Baghaei: Grossi keeps repeating a set of phrases, but this does not change existing realities

Commenting on claims by U.S. officials against Iran and remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the destruction of Iran’s nuclear activities, Baghaei said that statements previously made by the U.S. special representative for Syria constitute a clear and explicit admission of America’s interventionist approach in the region and other countries. He added that this admission simultaneously reflects the failure of that policy and its devastating consequences for the countries affected.

He continued by stating that the massacres carried out, the instability resulting from U.S. interventions in the region, and the emergence of terrorism in the region are among the outcomes of this admission.

According to Baghaei, such an acknowledgment entails responsibility for the United States, as these interventions have cost the lives of millions of people. He said that if admitting mistakes led to a reconsideration of future policies, there would be room for hope, but the U.S. continues its interventions under new pretexts while maintaining a condescending attitude toward regional countries.

He added that the U.S. National Security Strategy document demonstrates that Washington’s sole concern in the region is ensuring the dominance of the Zionist regime in West Asia.

In another part of the briefing, Baghaei addressed Iran–Lebanon relations, stating that diplomatic ties between Iran and Lebanon are longstanding and remain in place. He noted that Lebanon’s new ambassador to Iran has recently assumed office and that the process of appointing Iran’s new ambassador is underway, expressing hope that the process will proceed normally and that Iran’s ambassador will soon be stationed in Beirut.

He said Iran prefers to avoid any statements that could divert Lebanon from pursuing its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and core national priorities, adding that Iran has advised its Lebanese friends to focus on coordination among Lebanon’s various components.

Regarding the United Nations’ decisive vote in favor of the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, Baghaei said that what is happening in Gaza constitutes an explicit genocide, a fact emphasized by international judicial bodies, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, as well as other international institutions. He described the vote as one of hundreds of rulings condemning the crimes of the Zionist regime.

He stressed that the ruling reiterates international obligations, particularly Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions, adding that the Zionist regime has respected none of the rules of international law and has violated all of them.

According to Baghaei, the ruling once again confirms the commission of crimes in Palestine and underscores the responsibility of governments to halt those crimes.

Commenting on the U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the action lacks any legal basis and that the United States repeatedly fabricates justifications for its unlawful actions. He said the seizure has no legal foundation and stems from U.S. bullying.

Regarding the refusal to issue visas to the Iranian delegation for the World Cup draw and the possibility of similar actions by the U.S. in the future, Baghaei said that under FIFA regulations, the United States is obligated to provide all necessary facilities for the participation of all teams.

He stated that the U.S. has violated its commitments and that Iran has lodged its protest through FIFA and the U.S. Interests Section. He emphasized that Iran’s football community and national team have the right to participate in competitions without obstacles.

He added that the matter is being pursued continuously and expressed hope that the United States would, at least once, refrain from politicizing sports and cultural matters.

Referring to remarks by Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, on Iran’s nuclear program, Baghaei said that the IAEA chief repeatedly recites a set of phrases, but this does not change existing realities.

He stressed that Iran, as a member of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, is fully aware of its obligations, fulfills them, and expects the IAEA director general to address the parties responsible for the current situation rather than Iran.

He emphasized that problems cannot be resolved in the absence of fair approaches and that the IAEA director general must present a technical assessment in line with the authority granted to him under the agency’s statute.

Regarding the latest status of Mahdieh Esfandiyari, an Iranian citizen detained by the French government for supporting Palestine, Baghaei said that the latest development is that her court hearing in France is pending.

He noted that, according to current planning, the court session will be held in late January, expressing hope that the proceedings will pave the way for her final release and return to Iran.

On Iran–U.S. negotiations and threats by the Zionist regime, Baghaei said that what is obvious needs no explanation, adding that the lack of seriousness of the opposing parties in negotiations has been proven.

He said Iran has demonstrated its power and authority in various arenas and that diplomacy is one of the tools used to safeguard national interests in the international arena, which Iran has always employed.

According to the Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Iran and its armed forces are prepared to confront any adventurism, as demonstrated during the 12-day defense.

In another part of the briefing, Baghaei commented on the dismissal of Shirin Saeidi, an Iranian professor at the University of Arkansas, stating that this reflects an absolutely discriminatory approach in the United States, where an academic is harassed solely for expressing her position on what he described as the Zionist regime’s genocide and for defending her country. He stressed that this demonstrates the reality that claims of freedom of expression in the United States do not hold true in practice.

Regarding the impact of the UAE’s claims over the three Iranian islands on regional coordination and cooperation, Baghaei said there can be no tolerance regarding Iran’s territorial integrity and that Iran will defend it with full force. He stressed that Iran will not allow any party to cast doubt on Iran’s sovereignty over the three islands.

He added that Iran has told the supporters of such claims to consider regional interests in any statements or assertions they make, emphasizing that the region needs a clear stance against the major threat posed by the expansionist ambitions of the Zionist regime.