European Ambassadors Summoned to Iran’s Foreign Ministry / We Are Reviewing the Details of the Negotiations

According to Rokna, Esmaeil Baghaei, speaking today (Monday, Bahman 1404) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ weekly press conference with journalists, outlined the latest developments in Iran’s foreign policy and responded to reporters’ questions.

At the beginning of the press conference, the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs congratulated the Ten-Day Dawn of the Islamic Revolution and said: “I congratulate all friends of Iran on these days. The 12th of Bahman marked the beginning of a period in which decisions regarding Iran were made inside the country.”

He added: “Over the past week, the diplomatic apparatus has acted with seriousness and responsibility to safeguard the interests of the Iranian nation and to protect regional peace and stability. High-level contacts have taken place with the President, and the Foreign Minister has also held discussions with his counterparts in regional countries, all of which have been aimed at securing Iran’s national interests.”

Escalation of the Zionist Regime’s Crimes Against Lebanon and Gaza

Referring to the intensification of crimes committed by the Zionist regime against Lebanon and Gaza, Baghaei said: “In recent days, we have witnessed one of the most severe acts of aggression since the ceasefire, which resulted in the martyrdom of 30 Palestinians. In Lebanon as well, attacks on infrastructure and residential areas continue, with the primary objective of preventing reconstruction and development. This increases the responsibility of the guarantors of the ceasefire.”

Labeling the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization Is a Strategic Mistake by the European Union

Regarding Europe’s move to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, he stated: “You have seen the summoning of ambassadors and the issuance of statements. In recent days, all European countries that have embassies in Tehran were summoned to the Foreign Ministry. We are reviewing a range of actions, and this matter has been sent to the relevant bodies for decision-making. This action was not only an insult to the Iranian people but also constitutes a strategic mistake by the European Union. Europe has forgotten that it is accusing those who played a central role in the fight against terrorism. If Europe believes this move is meant to please the United States and the Zionist regime, it is gravely mistaken.”

In response to a question about how Iran seeks assurances that negotiations with the United States would not be a trap, Baghaei said: “We certainly take past experiences into account. Over the past ten years, we have repeatedly experienced U.S. breaches of commitments, broken promises, and deception, the peak of which occurred in Khordad. These experiences were not gained cheaply and will undoubtedly be considered in any decision-making.”

The Foreign Ministry spokesman further stated: “U.S. actions in our region represent a continuous violation of international law. As the Foreign Minister has said, Iran has demonstrated steadfastness in its diplomatic approach and in using diplomacy to advance national interests and safeguard collective peace and security in the region. We do not need to prove our seriousness and goodwill regarding diplomacy. The other side has committed numerous failures and shortcomings. Regional countries, which themselves are concerned about the current situation, are sincerely trying to play a positive role—unlike European countries, which are clearly acting to escalate tensions. They are acting as messengers, and various points have been exchanged.”

Regarding the structure of the negotiations, he said: “We are currently reviewing and deciding on the details of any diplomatic process and hope to reach conclusions in the coming days.”

Decision-Making on the Details of Any Potential Diplomatic Process Is on the Agenda

In response to a question about negotiations and reports published in this regard, including the recent tweet by the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Baghaei said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran does not need to prove its seriousness and goodwill toward diplomacy, as this has already been clearly demonstrated.”

He added: “By contrast, the opposing parties have committed numerous failures in this regard. As for the structure and framework of the negotiations, various assessments are currently underway, and different dimensions of the issue must be carefully examined.”

Referring to the role of regional countries, the spokesman said: “Regional countries, while concerned about current conditions, are sincerely trying to play a positive role, and within this framework, messages have been exchanged between the parties. This is while some European countries, contrary to this approach, are effectively moving toward escalating tensions.”

Baghaei emphasized: “At present, decision-making regarding the details of any potential diplomatic process is on the agenda, and it is hoped that in the coming days, a final conclusion will be reached regarding the manner of proceeding and the relevant frameworks, including what was raised in the tweet by the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.”

Any Insecurity or Threat Against Iran Will Have Contagious Consequences

Regarding statements by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defense about Iran, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: “We have seen these media reports. Iran and Saudi Arabia are two Muslim countries, and our initial response is that we have always maintained a positive assumption toward our brothers in the region. We believe that regional countries are well aware that any insecurity or threat against Iran will have contagious effects and consequences. The reason regional countries are seeking collective action to prevent escalation is precisely this consensus regarding the dangers associated with any adventurous action against Iran. We do not believe that a country’s position should be assessed solely on the basis of a media report. We are in close contact with Saudi Arabia, and in recent days our ambassador in Saudi Arabia has held discussions through the embassy in Tehran. Last night, there was also a phone call between the Foreign Minister and his Saudi counterpart.”

Lifting Sanctions Is Undoubtedly a Fundamental Priority

Regarding the objectives of negotiations and the issue of sanctions relief, Baghaei said: “The lifting of sanctions is undoubtedly a fundamental priority. Recently, the Foreign Minister stated that the nuclear issue has been used for years as a pretext to impose war on Iran. In exchange for confidence-building regarding the nature of Iran’s nuclear program, our legitimate demand is the lifting of unjust sanctions.”

In reaction to the release of new documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and the possible connection of this issue to negotiations with Iran, he said: “I cannot give an official opinion on this matter. At the media level, many connections between politicians and this case have been raised. Regarding whether this issue and information are being exploited by certain circles, including the Zionist regime, to influence some policymakers, there has been extensive discussion. I am not in a position to confirm or deny this, but it is an important issue that deserves attention. The regime has repeatedly used such information to influence politicians.”

Joint Military Exercises With China and Russia

Regarding reports about joint military exercises between Iran, China, and Russia, Baghaei said: “Military officials should comment on this issue. No changes have occurred in Iran’s armed forces exercises. The Iranian Navy’s joint exercise with China and Russia is an annual drill that has been held six or seven times in the northern Indian Ocean and will proceed according to schedule. The IRGC exercise, aimed at testing readiness, is being conducted according to a predetermined timetable. These drills and exercises are held continuously and regularly.”

Remarks by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA

Baghaei also commented on statements by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, regarding his lack of information about Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles, saying: “He should be asked why he is unaware. Prior to the 23rd of Khordad, IAEA inspectors conducted routine visits to our nuclear facilities based on clear procedures. The reason for this lack of information should be sought from the United States, Israel, and their supporters. All these problems stem from the military aggression of the Zionist regime, which, unfortunately, the Director General himself has refrained from explicitly condemning.”

We Are Reviewing the Details of the Negotiations

Regarding reports about the resumption of negotiations in Ankara at the end of the current week, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: “What is clear is that at this stage, we are reviewing some generalities and details regarding the progress of this process.”

He added: “We have witnessed various and continuous contacts from regional and neighboring countries. We are in the process of decision-making, and time is of great importance to us. In some previous negotiation phases, we witnessed the opposing parties exploiting the negotiation process. For us, every day that sanctions can be reduced is a victory. Therefore, with great care and with consideration of the importance of time, the matter is under review. We hope to be able to speak about further details in the coming days.”

The IRGC Is Part of Iran’s Official Armed Forces and Emerges From the People

Regarding the threat of war against Iran and hostile positions toward the IRGC, Baghaei said: “Labeling and using insulting descriptions will not change the nature of an institution or a part of Iran’s armed forces. The IRGC is part of Iran’s official armed forces and has emerged from the heart of the Iranian people. It knows well how to carry out its duties. Exercises are conducted annually and will be held on schedule this year as well. The IRGC is the guardian of security and stability in the Strait of Hormuz, and this reality must be taken into account by all.”

Our Relationship With Turkey Is Based on Mutual Respect

Regarding claims of the arrest of Iranian spies in Turkey, Baghaei said: “This issue was also questionable for us. Our relations with Turkey are based on mutual respect, and our borders have been symbols of friendship and peace. In recent days, Turkey has played a constructive role, and we must be vigilant against parties that do not tolerate closer relations among regional countries. We are confident that the Turkish government will deal wisely with this media-driven atmosphere.”

Iran Has Never Accepted Any Ultimatum or Deadline

In response to a question about whether Iran has received an ultimatum from the United States regarding war, he said: “You know Iran. Iran has never accepted any ultimatum or deadline.”

Regarding economic cooperation between Iran and the United States, he added: “Media analyses are part of media work. What Mr. Araghchi referred to was in response to a question about whether there is any prospect for economic cooperation. Fundamentally, what prevents economic cooperation between Iran and the United States are the self-imposed U.S. sanctions.”

Use of the Epstein Case by the Zionist Regime to Influence Politicians

In response to a question about prominent figures such as the German Chancellor and the French President being mentioned in the Epstein case and the alleged exploitation of this case by the Zionist regime, Baghaei said: “I cannot give an official opinion on this. At the media level, there has been discussion about the connections between Western politicians and statesmen and this case. There has been extensive debate about whether this issue is being exploited by certain circles, including the Zionist regime, to influence decision-making by some policymakers in the United States. I am not in a position to confirm or deny this, but there is evidence that the Zionist regime has used such issues to exert influence over politicians in various countries.”

Larijani’s Recent Visit to Russia Was Important

Regarding the path of diplomacy between Iran and Europe, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: “This is a contradiction that they must answer for. One cannot commit actions that violate the rights of a nation while claiming adherence to diplomacy. This is deliberate hypocrisy, and Europe’s behavior in recent times reflects contradiction upon contradiction.”

He added: “We have good cooperation with China and Russia, and our contacts with them are ongoing. These countries have expressed opposition to the bullying actions of the United States. Mr. Larijani’s recent visit to Russia was also an important trip, and China and Russia are aware of their responsibilities within the framework of the UN Security Council.”