Baghaei: Enrichment as an inseparable part of Iran’s nuclear energy must be preserved

On Monday, May 26, 2025, Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, attended a weekly press conference, answering questions from domestic and foreign media about the most significant foreign policy developments of the past week.

Regarding negotiations with the U.S. and Europe, Baghaei stated: “We are ready to continue talks with Europe, and the time and place are under review.”

He emphasized: “Media reports and fabrications about Iran-Europe and Iran-U.S. negotiations need to be carefully examined; these reports, originating from Zionist regime sources, are deliberately aimed at undermining the negotiation process.”

The spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry added: “Over the past few weeks, Iran has shown it is not interested in wasting time. We have no issue dedicating time to negotiations, but the other side must also make decisions.”

Commenting on the walkout of Witkoff from a meeting, Baghaei said: “This issue is not worth discussing and is merely media entertainment. The timing of the negotiations was set from the start, and it’s natural for each party to have other commitments. What matters is that we started and concluded the negotiations as planned. At the end, we consulted with the Omani Foreign Minister for 20 to 30 minutes about the talks.”

He further noted: “The time and place for the next round are not yet determined, and we are in consultation with the Omani side. As a facilitator, Oman naturally presents its views and coordinates with the parties.”

Baghaei stressed: “Enrichment, as an inseparable part of Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, must be preserved, and we are not allowed to show the slightest flexibility on this matter. This red line is also considered in the proposed suggestions.”

Regarding the nuclear consortium, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “We have demonstrated the importance of neighboring countries in Iran’s foreign policy in practice. In each round of negotiations with the U.S., we have kept neighbors informed. Informing neighboring countries, especially those in the Persian Gulf, can aid the negotiation process. The Tehran Dialogue Forum provided an opportunity for continued consultations on this matter. Regarding the so-called nuclear consortium, we recognize the region’s interest in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and support any initiative based on regional countries’ participation in enrichment and fuel production for peaceful projects. However, this initiative cannot replace Iran’s enrichment program.”

In response to a question from Mizan about France’s recent complaint against Iran at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), alleging a violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations concerning two detained French citizens in Iran, Baghaei said: “We were surprised by France’s action. We do not believe there is any dispute with France or any other government regarding our fulfillment of obligations under consular treaties.”

He emphasized: “We are fully committed to the international agreements we are party to and consider ourselves bound to fulfill our obligations under international law. I believe France’s decision to file a case against Iran at the ICJ is, at best, an instrumental use of a legal institution, and I don’t think it will be productive. We have always said we are ready for dialogue.”

Baghaei added: “If there is any issue regarding the implementation of consular convention obligations, we are ready to discuss with the French side. However, when a case is filed at the ICJ, we will seriously defend ourselves in accordance with the relevant regulations.”

In another part of his remarks, Baghaei stated: “The most significant issue in our region remains the ongoing genocide in Gaza.”

He condemned the Zionist regime’s attack on a school in Gaza, describing it as “part of the regime’s ongoing genocide, which has intensified over the past two years.” He added: “Our region will not forget this clear crime and the complicity of other parties involved.”

Regarding the detention of Mahdieh Esfandiari, an Iranian citizen in France, Baghaei said: “Regardless of where Iranian citizens face harassment, the Foreign Ministry, based on its ethical duty, addresses the issue. Over the past few months, we have responded to inquiries, and our embassy in Paris has been following up on the matter.”

He added: “This detention is an example of arbitrary detention, as no solid evidence has been presented against her, and she was detained solely for supporting Palestine.”

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson further noted: “Two consular visits with Esfandiari have been conducted so far. This detention is illegal and unjust, and we call on France to release this Iranian citizen as soon as possible.”