Baghaei: Iran Will Never Plead for Negotiations

Baqaei reviewed Iran’s diplomatic efforts over the past two weeks during the UN General Assembly sessions, describing them as intensive and productive.

He condemned the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, stating, “Despite presenting peace proposals for Gaza and related issues, we continue to witness crimes committed by the Israeli regime. Over the past two years, approximately 80,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel, amounting to systematic genocide.” He criticized the inaction of international organizations, including the UN, in stopping these crimes.

Baqaei also denounced Israel’s treatment of the Freedom Flotilla activists, calling their detention by Israel illegal.

Addressing European diplomatic actions, he said, “We do not doubt using diplomacy if it serves Iran’s national interests. However, the European trio has shown that diplomacy with them is unproductive. Their snapback activation lacks legal and procedural validity and only causes confusion within the UN Security Council and Secretariat.”

He stressed that the European countries’ move was more a stubborn compliance with U.S. requests than a rational legal action, adding that Iran currently has no plans to negotiate with them.

Regarding the case of Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian citizen detained in France, Baqaei described the arrest as illegal and confirmed ongoing consular efforts for her release. He also provided updates on the potential Iran-France prisoner exchange, saying necessary preparations have been completed, with decisions pending at the competent authorities in both countries.

Baqaei strongly emphasized that Iran will not allow illegal precedents at the UN Security Council to gain legitimacy. He highlighted support from China and Russia for Iran’s stance and urged other UN members, particularly neighboring countries, not to implement or enforce the illegal European-led measures.

On the Iranian nuclear program, he confirmed that no IAEA inspections are currently taking place in Iran. The last inspection occurred over ten days ago at the Bushehr power plant under an agreement with Russia. He noted that the Cairo understanding with the IAEA is now ineffective and inapplicable due to the European and U.S. snapback actions.

Baqaei reiterated Iran’s firm position that the snapback activation is unlawful, adding, “The obstacle to any potential agreement has always been the inability and lack of political will of Western parties, not Iran’s proposals or intentions.”

On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he said Iran supports any initiative that stops genocide in Gaza and provides humanitarian assistance. He stressed that decisions regarding Palestine must be made solely by the Palestinian people without foreign pressure.

Regarding U.S.-Iran relations, Baqaei blamed ongoing disputes on miscalculations and overreach by the U.S., not a lack of proposals or mediation efforts. He welcomed initiatives built on mutual respect and national interest, provided the U.S. recognizes Iran’s legitimate rights and obligations under the nuclear deal.

Baqaei condemned the U.S. policy of denying visas to Iranian athletes and urged Washington to separate politics from sports, asserting that the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively facilitating visa processes.

He further clarified that recent returns of nearly 100 Iranian nationals from the U.S. were voluntary and not the result of any formal agreement, criticizing the U.S. treatment of its residents as discriminatory and unlawful.

On broader regional issues, Baqaei condemned the Saudi attacks on Yemen, emphasizing the importance of Yemeni sovereignty, and stated Iran has no urgent agenda for bilateral relations with Syria while supporting the country’s territorial integrity.

Responding to former President Trump’s remarks about the U.S. halting Iran’s nuclear program, Baqaei called such admissions of illegal acts by the U.S. “criminal and illegitimate,” reinforcing that Iran’s nuclear program is purely peaceful.

Finally, regarding Afghanistan, he highlighted the importance of regional cooperation through Iran-China-Pakistan-Russia talks, criticizing the 20-year U.S. and NATO presence for causing destruction and instability in Afghanistan, and supporting Afghan sovereignty free from foreign interference.

Baqaei concluded the briefing by meeting with students from Qom Faculty of Religion and Media, continuing Iran’s engagement with youth on regional and international affairs.