Speaking at his weekly press briefing with domestic and foreign journalists, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei addressed several issues, including regional developments, Iran–Europe relations, U.S. conduct regarding Iranian assets, and allegations surrounding Iran’s defense capabilities.
Ongoing Israeli Crimes in Gaza and the West Bank
Baghaei said the region continues to face a persistent crisis, which he described as the ongoing crimes of the Israeli regime.
“Developments in Gaza should not distract us from the crimes currently taking place in the West Bank,” he said, citing continued arbitrary arrests, torture, killings of Palestinians, and what he called deeply inhumane treatment as clear examples of crimes against humanity.
He added that these actions align with what the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine has repeatedly described as a project of colonial erasure of Palestine, stressing that the continuation of such crimes increases the responsibility of all countries and of humanity as a whole to take effective action to curb Israel’s lawlessness.
Europe Should Fulfill Its Responsibilities
Responding to repeated allegations that Iran supports Russia in the Ukraine war, Baghaei dismissed the claims as “repetitive and unfounded.”
“Iran has, from the very beginning of the Ukraine crisis, emphasized that differences between Russia and Ukraine must be resolved through dialogue,” he said, adding that Iran has no involvement in the conflict.
He said it was unreasonable for European countries to expect states that maintain friendly relations with Russia to sever those ties based on European demands.
“Iran–Russia relations are based on mutual respect and shared interests, and these relations are not directed against any third country,” he said, urging European states to focus on fulfilling their own responsibilities instead of repeating accusations.
U.S. Breach of Commitments on Iranian Assets
Baghaei also addressed a question regarding the status of Iran’s $6 billion in assets currently held in Qatar and whether Tehran has access to the funds. “This issue has already been clarified,” he said, describing the matter as one of “hundreds of examples of America’s breach of commitments.”
He said that under an earlier understanding, Iranian assets belonging to the Iranian nation were supposed to be made accessible to the Iranian government, but the United States failed to honor that commitment, a situation that continues to this day.
Lavon Affair Cited as Example of Israeli False-Flag Operations
In response to another question, Baghaei said the Israeli regime has a long record of planning and executing so-called “false-flag” operations, many of which are now historically documented.
He cited the Lavon Affair of 1954 in Egypt as a clear example, saying Israeli operatives exploited Egyptian Jews to carry out bombings and sabotage operations against U.S. and British civilian targets in Cairo and Alexandria, including libraries and post offices.
“The aim was to keep British occupying forces in the Suez Canal and to sabotage Egypt’s relations with Western countries during the era of Gamal Abdel Nasser,” he said.
Baghaei noted that Israel denied any role in the operation until 2005, when it officially honored surviving participants, effectively acknowledging the operation after more than 50 years.
“The most effective way to confront such behavior is to expose it and inform public opinion about the conduct and crimes of the Israeli regime, which spares no inhumane tool to advance its objectives,” he said.
Iran’s Defensive Capabilities Not Negotiable
Addressing claims about Iran’s missile program and what he described as Israeli efforts to use the issue to promote “Iranophobia” and justify aggressive actions, Baghaei said Iran’s missile capabilities are strictly defensive.
“Iran’s missile program has been developed to defend the country’s sovereignty, not for negotiation,” he said. “Iran’s defensive capabilities, which are designed for deterrence, are by no means subject to talks.”
He criticized what he called clear hypocrisy, noting that while Iran’s defensive program is portrayed as a threat, a continuous flow of weapons is sent to Israel, which he described as a “genocidal regime.”
“This is an obvious contradiction and a clear moral collapse for which the United States and other supporters of the Israeli regime must be held accountable,” he said. Baghaei stated that the allegations are part of a broader hybrid war designed by Israel, with U.S. support and media networks, against Iran.
“Iran remains focused on its own course of action,” he said. “Our armed forces know how and when to defend the country and Iran’s sovereignty, and without regard to these malicious propaganda campaigns, all state institutions, including the armed forces, will continue their duties.”
U.S. and Israel Plotted “Sinister Conspiracy” Against Iran
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the United States and the Israeli regime had designed a “highly sinister conspiracy” to undermine Iran’s sovereignty, adding that recent disclosures underscore the scale of the plot and the resilience shown by Iran and its people in confronting it.
Baghaei responded to a question regarding remarks attributed to Turkey’s defense minister, who claimed the terrorist group PJAK had prepared to exploit a 12-day conflict to strike Iran and that Ankara had shared reports of the group’s activities with Tehran. “I have heard these remarks through the media and cannot make an official comment on them,” Baghaei said.
He added, however, that it was evident the Israeli regime and the United States had devised a comprehensive plan to strike at Iran’s core interests.
“Statements that are gradually emerging show that they had designed a very sinister conspiracy aimed at weakening Iran and harming its territorial integrity,” he said. “This, in turn, highlights the magnitude of Iran’s action and the steadfastness of the Iranian nation, which stood with full resolve during that period and did not allow any damage to Iran’s territorial integrity.”
Iran–IAEA Contacts Ongoing
Baghaei also addressed questions regarding Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stressing that contacts between Tehran and the agency continue.
“As long as we are a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and remain committed to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, we know how to fulfill our obligations,” he said.
He noted that an issue repeatedly raised by the IAEA Director General is one for which the Director General himself should be accountable, and that such questions should be directed at those responsible for creating the current situation.
Attacks on Safeguarded Facilities
The spokesperson recalled that Iran came under attack at a time when its nuclear program was subject to the most extensive inspections. “Iran was attacked, and facilities under safeguards were targeted, despite the fact that the highest level of inspections of our nuclear program was taking place,” he said.
“Did we cause a halt in this process, or was it those who illegally and criminally attacked our facilities?” Baghaei asked. He added that there is no established procedure for inspecting damaged nuclear facilities, describing the situation as unprecedented.
Western Obstruction of the Agreed Framework
Baghaei said Iran entered into dialogue with the IAEA to address the issue and that a mutual understanding was reached and signed, but Western parties obstructed its implementation.
He accused Western states of abusing the JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism in New York to derail the process. “The repetition of this issue only strengthens the suspicion of political exploitation by the IAEA Director General of a matter that, in essence, is not an issue at all,” he said.
Call for Accountability Over Attacks on Nuclear Facilities
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said there is no justification for any crisis in Iran’s nuclear cooperation, stressing that Tehran has fully complied with its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and has long been subject to the highest level of IAEA inspections.
He criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency and Western parties for failing to fulfill their responsibilities, noting that they have yet to issue even a basic condemnation of attacks by Israel and the United States on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“This is not a symbolic demand,” Baghaei said. “It is a legal necessity. Such illegal actions are a blatant violation of international law and a serious blow to the non-proliferation regime.” He warned that failure to condemn these attacks amounts to indifference and could be interpreted as encouraging their repetition.
Baghaei said Iran’s demand for a clear condemnation by the IAEA and its Director General over the attacks carried out in June 2025 remains unchanged.
Rubio’s Remarks Part of Psychological Campaign
Responding to recent remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Baghaei described them as repetitive and part of a psychological campaign against Iran, adding that U.S. actions against Iran’s nuclear facilities lack any legal or legitimate basis and constitute a clear violation of international law.
“He claimed that pressure and restrictions imposed on Iran’s UN mission were out of concern for the Iranian people. This level of hypocrisy is akin to claiming that Jeffrey Epstein was an advocate for the rights of women and girls,” he said.
Resistance Is Deep-Rooted and Enduring
Addressing regional issues, he said resistance is a deeply rooted and natural response to occupation, oppression, and racism, and cannot be eliminated through temporary military or political pressure.
Washington Post Report Denied
Baghaei categorically rejected a report by the U.S. newspaper The Washington Post claiming that Washington had offered Tehran a proposal to lift all sanctions following the start of Israel’s attack on Iran. He described the report as “completely false and a lie.”
The newspaper had claimed that after Israel launched its attack, former U.S. President Donald Trump secretly offered Iran a deal under which all sanctions would be lifted if Tehran halted uranium enrichment and ended its support for resistance groups.
Allegations Over Killing of U.S. Scientist Dismissed
Responding to claims by some media outlets and Israeli officials alleging Iranian involvement in the killing of a U.S. nuclear scientist, Baghaei dismissed the accusations. “With a slight modification, one could apply the saying: ‘Criminals assume everyone acts according to their own nature,’” he said.
He added that due to its long record of killings, massacres, and assassinations of citizens from other countries, the Israeli regime instinctively looks for perpetrators using its own methods whenever an incident occurs.
Iran–Russia Consultations to Be Strengthened
Baghaei also addressed a question regarding the signing of a cooperation document between the foreign ministries of Iran and Russia during last week’s meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
He said a newly signed cooperation document between the Iranian and Russian foreign ministries, backed by the bilateral strategic partnership agreement, provides a solid framework for expanding consultations and cooperation between Tehran and Moscow.
Canada-Backed UN Resolution Against Iran Lacks Support
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei dismissed a recent UN General Assembly resolution against Iran as repetitive and politically motivated, noting that more than half of UN member states did not support it.
He said the resolution, proposed annually by Canada with backing from a handful of countries, failed to gain broad support, as around 120 of the UN’s 193 members voted against it, abstained, or declined to participate. “This approach has lost its effect,” Baghaei said, adding that Western claims of human rights advocacy have been undermined, particularly by their conduct in occupied Palestine.
Baghaei criticized Canada, saying genuine concern for human rights would require opposing illegal sanctions on Iran, preventing the presence of individuals who have looted Iranian assets, and ending support for Israel. He noted that despite being a member of the International Criminal Court, Canada has failed to act on its legal obligations regarding Israeli officials.
Israeli Actions Fuel Terrorism
Addressing renewed concerns over ISIS activity in West Asia, including Syria and Iraq, Baghaei said the roots of the group lie in past U.S. policies—an assessment acknowledged by U.S. officials themselves. He added that the assassination of anti-terrorism commander Gen. Qassem Soleimani effectively rewarded extremist groups.
Baghaei warned that continued Israeli attacks, efforts to destabilize Syria, and attempts to fragment the country create conditions for the resurgence of terrorism. He said Israel, the United States, and irresponsible actors must be held accountable for the consequences.
Iran Opposes Terrorism on Principle
Criticizing what he described as Western double standards—particularly by Australia—Baghaei said Iran’s condemnation of terrorist attacks, including the Sydney incident, stems from principle, not political convenience.
“Targeting civilians is illegal and illegitimate, wherever it occurs,” he said, adding that Australia must explain actions taken against Iran based on what he called fabricated Israeli security claims.
Peace Claims Contradicted by Support for War
Commenting on remarks by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Baghaei said statements must be judged in the full context. He stressed that actors claiming to champion peace cannot simultaneously support aggression and genocide or be complicit in military attacks, citing U.S. backing of Israel and its role in regional conflicts.
Iran to Respond to Threats to Its Interests
On U.S. interference with commercial shipping, including Venezuelan oil tankers, Baghaei said such actions constitute serious violations of international law and threaten global stability. He warned that Iran will respond appropriately to any infringement of its national interests.
Europe Urged to Act Responsibly
Baghaei said European states bear responsibility to oppose unlawful U.S. actions, including against Venezuela, warning that indifference undermines the international legal order and global security.
Iran–Russia Diplomatic Engagements Ongoing
Addressing increased diplomatic exchanges with Russia, Baghaei said the visits are routine and reflect broad bilateral relations. He noted that recent talks in Moscow followed an invitation from Russia and covered a wide range of bilateral, regional, and international issues, within the framework of the Iran–Russia comprehensive strategic partnership now in force.
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