Iran (IMNA) - Speaking at his weekly press briefing on Monday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei addressed recent regional and international developments, including Iran’s missile capabilities, cooperation with the IAEA, the Ukraine war, relations with Russia, and a recent US seizure of a Chinese oil tanker.
On Iran’s missile program, Baghaei said it was developed exclusively to protect the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and therefore should not be subject to talks. He stressed that Iran’s defensive capabilities are designed to deter aggression and are not a matter for negotiation.
Baghaei criticized what he called contradictory Western policies, saying Iran’s defensive missile program is portrayed as a threat while advanced weaponry is supplied to Israel. He described this approach as a “clear contradiction and an obvious moral failure,” holding the United States and supporters of Israel accountable. He also emphasized the readiness of Iran’s armed forces, saying they are fully capable of defending the country whenever required and will remain focused on their responsibilities despite what he described as malicious media campaigns.
Addressing cooperation with the IAEA, the spokesman said contacts and interactions with the agency are continuing. He noted that as long as Iran remains a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and is committed to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, it is aware of and bound by its legal obligations.
Baghaei said issues repeatedly raised by the IAEA director general require answers from Rafael Grossi himself and from parties responsible for the current situation. He pointed out that despite Iran’s nuclear program being subject to the highest level of inspections, safeguarded facilities were subjected to what he described as illegal attacks by Israel and the United States in June. He said there is no established framework or precedent for inspecting damaged facilities and questioned whether Iran or the perpetrators of the attacks were responsible for the interruption of monitoring.
He added that Iran previously entered into talks with the IAEA that resulted in a mutual understanding signed by both sides, but said the process was halted due to obstruction by Western parties and the misuse of the JCPOA’s dispute resolution mechanism, known as snapback.
On the war in Ukraine, Baghaei reiterated that Iran has no involvement in the conflict and has consistently called for a diplomatic solution through dialogue. He rejected allegations of Iranian involvement and criticized European expectations that countries with friendly relations with Russia should alter or sever those ties, calling such demands unreasonable. He said Iran’s relations with Russia are based on mutual respect and shared interests, and that European countries should focus on acknowledging their own responsibilities.
Baghaei also commented on the recent visit of Iran’s foreign minister to Moscow, saying it took place as part of ongoing consultations and within the framework of the comprehensive agreement between Iran and Russia.
Reacting to the US seizure of a Chinese oil tanker in the Caribbean, the spokesman described the move and related threats against Iranian interests as a serious threat to international peace and stability. He said Washington’s actions, aimed at regime change in Venezuela, contradict international principles and laws and should be condemned by all governments. He added that Iran will firmly defend its national interests and will respond decisively to any violation of its interests.
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