Tehran: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has dismissed as ‘ridiculous’ allegations that Iran attempted to assassinate the Israeli ambassador to Mexico, saying that the Israeli regime seeks to damage the Islamic Republic’s friendly relations with other countries. ‘Our embassy stated that we found this allegation so absurd and ridiculous that we did not even think it required an official response from the spokesperson,’ Baqaei said during his weekly press briefing in Tehran on Monday, responding to an IRNA question.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Baqaei added that the Israeli regime has previously made similar accusations against Iran, citing as an example the attacks against Jewish targets in Australia earlier this year, which prompted Canberra to sever ties with Tehran. Despite official statements by Australian police rejecting any connection to Iran, Israel has continued to insist on Tehran’s involvement, the spokesperson noted.
Baqaei said the same pattern is being repeated with Mexico, where Israel claims that an attempted assassination of its ambassador took place in 2024. He added that there are specific reasons behind the Israeli regime’s decision to focus on the North American country this time. ‘One of the reasons is to take revenge on the Mexican public, which has openly voiced its protest against the genocide in Gaza in recent months,’ Baqaei said, adding that the Israeli regime also seeks to undermine Iran’s friendly relations with other nations.
‘Efforts to destroy Iran’s friendly ties with other countries are among the schemes pursued by the Zionist regime. Therefore, the entire claim is fabricated. As you witnessed, both the Mexican Foreign Ministry and the country’s intelligence agencies issued statements dismissing the allegation altogether,’ he noted.
On a separate issue, US President Donald Trump acknowledged his involvement in Israel’s June 13 attack on Iran, contradicting previous claims of unilateral Israeli action. Baqaei stressed that this admission places responsibility on the US government and has been registered as an official document at the United Nations.
The spokesperson announced an upcoming conference in Tehran, aiming to address concerns over actions that undermine international law. He highlighted that the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran would be a primary focus, emphasizing the need for global attention to such unilateral actions.
Baqaei also dismissed NATO Secretary-General’s anti-Iran remarks, labeling them as unfounded distractions. He reiterated that Iran has been a victim of unlawful measures by the US and its allies, which consistently violate international law.
On the topic of sanctions, Baqaei stated that their removal is a legitimate demand of the Iranian people, asserting that these measures have unfairly impacted Iranians’ fundamental rights. Additionally, Baqaei criticized the US’s interference in Iraq’s upcoming elections, expressing hope for stability and security in the region.
Baqaei addressed the UK’s refusal to release Iranian national Richard John, who has been imprisoned for over 20 years. He urged Britain to free him, highlighting his poor conditions and need for medical treatment.
On regional cooperation, Baqaei announced an international conference of governors of the Caspian Sea littoral states in Iran, aimed at strengthening economic relations. Additionally, he emphasized ongoing positive diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia, underscoring a mutual commitment to advancing ties.
In response to Kazakhstan joining the ‘Abraham Accords,’ Baqaei criticized normalization efforts with Israel, stating that it only emboldens Israel’s violations of international law. Regarding tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, he offered Iran’s assistance in resolving disputes to maintain regional stability.
Finally, Baqaei commented on the renewed US military presence in Syria, asserting that it exacerbates regional instability and serves the interests of the Zionist regime. He also noted American public opposition to their government’s support for Israel, reflecting dissatisfaction with US policies in the region.