Beghaei: No messages exchanged with the United States

Esmail Beghaei, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, made the remarks during his weekly press conference on Monday, November 3, 2025, answering questions from domestic and foreign reporters about recent foreign policy developments.

Beghaei noted that since the Gaza ceasefire took effect, it has been repeatedly violated by the Israeli regime, stating:

“Genocide in Gaza continues. The responsibility of those who guaranteed the ceasefire is now clearer than ever, and the continued inaction of the UN Security Council has allowed the Israeli regime to persist with blatant human rights violations under complete impunity.”

He continued: “Yesterday marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. This day inevitably draws attention to Gaza, where about 270 journalists have been martyred. The number of journalists killed during the two years of the Gaza war is unprecedented in the history of conflicts. This demonstrates that what is happening in Gaza is not a war—but a genocide.”

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson also referred to Student Day and the anniversary of the takeover of the U.S. embassy in Tehran, saying:

“Around this time each year, we publish a report on human rights violations in the United States and the United Kingdom. This report, based on a law passed by the Iranian Parliament on April 23, 2012, will soon be released by the Legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

Responding to a question from Mizan News Agency about the recent report by the UN Special Rapporteur and the so-called Fact-Finding Committee on the human rights situation in Iran—described as a clear attempt to whitewash the Israeli regime’s aggression against Iran and divert global attention—Beghaei stated:

“Our position regarding so-called country-specific reports is clear. The appointment of a Special Rapporteur on Iran’s human rights was a purely political move, lacking legitimacy, initiated and prolonged by a few Western countries. The so-called Fact-Finding Committee, created by the former German foreign minister, has merely compiled a mixture of false claims and baseless accusations against Iran.”

He added: “It is worth noting that, despite being filled with unfounded allegations about human rights in Iran, even this report could not ignore the crimes of the Israeli regime. It explicitly recognized Israel’s military aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran as a violation of international law.”

Regarding reports about emails sent by Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted American sex offender, to Mossad concerning Iran, Beghaei said: “The emails attributed to Epstein—urging Mossad to take military action and exert pressure on Iran—are not unprecedented, yet they are revealing. It is significant that someone with a record of human trafficking and corruption would be sending such emails to Mossad. This is telling in itself.”

He added: “A recent admission by an American official regarding interference in Iran’s internal affairs fits within the same pattern of U.S. hostility toward Iran. American policymakers have not learned from the bitter consequences of their actions that have destabilized the world. There must be international accountability for such behavior, and public opinion in the West must recognize that their governments’ policies in West Asia have produced nothing but violence—as evident today in Sudan and Syria.”

Addressing remarks made by Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Beghaei said: “Grossi merely stated the obvious—our nuclear program has always been peaceful and has never deviated from its path. The Agency must adhere to its technical mandate and avoid repeating baseless allegations.”

On reports about IAEA inspection requests related to sites targeted in attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities, he stated: “Contradictory and extra-mandate statements by the Agency do not help Iran-IAEA cooperation. The framework of our cooperation is clearly defined by the Parliament, and inspector accreditation is carried out accordingly, under the supervision of the Supreme National Security Council. Inspections of the Bushehr nuclear plant and the Tehran research reactor are ongoing.”

Regarding reports of Iran-U.S. communications in light of recent developments, Beghaei said: “Comments made about negotiations have been misinterpreted; no message has been received in Oman. While various intermediaries attempt to bridge gaps and exchange messages, this does not amount to the start of direct talks between Iran and the U.S.”

He added: “Decisions regarding the negotiation team and related matters will be made at the appropriate time. The parameters of any potential talks are clear: both sides’ rights must be recognized. Iran’s nuclear rights, grounded in international law, are non-negotiable. If this reality is understood, the conditions for negotiation could exist—but we are not in such a position now.”

Commenting on speculation about a change in mediators, Beghaei clarified: “No new mediator has been appointed, but naturally various intermediaries communicate with both sides. Such contact does not mean a new mediation process is forming. When the other side engages in excessive demands with no limits, negotiations cannot proceed.”

He continued: “Any analysis of Iran-U.S. talks must remember that Iran was attacked in the midst of a negotiation process. The Iranian people will not forget this. Talks can only take place when both sides recognize each other’s mutual interests—but the U.S. continues its arrogance and attempts to dictate terms.”

On U.S. and Israeli threats against Lebanon, Beghaei stated: “Israeli threats against Lebanon have been continuous. Despite the ceasefire understanding, the Israeli regime has violated it 5,000 times. There is no doubt that these acts and threats constitute flagrant violations of international law and the UN Charter, but Israel has never respected these norms. Lebanon has the right to defend itself.”

Addressing cooperation with Russia and China, Beghaei said: “Even under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, Iran maintained nuclear and defense cooperation with China and Russia. It is natural that these partnerships continue seriously within the framework of bilateral agreements.”

He added: “Iran and China have a long history of cooperation. The 25-year comprehensive agreement provides a clear path for continued collaboration. As influential countries in the Global South and West Asia, China and Iran continue their cooperation based on mutual interests.”

Finally, Beghaei responded to U.S. officials’ statements about possible attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites, saying: “Such remarks only increase U.S. responsibility for violating international law. These claims are baseless and serve merely as rhetorical appeasement for the Israeli regime.”