Why it matters:
Iran’s nuclear diplomacy and its regional security posture highlight Tehran’s efforts to keep channels with the IAEA open despite recent tensions, while simultaneously drawing red lines on geopolitical changes in the Caucasus, an area where Western and regional rivalries are intensifying.
The big picture:
Iran has signaled that cooperation continues, though recent events have affected the level of interaction. The Iranian administration says it interacts with the IAEA based on the parliament's resolution.
What he’s saying:
Esmail Baghaei, Foreign Ministry Spokesman:
On the relation with IAEA:
- Our relations with the IAEA remain direct. Last week, we held a meeting with the Agency’s Deputy Director General, and our Permanent Mission in Geneva remains in contact with the IAEA." He added that "the next round of talks with the IAEA may be held in the coming days."
On the Caucasus:
- The joint Iran-Armenia statement stressed respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internationally recognized borders. Iran warned that reopening regional corridors, such as the rail route linking Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan via southern Armenia, must not alter international borders.
On foreign embassies:
- The reports about the closure of embassies, for example, in Germany, have been made solely to create tension. None of the embassies has been closed. Following the recent Israeli military aggression, some embassies have limited consular services.
On Russia-Ukraine Peace:
- Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, we have declared that disputes must be resolved peacefully, and throughout these years, we have consistently encouraged both sides to engage in dialogue and interaction to settle their differences.
On EU statements on snapback:
- Europe’s move to use the snapback mechanism as a tool to pressure Iran is illegal and illogical. E3 has no right to use this mechanism, and their actions demonstrate a non-constructive role in the Iranian nuclear issue.
On disarming Hezbollah:
- U.S. interventions in the region are solely aimed at serving the interests of the Zionist regime, and the call for Hezbollah’s disarmament is merely intended to create division and chaos in regional countries, something the Lebanese people are well aware of.
On Afghanistan and Taliban:
- We shared ties and a long common border with Afghanistan. Indeed, we maintain extensive interactions with the caretaker authorities of Afghanistan. However, recognizing the Taliban as a government is a sovereign decision, and whenever our national interests require it, we will make a decision accordingly.
On the displacement of Gazan:
- Israeli genocide in Gaza is underway, where at least 70 to 80 innocent people are killed daily. The occupier regime’s decision to force one million people to the south of the Strip has been met with opposition from the international community and regional countries. Nevertheless, backed by full U.S. support, the Zionist regime insists on pursuing these actions.
On the so-called Abraham Accords:
- Today, we are witnessing the Zionist regime's plan to establish a “Greater Israel” through the Abraham Accords. Israel and the U.S. have laid the groundwork for this conspiracy, which now faces firm opposition from regional states.
Go deeper:
Hossein Vaez - Hossein Vaez
