Tehran: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has reacted to comments by the E.U. foreign policy chief about the ongoing Israeli aggression on Iran and the Islamic Republic’s response, saying that de-escalation cannot happen without condemning the aggressor and its war crimes.
According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Kaja Kallas, the E.U. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, made comments on her X account following a meeting of E.U. foreign ministers on Tuesday. Kallas stated that the ministers ‘agree that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon,’ and emphasized that ‘it is urgent to de-escalate the situation.’ She also mentioned that the bloc ‘will play its part in diplomatic efforts.’
In response, Baqaei addressed Kallas in a post on X, urging her to stop acting as ‘the aggressor’s apologist.’ He highlighted that Iran’s nuclear program remains peaceful and is subject to strict inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Meanwhile, he pointed out that the Israeli regime possesses nuclear weapons and is blocking efforts to eliminate them in the region.
Baqaei questioned how concerns could be raised over Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, which is under rigorous IAEA inspections, while ignoring Israel’s possession of a significant nuclear arsenal. He stressed that Iran has never sought nuclear weapons and has long advocated for a ‘Middle East free from nuclear weapons’ since 1974.
The spokesperson criticized the lack of condemnation for the aggressor and called for an end to its aggression and war crimes. He highlighted that Israeli strikes inside Iranian territory began on June 13, resulting in civilian casualties and the assassination of top military officials.
During a visit to a hospital in Tehran, Baqaei observed injuries sustained by civilians in the Israeli attacks, noting that women and children constituted most casualties. He described these acts as war crimes and called for accountability for Israel, its allies, and those justifying the regime’s aggression. He stated that the international community should be aware of Israel’s targeting of residential areas, hospitals, and civilian centers.
Baqaei cited specific locations, including a hospital in Kermanshah, a firefighting station in Ilam, and Loqman Hakim Children’s Hospital in Tehran, that had been attacked by the Zionist regime. He described Israel’s actions as an unprovoked act of aggression against Iran and urged the United Nations and countries to force the regime to cease its crimes, aligning with the demands of the Iranian nation.