Tehran: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has described Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s meeting with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas as useful. “We see it a duty to take advantage of every opportunity to advance the country’s interests, express our demands, and warn about the consequences of the three European countries’ misuse of the Snapback Mechanism to reinstate the terminated UN Security Council resolutions,” Baghaei told IRNA addressing his regular press conference on Monday. He expressed hope that the Europeans will revise their approaches by properly understanding the consequences of a confrontational stance.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, commenting on Iran’s stance toward the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, Baghaei said that Iran has reviewed the report and will convey its positions to the body and the member states of the Board of Governors in a note. He stressed the expectation of a fair report that would take into account the facts on the ground, specifically pointing to what he termed as an illegal and aggressive attack by the Israeli regime and the United States on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities. The Iranian diplomat described this action as unprecedented, compelling the IAEA to address the issue in detail to prevent future violations of international law.
In response to questions about the US potentially renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War, Baghaei asserted that this indicates the United States’ open confrontation with and hostility towards the UN Charter and internationally accepted norms. He urged the international community to recognize the US administration’s apparent disregard for the UN Charter’s principles, which include rules explicitly prohibiting the use of force in international relations.
Baghaei also addressed accusations made by Britain against Iran, dismissing them as baseless and a continuation of London’s traditional policy. He noted the British government’s history of interventionist actions, particularly its support for the Israeli regime against Iran, and criticized the lack of evidence provided to substantiate their claims.
The timing for the next round of talks with the IAEA has not been determined as the results of recent discussions are still under review in Tehran. Meanwhile, Baghaei responded to remarks made by the European Union’s foreign policy chief regarding the perceived threat posed by the alignment of China, Russia, and Iran. He described these remarks as reflective of the West’s perspective of viewing rivals as enemies, a stance he argued lacks credibility in the international community.
Baghaei confirmed President Pezeshkian’s attendance at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting, despite US restrictions on Iran’s participation. He emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of genocide in Palestine during the session, which coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
Regarding Iran’s resolution to be presented at the IAEA General Conference, Baghaei highlighted the principle prohibiting attacks or threats against a country’s peaceful nuclear facilities. He criticized the United States’ opposition to the resolution as a blatant disregard for international law and an adoption of a policy of intimidation.
Addressing Iran’s possible withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), Baghaei pointed to the Israeli regime’s non-membership in international disarmament agreements as a major obstacle to a weapons of mass destruction-free West Asia. He reiterated regional countries’ demand for Israel to accept international obligations and accountability for its weapons of mass destruction.
Baghaei also mentioned Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s scheduled visit to Tunisia as part of Iran’s policy to strengthen regional cooperation. He emphasized that Iran will not negotiate on its defense capabilities, labeling it an inviolable principle.
In response to the denial of visas for Palestinian officials by the US, Baghaei cited past incidents and emphasized the host government’s obligations under the Headquarters Agreement to facilitate participation in UN meetings. Regarding a conference held by the Israeli regime in Tel Aviv, Baghaei criticized it as a disingenuous move lacking good intentions toward regional countries.
Finally, Baghaei reaffirmed Iran’s support for Venezuela based on international law principles and mutual respect, while emphasizing Lebanon’s right to rely on its capabilities to resist Israeli aggression. He reiterated Iran’s position against the disarmament of Hezbollah, emphasizing the need for regional countries to make informed decisions regarding their security in light of external threats.