Iran (IMNA) - Speaking at a press conference on Monday morning, Baghaei addressed questions on Iran-related issues as well as regional and international developments. He said speculation surrounding nuclear talks between Iran and the United States is not unusual but stressed that “none of the circulating claims are confirmed.”
“We do not confirm any of the speculation. The details of any negotiation process are discussed in the negotiating room. The speculation raised about an interim agreement (between Iran and the US) has no basis,” he stated.
Responding to remarks by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff alleging that Iran is close to acquiring nuclear weapons capability, Baghaei rejected the claim. He said contradictory statements by US officials are not new and left judgment to the Iranian public and regional political elites.
Baghaei reiterated that negotiations aimed at forcing one side to unilaterally accept the other’s demands would not yield results. “We believe in the legitimacy of our views, and we will continue this process as long as we feel it can lead to results, relying on and confident in the solid foundations of our demands, both in the nuclear field and in the lifting of sanctions,” he said.
On remarks by Rafael Grossi concerning inspections and conditions related to damaged facilities, Baghaei said Iran does not accept such preconditions. He noted that Tehran fulfilled its obligations in 2025 regarding inspections of peaceful nuclear facilities and maintained full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency. However, he stressed that there is no established protocol for cases in which peaceful installations have been subjected to foreign military attacks.
Addressing reports from Omani sources claiming that Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani would travel to Oman to deliver Iran’s proposal package, Baghaei said he needed to verify the information and was not aware of such a trip.
He also referred to the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s reciprocal move to label the naval and air forces of EU member states as terrorist entities. Baghaei warned that, from Iran’s perspective, the presence of military forces from the 27 EU member states in the Persian Gulf and surrounding region would now be viewed differently.
“From now on, the presence of the military forces of the 27 EU member states in our peripheral region and in the Persian Gulf will be viewed differently because it will now be considered a terrorist organization, and you can guess what the effects and consequences will be,” he said.
Responding to comments by Witkoff regarding former US President Donald Trump and his curiosity about Iran’s resistance under US pressure, Baghaei said Iran’s confidence stems from faith in its rights and its long history, civilization, and culture. He stressed that the word “capitulation” has no place in Iran’s political lexicon and has never been accepted.
He added that over the past 47 years, the Iranian people’s core demands have centered on sovereignty, dignity, territorial integrity, and independence.
Baghaei also rejected allegations that Iran is “buying time” in negotiations, describing such claims as baseless. He said Iran has repeatedly expressed readiness to continue talks for days and weeks without interruption to reach a final outcome, emphasizing that Tehran has no interest in prolonging negotiations and that talks are only meaningful if they produce tangible results.
Commenting on statements by former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi regarding economic pressure on Iran, Baghaei said sanctions have openly aimed to exert pressure on citizens. He added that recent years have demonstrated that sanctions are explicitly intended to create economic hardship and encourage public dissent against state institutions.
When asked whether negotiations could lead to an agreement or whether war might erupt amid rising US military deployments, Baghaei said Iran’s armed forces continuously monitor developments.
“If it leads to war, our warfighters will respond,” he said, adding that the armed forces operate around the clock with full vigilance. He stressed that Iran has insisted on defending its national interests during ongoing negotiations and would take appropriate measures if it perceives manipulation or deception.
Regarding talks scheduled for Thursday and whether the United States would present a proposal, Baghaei said meaningful negotiations require goodwill and serious engagement from all parties. He noted that drafting any document demands cooperation and participation, adding that Iran is consolidating its positions and proposing elements for potential understanding.
On the possible attendance of IAEA chief Grossi at the new round of talks and prospects for a new agreement with the agency, Baghaei said discussions remain open but no final decision has been made. He clarified that cooperation with the IAEA, particularly regarding inspections of damaged facilities, requires a mutually agreed framework consistent with Iranian law and parliamentary legislation. He added that negotiations on inspection procedures are still at an early stage.
Baghaei further stated that recognition of Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy would be an inseparable element of any potential deal.
Addressing questions about Israel’s role in diplomatic processes, Baghaei claimed that Israel consistently seeks to disrupt negotiations and undermine agreements. “They are trying to turn the slogan of America First into Israel First,” he said.
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