“No Message from the U.S. in Oman / We Are Dissatisfied with Afghanistan’s Performance on Water Rights”

At today’s (Monday) press conference, Esmaeil Baghaei, the Ministry’s spokesperson, said: “Tomorrow is 13 Aban, which has become a symbol of preserving our independence for the Iranian nation, and I therefore congratulate the dear students on this day.”
He added: “In the region, developments are very rapid, and our region faces a significant problem called occupation. If until yesterday we spoke of concern about genocide, now that there is a cease-fire agreement, we refer to violations of the cease-fire, yet the genocide of Palestinians continues. Following the cease-fire more than 200 people have been martyred. The guarantors of the cease-fire carry an ever greater responsibility.”
The spokesperson continued: “Yesterday was the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists and to Support Journalists. Some 270 journalists were killed during the genocide by the regime, which is unprecedented and demonstrates the reality that what is happening in Gaza is not war but genocide.”
On the question of whether Iran’s delegation visit to Oman under Mr. Takht-Ravanchi raised the issue of allegedly contaminated goods imported from Iran, Baghaei said: “Yes, the issue was addressed and this was a mistake that occurred. We have been told that a statement will be issued soon specifying that there was no fault with the goods imported from Iran. No message from America was transmitted to us in Oman.”
Regarding emails attributed to Jeffrey Epstein and disclosures about mistreatment of Palestinian detainees, he said: “The emails attributed to Jeffrey Epstein calling for military action and pressure against Iran are not new. But what is notable is that someone with a clear record in trafficking of humans, women and children — which is an established fact — is involved. Such individuals with criminal histories are seen as enemies of Iran. With respect to hostility toward Iran, the U.S. Director of National Intelligence has spoken, which is meaningful. To admit that the U.S. has pursued intervention in internal affairs of other countries for decades.”
He added: “We hope that the issues raised in our region—the crimes that have occurred and the killings that have taken place—will be addressed both at the international level and in public opinion in the U.S. and the West. They should understand that some of their politicians and their policies toward West Asia have done nothing but produce violence, terrorism and the destruction of established systems—just as the events in Syria, what we are seeing now in Sudan which previously led to its division, and Libya’s developments, have all caused chaos and disorder in those countries.”
He went on: “Apparently some U.S. politicians have not learned from the bitter experiences they inflicted on the world. They ask why these crimes were exposed—rather than addressing the core issue itself.”
When asked whether Iran received any message from the U.S., he responded: “On Mr. Takht-Ravanchi’s trip to Muscat no message from the U.S. was conveyed to us. Intermediaries may send messages, but this does not mean the beginning of a negotiation process between Iran and the U.S.”
On comments by Arab officials about regional security and Mr. Araghchi’s remarks on tension management, he said: “There is no doubt among the countries of the region that the main threat comes from the Zionist regime. We are in a real war with it in the region. We witness widespread genocide in Palestine and the continued occupation of Palestine and Syria, as well as the aggressive attack on Yemen and Qatar. There is consensus that the active threat is the Zionist regime. Countries need understanding and agreement to secure their own security. The Omani Foreign Minister’s remarks on this were telling.”
Regarding developments in the Caribbean Sea and threats to Venezuela he stated: “We have declared our official position. We firmly condemn the U.S. actions and consider them undermining international peace and security. Regarding the drug-trafficking allegation, no country is allowed to violate another country’s sovereignty on the pretext of transnational crimes. Under no circumstances are threats against Venezuela legally justified—they contravene the UN Charter. Even more dangerous is that the U.S. could itself become the promoter of an even more dangerous model.”
On the remarks by Rafael Grossi, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), he added: “The Director-General has stated that which is already evident. The Agency should refrain from repeating baseless claims and hypotheses.”
Regarding Mr. Araghchi’s meeting with the family of an Iranian detainee in Turkey, he said: “The meeting was held in support—as problems can arise for Iranian nationals anywhere in the world and the Foreign Ministry follows them.”
Speaking of U.S. and Israeli threats to Lebanon: “Threats against Lebanon are constant and not new. During the cease-fire we have seen over 5,000 violations. There is no doubt that the actions and threats of the Zionist regime constitute violations of international law. Lebanon, as an independent sovereign state, has the right to defend its dignity and must have the means to do so.”
On France and U.S. nuclear-testing plans: “These stances are hypocritical. On one hand they worry about the proliferation of nuclear weapons and place pressure on the peaceful programme of a country, while on the other they themselves disregard their obligations under the non-proliferation and disarmament treaties. This is regrettable. The biggest source of weapons of mass destruction is the very countries possessing them—including the U.S. and France.”
In reply to reports of U.S. contacts with Iraqi officials, he stated: “In all our conversations with neighbouring countries including Iraq we discuss security matters. We regard these threats as intervention in Iraq’s internal affairs, especially during its election. These threats conflict with Iraq’s national sovereignty and demonstrate the intrusive and aggressive nature of the U.S. They will not affect the determination of the Iraqi people regarding what is in their interest.”
On the UN Security Council Resolution concerning Western Sahara: “Our position is clear—we have always supported the right to self-determination of the Western Sahara people. The resolution references the necessary groundwork for providing autonomy to the people of Western Sahara.”
“If this understanding and realism is established, we can say conditions are ready for dialogue; but under current conditions we are not at that stage.”
With regard to a tweet by Seyed Nizam Mousavi about a possible attack on