevant parties when necessary, but he denied any new negotiations between Tehran and the agency. He pointed out that discussions surrounding Iranian nuclear activities at various sites, including Jabal al-Fas, are not novel and have often been politically exploited by opposing parties. Baqaei urged the IAEA to adhere to its responsibilities as outlined in its charter and to avoid entanglement in politically influenced issues.
Regarding challenges faced by Iranians in education, such as participation in international examinations, Baqaei assured that relevant departments within the Foreign Ministry are making every effort to facilitate students and applicants for these tests. He criticized the U.S. for its adversarial stance towards Iran, viewing Iranian citizens as targets across various domains. Despite these pressures, he asserted that Tehran will continue to resist, learn, and seek alternative methods to meet its needs. In response to a question concerning a report by Foreign Policy about potential war crimes in the attack on the Minab school, Baqaei stated that Iran does not require Western publications or expert opinions to validate that the events in Minab, Lamard, Qeshm, and other areas constitute war crimes. He made it clear that the situation is entirely evident, and the U.S. attempts to obscure the gravity of its crimes by focusing on isolated incidents, misleadingly implying that other actions are not war crimes.
Finally, Baqaei condemned the war on Iran as lacking any legal basis, labeling it brutal and unlawful. He highlighted that the Minab issue escalated due to the martyrdom of several civilians, while in Lamard, prohibited weapons led to even more casualties. On the matter of unilateral American actions, Baqaei noted that Washington lacks logic in trying to convince countries to join its campaign against Iran. He argued that no rational actor would necessarily align with the U.S., considering that its actions toward Iran are illegal and inhumane. The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson assured that Iran will utilize all its capabilities, emphasizing that the world recognizes that U.S. measures target not only Iran but also contradict the principles upheld by member states of the United Nations. He concluded that demanding countries sever trade relations with others to satisfy a single nation’s desires represents a violation of the UN Charter.
As reported by saba.ye.