Baghaei: U.S. aggression is a criminal act

On Monday, June 24, 2025, Esmaeil Baghaei, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, addressed foreign and domestic reporters during his weekly press conference, answering questions about key foreign policy developments over the past week.

At the beginning of the session, Baghaei referred to 11 days since Iran’s national defense against the blatant aggression of the Zionist regime, saying: “Today marks the second day of our defense against the United States. The U.S. has committed a criminal assault against our peaceful nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.”

He continued by referencing Iran’s ancient civilization and its renowned historical figures: “We Iranians are filled with sorrow and anger today. Throughout history, Iranians have proven that while they are peace-loving, noble, and morally principled, they never compromise when it comes to defending their homeland and national honor. Our armed forces continue to protect every citizen with strength and determination, and by learning from history, they will once again thwart the enemy’s objectives.”

Baghaei added: “There is no doubt today that the Zionist regime’s aggression against Iran was carried out with coordination and support from the United States. Therefore, America is complicit in all the crimes committed over these 11 days. The U.S. attack on peaceful nuclear facilities — which are under IAEA safeguards — is a criminal and entirely illegal act. There is absolutely no justification for this aggression.”

He went on to provide a report on the latest crimes committed by the Zionist regime in Iran, stating: “These documented crimes will be added to the long list of the regime’s atrocities in the region. Undoubtedly, the proud Iranian nation will not allow the land of Iran to become a battleground for these criminals.”

On Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s recent statements about negotiations, Baghaei said: “At the moment, our full focus is on defending Iran. We will not allow any peripheral issues to distract us. We are focused on repelling the evil of an enemy that enjoys the backing of the U.S. and certain European powers. We learn from past experiences.”

Regarding the ongoing psychological warfare against Iran, Baghaei said: “Dear compatriots, please take note that alongside the physical war being waged against Iran, there is also a deliberate and ongoing psychological war. Victim and aggressor are being reversed, language is being manipulated, and Iran’s precise strikes on military targets are being falsely portrayed as attacks on civilians — this is part of the psychological warfare. Iran respects ethics and diplomatic conduct, a fact we demonstrated throughout the 8-year imposed war.”

On criticism directed at Iran’s right to self-defense, he emphasized: “Iranians know better than anyone how to defend their country and have proven that they do not pay tribute to anyone. The U.S. should understand that it is seen by the Iranian people as a disruptor of our path to progress and independence.”

He stated: “Iran’s current pursuit of peaceful nuclear knowledge and energy — aimed at national welfare and progress — is being treated as a threat by countries that themselves possess nuclear weapons. Such rhetoric should not be taken seriously.”

He added: “Our sole focus now is on defending Iran’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty with full force. The decision on how to defend and which tools to use lies with the competent national authorities and is being evaluated by Iran’s armed forces.”

In response to a question by Mizan News regarding the damage inflicted on Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan during the unlawful U.S. attacks — and the legal actions being pursued — Baghaei responded: “This aggression is absolutely illegal and unjustifiable. Iran was not at war with the United States, and the Zionist regime’s aggression also lacked any legal or rational basis. America’s entry into this war is not only illegitimate but an act of aggression. The damage inflicted on the Islamic Republic and its people is actionable and will be pursued through international mechanisms.”

He continued: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside the honorable defense efforts of our armed forces, will use every legal and international tool available to defend the rights of the Iranian nation. This is a matter actively on our agenda.”

Regarding Rafael Grossi’s request to visit Iran, Baghaei said: “Grossi is both the legal head of an international agency and an individual. In his official capacity as the IAEA Director General, he is expected to behave impartially and technically. However, we have long expressed our dissatisfaction with his biased approach and have communicated these concerns.”

He added: “Grossi’s report, which was essentially a mandate from Western states, especially the U.S. and Europeans, was inappropriate and became the basis for a politically motivated anti-Iran resolution. Despite all these actions, no evidence has ever been found showing deviation in Iran’s nuclear program, and no concrete faults have been identified in our current nuclear activities. That very report became a political excuse to attack our nuclear facilities. He belatedly admitted that Iran’s nuclear program is not moving toward weaponization.”

Finally, on Araghchi’s recent trip to Russia, Baghaei said: “We’ve had good relations with Russia for a long time. Russia is a JCPOA member and a permanent Security Council member. Naturally, regional developments matter to them. As a country with a strategic partnership agreement with Russia, we expect them to play a meaningful role, especially in the Security Council and in the region. This visit is significant.”