TEHRAN \u2013 As Iran and the United States prepare for the third round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva this week, Tehran is issuing a clear directive that any agreement must guarantee the nation\u2019s established rights, and that pressure tactics will fail.<\/p>\n
At a press conference Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed the Islamic Republic\u2019s firm stance, stating diplomacy will not lead to submission. His remarks precede crucial negotiations that have been plagued by heightened military rhetoric from Washington.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur duty is to ensure the rights and interests of the Iranian nation,\u201d Baghaei told reporters. \u201cWe can only accept an agreement that secures Iran\u2019s rights and national interests on both the nuclear issue and sanctions relief.\u201d<\/p>\n
Baghaei\u2019s remarks were a direct response to recent statements by U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and his envoy Steve Witkoff, who have suggested that Iran should capitulate under the weight of economic sanctions and military threats. Witkoff told Fox News over the weekend that Trump is \u201ccurious\u201d as to why Iran has not yet surrendered, particularly after the president warned of possible military strikes.<\/p>\n
Baghaei dismissed the language as culturally and historically inaccurate.<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2018Surrender\u2019 has no place in Iranian culture and literature,\u201d he stated. He cited 47 years of Iranian history as evidence the nation does not yield to external pressure. \u201cThe Iranian people demand dignity, independence, and respect for national sovereignty.\u201d<\/p>\n
The spokesperson rejected Witkoff\u2019s suggestion Iran simply accept a U.S. proposal, calling it part of a pattern of contradictory U.S. claims. \u201cAny negotiation starting with imposed burdens and preconceived judgments will not conclude,\u201d Baghaei warned.<\/p>\n
On the military front, Baghaei was unequivocal regarding aggression. The U.S. has recently increased its military presence in the region, including two carrier strike groups, framed by Washington as leverage. Baghaei made clear that even a \u201climited\u201d strike crosses a red line.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese two issues are fundamentally unrelated. There are no limits on what constitutes an \u2018aggressive act\u2019; any attack, regardless of scale, is aggression and will carry consequences,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also countered remarks by IAEA head Rafael Grossi, who suggested inspections alone could block a deal. Baghaei affirmed Iran has fully cooperated with the IAEA at its peaceful nuclear facilities throughout 2025.<\/p>\n
On a separate but related matter, Baghaei announced a significant policy shift regarding European forces in the Persian Gulf. This action responds to the European Union\u2019s designation of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) as a \u201cterrorist\u201d entity.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur action was taken in response to that unlawful move. Henceforth, the presence of law enforcement forces from EU member states in the Persian Gulf region will be viewed differently, as they will be considered terrorist forces, carrying consequences,\u201d he stated.
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