{"id":704309,"date":"2026-01-18T13:32:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-18T13:32:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/704309\/"},"modified":"2026-01-18T13:32:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-18T13:32:11","slug":"800-executions-claim-is-fake-news-europes-human-rights-claims-are-baseless","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/704309\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201c800 Executions\u201d Claim Is Fake News, Europe\u2019s Human Rights Claims Are Baseless"},"content":{"rendered":"

WANA (Jan 18) \u2013 <\/strong>Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman dismissed the \u201c800 executions\u201d claim as fake news, accusing Western media of spreading disinformation and propaganda. He also called European concerns over human rights in Iran \u201ca blatant lie,\u201d arguing that if they were sincere, they would lift sanctions that harm ordinary citizens and deprive patients of medicine. Baghaei added that Iran is strong enough to \u201ccrush the hand of any aggressor\u201d and will not tolerate any violation of its sovereignty.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Legal Action Against U.S. Violations<\/p>\n

At a Sunday press conference, Baghaei said under international law, any act violating the UN Charter entails state responsibility. Referring to U.S. actions against Iran, including the killing of General Qassem Soleimani, he said Iran has documented U.S. violations and filed complaints at the International Court of Justice.<\/p>\n

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He cited past cases such as the downing of an Iranian passenger plane by the U.S. Navy and said pursuing these cases is a duty of the Iranian government and judiciary.<\/p>\n

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U.S. Responsible for Rising Tensions<\/p>\n

Baghaei said the United States is responsible for escalating tensions, adding that Iran has never threatened U.S. borders or interfered in other countries\u2019 internal affairs.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

He said when Washington speaks of diplomacy, it seeks to impose demands, not engage in genuine dialogue. He dismissed reports about U.S. opposition to a meeting with its special envoy as media speculation.<\/p>\n

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Europe Ignoring Realities in Iran<\/p>\n

Responding to European criticism at the UN Security Council, Baghaei said European countries are deliberately ignoring developments in Iran, including violent incidents during protests in mid-January that he said involved armed and foreign-backed elements. He accused Europe of launching a coordinated media and political campaign against Iran despite being aware of these facts.<\/p>\n

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Double Standards on Human Rights<\/p>\n

Baghaei said Europe\u2019s human rights claims lack credibility, pointing to what he described as the genocide in Gaza and the killing of more than 72,000 civilians. He said major European states failed to condemn Israel and instead openly supported it, citing remarks by former British and German foreign ministers justifying the killing of civilians.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Europe Losing International Credibility<\/p>\n

He said Europe, by blindly following the United States and Israel, is undermining its own credibility and losing its potential role as an independent international actor. Using Iran as a bargaining chip to mend transatlantic rifts, he added, would only further weaken the rule of law that Europe claims to defend.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Denmark Should Not Use Iran as Leverage<\/p>\n

Commenting on Denmark\u2019s harsh stance at the UN, Baghaei said Iran has no dispute with Copenhagen and respects Denmark\u2019s territorial integrity, including Greenland. He warned that European disagreements with Washington should not be resolved by targeting Iran.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

IAEA Contacts Ongoing<\/p>\n

Baghaei said Iran\u2019s contacts with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are continuing within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty and the safeguards agreement, noting that routine inspections of unaffected nuclear facilities have taken place.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Unrest Death Toll a Judicial Matter<\/p>\n

On foreign media reports about casualties during unrest in Iran, Baghaei said casualty figures and the nationality of foreign elements involved are security and judicial matters. He claimed the United States and Israel were directly involved and said details would be released at an appropriate time.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Argentina Move \u2018Dangerous and Illegal\u2019<\/p>\n

Baghaei strongly condemned Argentina\u2019s decision to designate Iran\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, calling it legally groundless, politically dangerous, and contrary to international law, and warned that Iran would respond accordingly.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

No Foreign Embassies Closed in Iran, Says FM Spokesman<\/p>\n

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei rejected reports claiming that foreign embassies in Iran have been shut down, saying no embassy has ceased operations.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

He said some diplomatic missions temporarily reduced staff due to internet disruptions and heightened tensions, but added that reported figures were exaggerated. \u201cAll embassies remain open, and we hope normal operations will fully resume soon,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

U.S. Must Prove Commitment to Diplomacy in Practice<\/p>\n

Responding to claims that Washington seeks diplomacy with Tehran and to conditions reportedly set by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Baghaei said diplomacy must be judged by actions, not slogans.<\/p>\n

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He noted that Iran has consistently supported diplomacy but was subjected to military aggression while diplomatic processes were underway. \u201cIf the United States prefers diplomacy, it must demonstrate this in practice,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

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Defensive Capabilities Not Negotiable<\/p>\n

Baghaei stressed that Iran has made clear the scope and limits of any potential negotiations, saying talks only make sense when the interests of both sides are respected.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

He reiterated that Iran\u2019s right to peaceful nuclear energy is recognized under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and said no country concerned with its people\u2019s security would negotiate its defensive capabilities.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

He again rejected the notion of \u201cproxy forces,\u201d saying groups active in the region act independently in defense of their own interests and that regional instability stems from occupation, not Iran.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Iran\u2013U.S. Communication Channels Remain Active<\/p>\n

On communication channels between Iran and the United States, Baghaei said official channels remain in place through the Swiss Embassy in Tehran and Pakistan\u2019s Embassy in Washington.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

He added that some regional and international actors also facilitate message exchanges, and confirmed that the so-called Araghchi\u2013Witkoff channel remains active and is used when necessary.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Regional States Aware of Their Obligations<\/p>\n

Asked whether Iran had warned Iraq about Israel\u2019s alleged use of Iraqi airspace, Baghaei said regional countries are fully aware of their political and international obligations.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

He stressed that no state is permitted to allow its land, air, or sea space to be used for aggression against another country, while accusing the United States and Israel of routinely disregarding international law. He cited remarks by Iraq\u2019s foreign minister that Iran\u2019s security directly affects regional stability.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Munich Security Conference Invitation Cancelled Under Pressure<\/p>\n

Baghaei said the invitation for Iran\u2019s foreign minister to attend the Munich Security Conference was reportedly withdrawn under pressure from Germany\u2019s Foreign Ministry.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

He said the move exposed the intolerance of those who claim to champion dialogue and free expression, arguing that it damaged the credibility of such forums and showed they are subject to political pressure.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Israeli-Linked Accounts Spread Fake News on Iran<\/p>\n

Commenting on an Al Jazeera report on foreign-led online agitation, Baghaei said the findings confirmed long-standing concerns about disinformation campaigns targeting Iran.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

He said Western media have often amplified false narratives, citing fabricated reports such as claims that hundreds of executions were imminent in Iran. He said the report showed how accounts linked to Israel deliberately spread fake news, underscoring the need for accurate reporting.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

He cited claims such as \u201c800 executions in one day\u201d as examples of lies believed internationally, and said the report shows how accounts linked to the Israeli regime deliberately produce fake news, increasing the responsibility of the media to provide accurate information.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Any Plan on Palestine Must Respect Self-Determination<\/p>\n

Baghaei said Iran supports any initiative that reduces suffering in Palestine, but warned that peace plans ignoring Palestinians\u2019 right to self-determination are doomed to fail. He said Israel\u2019s opposition to proposed governance arrangements for Gaza reflects its aim to eliminate the Palestinian people, even rejecting symbolic measures.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Border Security, Counterterrorism Central to Talks With Iraq<\/p>\n

Addressing the continued presence of terrorist groups near Iran\u2019s borders despite a security agreement with Iraq, Baghaei said effectiveness must be demonstrated in practice.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

He said Iran maintains constant contact with Iraqi authorities and the Kurdistan Regional Government to ensure border security and counter terrorism. He added that these issues would be central to meetings between Iraq\u2019s foreign minister and senior Iranian officials.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Iran\u2013Venezuela Ties Based on Mutual Interests, Not Individuals<\/p>\n

Baghaei welcomed Venezuela\u2019s reaffirmation of ties with Iran, saying bilateral relations are rooted in long-term mutual respect and shared interests, not individuals. He said Tehran expects the relationship with Caracas to continue and welcomed clear statements by Venezuelan officials on their foreign policy approach.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"WANA (Jan 18) \u2013 Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman dismissed the \u201c800 executions\u201d claim as fake news, accusing Western…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":704310,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5174],"tags":[2000,299,5187,41768,774,103712,659,8518],"class_list":{"0":"post-704309","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-eu","8":"tag-eu","9":"tag-europe","10":"tag-european","11":"tag-iaea","12":"tag-iran","13":"tag-unrest","14":"tag-usa","15":"tag-venezuela"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115916357321135834","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/704309","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=704309"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/704309\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/704310"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=704309"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=704309"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=704309"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}