WANA (Oct 06) – In a press conference held on Monday (October 6), the spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmaeil Baqaei, outlined the country’s latest diplomatic positions and accused the United States, Israel, and certain European countries of exploiting reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to justify unlawful actions against Iran’s peaceful nuclear program.
Recent Developments and the Situation in Gaza
Baqaei began by addressing recent developments and the Iranian delegation’s active participation in the UN General Assembly, saying: “The most pressing issue today is the ongoing genocide in occupied Palestine.”
He stated that over the past two years, 80,000 innocent Palestinians in Gaza have been killed or gone missing, with twice that number injured, while the UN and the Security Council have failed to take even minimal steps to stop these crimes.
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Criticism of European Countries and Misuse of the JCPOA Mechanism
The spokesperson condemned what he described as the “irresponsible and destructive behavior” of three European states, accusing them of misusing the JCPOA’s dispute resolution mechanism and making unreasonable demands on Iran.
He added that despite such behavior, Iran engaged in technical discussions with the IAEA based on its safeguards commitments, reaching an initial understanding that was later rejected by those same countries.
Iran: The U.S. and Israel Responsible for Attacks on Nuclear Facilities
Responding to a question about the IAEA Director-General’s recent remarks, Baqaei said: “Without a doubt, the Israeli regime and the United States are responsible for the illegal attacks on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities.
He stressed that IAEA reports have never shown any deviation in Iran’s nuclear activities and that the agency was expected to explicitly condemn the actions of the U.S. and Israel.
Baqaei urged the IAEA to remain focused on its technical mandate and avoid Western political influence.
Grossi: Iran Is Not Seeking Nuclear Weapons; My Report Did Not Trigger the Attack
WANA (Oct 05) – The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, stated: “My report clearly said that Iran has no program to develop nuclear weapons. So, if anyone thinks that report was a reason for war, they are mistaken.” In response to a question about whether he sees any […]
Reaction to the European Move at the UN Security Council
Baqaei described the recent European attempt to reinstate UN sanctions resolutions as “illegal, obstinate, and carried out at Washington’s request.”
He said: “The Security Council has taken no decision on this matter, and the move by these three countries has disrupted the structure of the UN.”
He added that Russia and China have supported Iran’s stance against this approach.
Iran Will Use All Diplomatic Tools
Commenting on divisions among Security Council members regarding the European move, Baqaei stated: “Iran will use every diplomatic instrument available to defend its rights and counter this unlawful action.”
He reminded reporters that Iran fully complied with the JCPOA until 2019, and its subsequent reduction of commitments was carried out in accordance with the agreement’s provisions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a meeting with foreign ambassadors to Iran, in Tehran, Iran, October 5, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)
Response to U.S. Officials’ Remarks
In response to the U.S. President’s claim about Iran’s “nuclear rollback,” Baqaei said: “Repeating these allegations does not change reality; Iran’s nuclear program has always been peaceful, and the attacks by the U.S. and the Israeli regime are criminal acts in violation of international law.”
The Case of Iranian and French Detainees
Regarding the case of Ms. Esfandiari and two detained French nationals, Baqaei stated that their files are under judicial review and final decisions regarding their release are pending.
He added that Iran’s embassy in Paris is following up on Esfandiari’s case and that regular consular meetings are being held with her.
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Warning Against Politicization in Sports
Asked about potential U.S. visa restrictions on Iranian football players, Baqaei said: “We hope the U.S. government avoids politicizing sports and fulfills its duties as host of international tournaments.”
He emphasized that the Foreign Ministry is actively working to resolve visa issues for Iranian athletes.
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Ongoing Iran–Russia Cooperation
Baqaei announced the start of the implementation of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty between Iran and Russia, effective from October 1.
He said: “Iran is not a country that can be isolated; it will continue its strategic relations with Russia and other nations based on shared interests and mutual strength.”
Voluntary Return of Iranians from the U.S.
Addressing reports about around 100 Iranians returning from the United States, Baqaei clarified that this was not an extradition, but rather the result of discriminatory treatment by U.S. authorities.
“Every Iranian has the right to freely return to their homeland,” he said, adding that 53 individuals have already returned and that Iran’s doors are always open to its citizens abroad.
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No Urgency in Establishing Bilateral Relations with Syria
Esmail Baqaei, in response to a question about the future of diplomatic relations between Iran and Syria, stated: “The position of the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding Syria — especially following the country’s recent political developments — has been repeatedly and clearly expressed. Our consistent emphasis has been on respect for Syria’s territorial integrity, preservation of its national sovereignty, and its legitimate right to defend itself against the occupation and aggressions of the Zionist regime.”
He added: “We are in no rush to establish bilateral relations. Iran is ready to engage with all countries in the region; however, decisions regarding the form and timing of such engagement with other nations rest with the Syrian authorities.”
Call on Countries to Disregard the Decision of the Three European States
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson, reacting to Turkey’s move to issue a directive for implementing the provisions of the now-void UN Security Council resolutions against Iran, said: “This action is unnecessary and illegal, as the basis claimed by the three European countries to reinstate the terminated Security Council resolutions is entirely devoid of legal validity.”
He emphasized: “We call on all countries — particularly our neighbors and friends — to refrain from implementing or giving effect to any such decision, which is unlawful and lacks a legitimate Security Council foundation.”
Turkey Freezes Assets of Iranian Entities After Activation of Snapback
WANA (Oct 02) – Following the activation snapback, Turkey announced on Wednesday that it has frozen the assets of dozens of individuals and entities connected to Iran’s nuclear program. The decision was made under a decree signed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. State media reported that the move affects the assets and bank accounts […]
Iran Had No Objection to U.S. Participation in Multilateral Meetings
Baqaei, speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, said: “A proposal was made to hold joint meetings with the participation of a U.S. representative to prevent the reinstatement of the terminated resolutions. Iran had no objection to this proposal and expressed its readiness to demonstrate goodwill, but the other parties declined to attend.”
He continued: “The three European countries later gave different explanations — some claimed they failed to persuade the U.S. to participate, while others said Washington had its own reservations.”
Concerns Over the U.S. Ceasefire Plan in Gaza
Regarding the American proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated: “We welcome any initiative that would stop the genocide and facilitate humanitarian aid to the oppressed people of Palestine, but we have serious concerns about the so-called ‘Gaza ceasefire’ plan.”
He added: “History shows that many similar initiatives — from the Balfour Declaration to the so-called Oslo peace process — ultimately weakened Palestinian rights and perpetuated occupation. The fate of Palestine must be determined solely by the Palestinian people, free from foreign interference.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry Statement on Gaza Ceasefire Proposal
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Concern Over Revival of Military Bases in Afghanistan
In response to reports about the reactivation of military bases in Afghanistan, Baqaei said: “The establishment or revival of military bases inside or around Afghanistan is a shared concern for countries in the region. The twenty-year presence of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan brought nothing but destruction, insecurity, and the spread of terrorism. Much of the country’s current instability stems from that very occupation.”
The Need to Uphold Yemen’s Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson continued: “The national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen must be respected by all relevant parties. The repeated attacks by the Zionist regime on Syria, Lebanon, and at times Yemen, are acts of military aggression and war crimes, and the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns them.”
The Cairo Understanding Currently Not Implementable
When asked about the status of the Cairo understanding between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Baqaei stated: “Should any hostile action be taken against Iran — including activation of the snapback mechanism — the Cairo understanding would become inapplicable. We are now precisely at that stage, and the responsibility lies with the three European countries.”
He added: “The final decision regarding the future of Iran–IAEA relations must be made by higher authorities, including the Supreme National Security Council.”
Cairo Agreement between Iran and IAEA. Social media/ WANA News Agency
The Zionist Regime Was the Main Driver of U.S. Withdrawal from the JCPOA
Referring to the background of the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal (JCPOA), Baqaei said: “The Trump administration withdrew from the agreement in 2018 without any valid justification, but the main driver behind that illegal move was the Zionist regime. This is despite the fact that, according to official IAEA reports, Iran’s nuclear program has never deviated from its peaceful path.”
He added: “It is a bitter irony that a regime outside the NPT and possessing a nuclear arsenal accuses Iran’s peaceful program of wrongdoing.”
Warning Against the Use of Neighboring Territories for Hostile Acts Against Iran
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: “Any misuse of the airspace or territorial domain of neighboring countries for hostile actions against Iran is a serious and unacceptable matter. Regional countries are fully aware that such conduct constitutes a blatant violation of international law, and the Islamic Republic of Iran reserves its right to take appropriate and proportionate measures in response.”
Iran and Turkey Defense Ministers Meet in Ankara
WANA (Oct 02) – Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Azizi Nasirzadeh and Turkish Defense Minister General Yaşar Güler met in Ankara with the aim of strengthening military relations between the two countries. The meeting took place at the official invitation of General Güler. During the talks, Nasirzadeh highlighted the opportunity for direct dialogue […]
Iran–U.S. Tensions Stem from Washington’s Miscalculations and Excessive Demands
Esmail Baqaei, responding to a question about mediation efforts by certain countries to resume talks between Iran and the United States, said: “In recent months, several countries — both within and outside the region — have made sincere efforts to help reduce tensions and resolve outstanding issues. The Islamic Republic of Iran appreciates these initiatives. However, the reality is that the challenges between Iran and the United States have largely arisen from Washington’s miscalculations and excessive demands.”
Referring to one of the recent points of contention, he added: “During the negotiations, the other side insisted that Iran’s enriched materials be transferred abroad, while their only proposal in return was to delay, for three to six months, the illegal move to reinstate the terminated UN resolutions. Such a proposal reflects the peak of their misjudgment about Iran and their lack of understanding of the Islamic Republic’s legitimate and rational positions.”
The Global Conscience Has Awakened to the Reality of Crimes in Gaza
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson, in another part of his remarks, referring to the worldwide protests against the Zionist regime, said: “Despite the regime’s extensive efforts to fabricate a distorted narrative of the crimes it is committing in Gaza, the awakened conscience of the world is now fully aware of the realities of these atrocities in occupied Palestine.”
Protests Across Europe Against the Seizure of the Samoud Fleet. Social media / WANA News Agency
Baqaei noted: “The Zionist regime is the only entity accused by the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and other global institutions of committing genocide — the gravest of all international crimes. The wave of protests across the globe is clear evidence of this truth.”
He added: “Global public opinion can no longer tolerate the continuation of such crimes. Even within American society, a growing critical attitude toward the Zionist regime’s actions is emerging — including among Jewish communities — and this is profoundly significant.”
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized: “It is expected that mounting global public pressure will compel Western governments — particularly the United States and the United Kingdom — to reconsider their approach to the Palestinian issue and to end their policy of granting impunity to the Zionist regime for its acts of aggression and crimes.”