Tehran: The Foreign Ministry is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent the European parties to the 2015 nuclear deal from activating the snapback mechanism, according to its spokesperson. The mechanism would reimpose UN sanctions on Iran, a move that the ministry is determined to block due to its potential negative consequences.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the ministry’s spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, emphasized that the European parties lack both the legal and moral authority to trigger the mechanism. Iran remains vigilant against this development and is engaged in talks in Geneva and consultations with Russia and other Security Council members to avert any activation.
Baghaei also addressed Iran’s ongoing relations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), confirming that the nation remains a committed member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Discussions are underway to draft a new cooperation framework with the IAEA following recent meetings in Vienna and Tehran.
In response to the recent expulsion of Iran’s ambassador from Australia, Baghaei rejected the accusations as baseless and suggested the decision is linked to Australia’s internal politics. Iran intends to reciprocate any inappropriate diplomatic actions in kind.
On developments in Lebanon, Baghaei asserted that decisions should arise from internal consultations within Lebanon. He stressed the importance of regional states bolstering their defense against Israeli aggression, a sentiment growing across the region.
Baghaei condemned ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank, highlighting the targeting of civilians and journalists by Israeli forces. He called on international bodies like the International Criminal Court to recognize these acts as war crimes.
Addressing US pressure on South Africa over its relations with Iran, Baghaei affirmed the historic ties between Tehran and Pretoria and criticized the US ambassador’s intervention, underscoring South Africa’s sovereignty.
At the Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit on Gaza, Iran’s proposals, including condemning Israeli ambitions and calls for international documentation of crimes, were incorporated into the final communiqu©.
Baghaei criticized the US for its stance during the Gaza war, arguing it disregards international law and human rights, with the UN Security Council’s inaction highlighting US complicity in Israeli war crimes.
Regarding Ukraine’s suspension of a visa waiver agreement with Iran, Baghaei called the step unjustified and confirmed that Tehran will reciprocate appropriately while reviewing details.
Finally, he dismissed media reports of long queues at China’s embassy in Tehran as outdated, noting that the visa processing backlog has been resolved.