Baghaei: IAEA has published reports beyond its technical mandate regarding Iran

The weekly press conference of the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson was held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson, responded to questions from domestic and foreign journalists regarding key foreign policy developments of recent days.

Baghaei emphasized that Gaza remains the most pressing issue in the region and the world, saying: “Words fall short in describing the situation; genocide—the gravest crime—is unfolding in Gaza.”

He noted that the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent Commission of Inquiry has once again confirmed in recent days that a genocide is taking place in Gaza, declaring that in the past two years, all the elements of genocide have been realized there.

He stressed that Iran’s consistent stance has been that normalization of ties with an occupying, genocidal, and terrorist regime amounts to normalizing crimes. “We warned all countries, especially regional ones, about this. Today, severing ties with the Zionist regime has become a global demand. Some states have already acted, and we expect more countries to reconsider relations and openly oppose crimes against innocent Palestinians.”

He added that Iran raised this demand at the recent Doha summit, but clarified it is not limited to that meeting, as similar campaigns are underway in Europe calling for cutting ties with Israel.

In response to a question about cooperation between the Foreign Ministry and the Judiciary during the 60th Human Rights Council session to pursue legal action regarding the Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran, Baghaei said: “Human Rights sessions are essentially opportunities for Iran to present its positions on various issues.”

He explained that two issues were central: first, highlighting the impact of sanctions on the Iranian people’s human rights; second, exposing the Zionist regime’s crimes and grave humanitarian violations during its military aggression. He noted that side meetings were held, with Iran’s judiciary delegation participating, and that documents on human rights violations were submitted to senior officials of the UN Human Rights Office, the ILO, and other bodies.

Baghaei added that the Presidential Office for Legal and International Affairs is tasked with pursuing Iran’s cases before international bodies, while the Foreign Ministry assists in documenting violations and coordinating with the UN and other organizations to provide evidence for potential legal action.

He mentioned a scheduled phone call later in the day between Iran’s Foreign Minister and a European minister, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also expected to attend.

The spokesperson of Iran’s Foreign Ministry, referring to the unlawful detention of Mahdieh Esfandiari in France, said that a phone call between Iran’s Foreign Minister and a European minister is scheduled for this afternoon, in which EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is also expected to take part.

He explained: “Two French nationals currently serving prison sentences in Tehran are charged with actions against national security, but Ms. Esfandiari is a victim of arbitrary detention. Politically, this amounts to hostage-taking.”

Baghaei added: “The Foreign Ministry has made significant efforts for her release and to provide consular services. The latest consular visit with Esfandiari took place on September 11. Her only crime is supporting the Palestinian people.”

On the latest state of Iran-Syria relations, the spokesperson said: “We believe that the severance of ties between two Muslim countries with a history of lasting friendship is not permanent. We also hold that the fate of Syria must be determined by the Syrian people themselves.”

Regarding the IAEA, Baghaei underlined: “If the Agency adheres to its technical duties in line with its governing resolutions, this is in everyone’s interest. Unfortunately, it has at times acted under U.S. and European pressure and issued reports beyond its mandate.” He said IAEA officials have their own interpretation of agreements with Iran, but Tehran’s position is clear.

He recalled that after the signing of the most recent agreement, Iran’s Foreign Minister announced that if any hostile action occurs—such as reinstatement of UN sanctions—the agreement would be considered null. “Iran has the right to respond to breaches and attempts at blackmail by the other side,” Baghaei said.

He explained that Iran reached an understanding with the IAEA specifying how its safeguards commitments would be implemented. This was confirmed by the IAEA Director-General, and “if the Europeans act in good faith, this agreement can serve as the basis for continued cooperation.” He stressed that Iran expects reciprocity: “We have shown we are not opposed to diplomacy; now it is the other side’s turn.”

Baghaei concluded: “We reached an agreement with the IAEA, yet Europeans are already complaining, which shows they don’t even trust the Agency itself. We hope all sides realize that escalation benefits no one.”