Baghaei: Any adventurism against Iran will face a crushing response

Esmaeil Baghaei, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, addressed questions from domestic and international media on Monday, April 28, 2025, regarding key foreign policy issues from the past week. 

Russia took the lead in assisting Iran with the Shahid Rajaee Port incident

Baghaei began the press conference by offering condolences to Iran, the people of Bandar Abbas, and the families of victims and those affected by the explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port, expressing gratitude to governments and countries that showed solidarity. He noted that Russia was at the forefront of assisting Iran.

Baghaei’s remarks on the latest status of Iran-U.S. negotiations

Regarding the red lines of Iran’s negotiating team, Baghaei said, “Entering into the details of any negotiation must align with the agreed-upon general framework.” He stressed, “No agreement on details is reached unless there is agreement on the broader framework.” 

He clarified that a message from Oman’s Foreign Minister was inaccurately translated into Persian, stating that another high-level meeting, the fourth round with current delegations, will take place. 

On Europe’s stance on negotiations and the positions of neighboring countries, Baghaei said, “These consultations reflect the importance we place on neighboring countries, especially in the Persian Gulf, as well as others like China, Russia, and the three European countries.” He added, “This demonstrates Iran’s goodwill in clarifying its nuclear stance; European parties must decide their role.” 

Baghaei noted that the next round of talks is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, with the time and location to be coordinated with the Omani side, depending on the agreement of all three parties. He mentioned no changes to the timing have been communicated by Oman. 

He emphasized that entering technical discussions requires more time for negotiations, with the timing and intervals determined by mutual agreement. “From the outset, we said we are serious in this path to lift unjust and illegal sanctions; all pretexts for sanctions are outright lies. We have stated we have no limits on negotiations,” he said. 

Baghaei added, “At each stage, we use technical experts based on progress; in this round, we had economic experts and those dealing with the IAEA. We will continue to use experts. The effective lifting of sanctions is a key term that must be embedded in a diverse set of commitments; free access to Iran’s assets is one of our demands. Our stance on ending sanctions is clear; how the other side lifts sanctions is their concern, to be discussed in negotiation meetings.”

Genocide in Gaza is part of an ethnic cleansing plan

On the ongoing genocide by the Zionist regime in Gaza, Baghaei said, “The genocide in Gaza continues with greater intensity; horrific scenes of famine and starvation are unfolding, part of a sinister ethnic cleansing plan.” He added, “All humans have a duty to protest this crime, and international organizations responsible for protecting peace must fulfill their duties.”

Pursuing the status of Iranian citizens detained in France

Regarding the detention of Shahin Hazmi and Mahdieh Esfandiari, Iranian citizens in France, for protesting the genocide, Baghaei said, “This is one of the contradictions European countries must answer for; detaining citizens of other countries for protesting genocide violates international norms, freedom of expression, and aligns with ongoing crimes.” 

He added, “We have followed up on both cases with French authorities; a consular visit was approved for Ms. Esfandiari. These two Iranian citizens committed no crime.”

Baghaei stressed, “It is our duty as the Foreign Ministry to follow up on the status of Iranians abroad. We pursued the Hazmi and Esfandiari cases through our embassy in Paris and the French embassy in Iran. France must be asked to respect its international human rights commitments and not use this issue for political purposes.”

IAEA delegation has arrived in Tehran

On the visit of the IAEA technical delegation to Tehran, Baghaei said, “This visit follows negotiations held a week ago between Iranian officials and [IAEA Director General Rafael] Grossi.”

He added, “The delegation has arrived in Tehran and will hold talks with the Atomic Energy Organization today. The discussions are technical, covering outstanding safeguards issues, among other topics.”

Maximum pressure policy is not exclusive to Iran

On U.S. tariffs imposed on 180 countries, Baghaei said, “The maximum pressure policy is not limited to Iran and is applied to many countries.” He noted, “This policy disrupts free trade, violates international trade laws, and undermines the human rights of those affected. It also hinders South-South relations.”

Zionist officials’ statements aim to derail diplomacy

On the Zionist regime’s statements against Iran and potential coordination with the U.S., Baghaei said, “It’s no surprise that Zionist officials make statements to undermine diplomacy and overshadow the genocide in the region.” He stressed, “Any adventurism against Iran will face a crushing response. Western countries generously supporting this regime must reconsider their approach, as they are aiding an entity whose existence depends on war.”

President’s visit to Baku opens a new chapter in bilateral ties

On the President’s visit to Baku, Baghaei said, “The President’s trip to Azerbaijan is highly significant; months of preparations went into it. This visit can open a new chapter in bilateral relations.”

He emphasized, “Stability and security in the South Caucasus are very important to us. Iran and Azerbaijan share many common interests. We hope this visit will enhance bilateral ties and pave the way for various memoranda of understanding.”

China has played a constructive role in regional developments

On Iran’s relations with China, Baghaei said, “We have a longstanding friendship and strategic partnership with China, based on mutual respect and interests. Complaints from European countries and the U.S. about China’s role in the region and China-U.S. relations are politically motivated.”

He added, “China’s role is welcomed because it has played a constructive role in regional developments over the years, evident in a simple comparison: China has no military bases in the region and has not supported genocide. Those complaining should reflect on their own actions.”