Baghaei: Postponement of Iran-U.S. talks was based on mutual agreement

Regarding statements by Trump and Iran’s stance, Baghaei said: “Our position and the principled framework under which we entered indirect talks with the U.S. remain unchanged; we do not negotiate in public or media spaces. Iran’s stance on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, based on international law, is firm; our peaceful nuclear program dates back to the 1970s.”

He added, “Claims that Iran’s fossil fuel resources eliminate the need for nuclear energy are fallacious. Iran-U.S. talks are focused on the nuclear issue, and we have kept other parties informed at all stages; raising unrelated issues is unacceptable to us.”

Baghaei emphasized Iran’s commitment to diplomacy, stating: “The postponement of talks was proposed by Oman’s foreign minister and agreed upon by both sides; we await Oman’s input to resume talks, and updates will be provided in due time.”

On the postponement of the fourth round of negotiations, he noted, “We have been transparent in our communications; this should not be part of negotiation tactics, as the situation is clear. Both sides had agreed on the time and place for the fourth round, and we will consult on the next round. We handle negotiations professionally and with utmost care, following a clear path based on the issues raised at the table.”

He further clarified, “The discussions are straightforward and should not be complicated. Under Article IV of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, countries’ rights to access peaceful nuclear energy, including enrichment, are recognized. Iran’s nuclear program has no deviation from its peaceful nature, is monitored daily by the IAEA, and our goodwill has been proven and will remain unchanged.”

Baghaei also mentioned hearing reports of war hawks, both within and outside the U.S., particularly linked to the Zionist regime, attempting to disrupt talks. He stressed, “The official stance of the U.S. negotiating team matters to us; Iran’s readiness to build trust on various issues, with or without reason, is unwavering.”

Baghaei addressed claims about Iran’s oil reserves negating the need for nuclear energy, saying, “If oil were the basis, the U.S., with more oil than us, should shut down its nuclear program. Many countries, including U.S. allies, have peaceful nuclear programs, including enrichment.”

He added, “If the U.S. side, based on tweets seeking assurance that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, acts in good faith, many issues would be resolved, as we have categorically stated we are not seeking weaponized nuclear use.”

In response to a question from Mizan about the Zionist regime’s foreign minister’s remarks on refusing cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding war crimes and genocide in Gaza, and Iran’s participation in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing on humanitarian aid to Gaza, Baghaei said: “Iran’s participation was significant but not unprecedented; last year, we also participated in an ICJ advisory opinion on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.”

He explained, “Iran’s presence in the recent ICJ advisory opinion, based on a UN General Assembly resolution, aligns with our policy to seize every opportunity to support the oppressed Palestinian people. The question is whether the Zionist regime is obligated to allow humanitarian organizations, particularly UNRWA, to operate in occupied territories.”

Baghaei expressed dismay that, amidst an ongoing genocide, “we are addressing a basic question about enabling humanitarian aid to Gaza.” He noted that around 40 countries participated in the hearing, with only the U.S. and UK opposing, while others unanimously supported the continuation of humanitarian operations in Gaza.”

Regarding U.S. attacks on Yemen and accusations against Iran, Baghaei said, “These accusations are part of the misleading ‘proxy’ narrative the U.S. has pushed in recent years. Iran has no proxies and needs none; only the Zionist regime acts as a proxy for the U.S. Yemenis have independently decided to support Palestine, and accusations against Iran are baseless.”

On Netanyahu’s threats against Iran, Baghaei stated, “Iran’s armed forces, with full readiness and vigilance, will decisively respond to any adventurism.”

Commenting on recent remarks by Iran’s Defense Minister, he clarified, “The minister’s statement that regional countries are our friends should be interpreted accurately. Our extensive contacts with Persian Gulf neighbors and recent indirect talks reflect Iran’s policy of good neighborliness. However, under international law, all countries must prevent third parties from using their territory to attack another. If Iran is attacked from any country’s soil, that point becomes a legitimate target for our response.”

On the status of Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Mashhad and India’s consulate there, Baghaei said, “Our relations with Saudi Arabia are strengthening well; it’s their decision to resume consulate operations in Mashhad. Bilateral ties are progressing positively across various fields.” He added, “India-Pakistan tensions are unrelated to their consulates in Iran. We have longstanding, mutually respectful relations with both countries and make every effort to de-escalate tensions between them.”