Why it matters:
Baghaei's comments highlight Tehran's frustration with European countries (France, Germany, and the U.K.) and set a tense stage for upcoming negotiations, suggesting a deep rift in how each side views the legitimacy of the IAEA's monitoring role and the newly agreed-upon framework.
The big picture:
This dispute underscores the ongoing challenges in reviving the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal), while Iran argues that the E3 (France, Germany, U.K.) is in bad faith and unnecessarily escalating tensions instead of embracing diplomatic solutions.
What he's saying:
Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, answered journalists' questions on various topics at the weekly press conference and presented Iran's positions on various issues:
European "Gripping" Shows They Don't Accept the IAEA
Iran's FM spokesman said European criticism of its new agreement with the IAEA suggests they "do not accept the Agency itself."
U.S. is Directly Complicit in Zionist Regime's Genocide
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson stated that the ongoing genocide in Gaza is occurring with the direct cooperation of the United States, which is not hidden from the world.
Regional Consensus is Forming Against Zionist Regime
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson claimed countries in the region increasingly see the Zionist regime as the main threat to peace, necessitating a common response without outside interference.
Iran Calls U.S. Visa Restrictions "Unprecedented"
Iran stated that the limitations placed on its delegation for the U.N. General Assembly are a clear violation of U.S. obligations as the host country.
Iran Condemns Terrorism "Everywhere," Unlike U.S.
In response to a question about a murder in the U.S., Iran's spokesperson drew a contrast, stating that, unlike America, Iran condemns all terrorist acts anywhere.
Iran's Foreign Minister to Hold Talks with E3
The Iranian foreign ministry announced a phone call between its minister and his counterparts from the U.K., France, Germany, and the EU foreign policy chief.
Iran Calls Detention of Citizen in France "Hostage-Taking"
Iran stated that the charge against Mahdieh Esfandiari, detained in France, is for supporting Palestinians on social media and is tantamount to hostage-taking.
Iran Says It is in "No Rush" to Restore Ties with Syria
Iran's foreign ministry stated that while it considers itself a friend to the Syrian people, it is not rushing to re-establish formal relations with the Syrian government.
Iran Accuses U.K. of Complicity in Denying Gaza Genocide
Iran's spokesperson claimed that Britain's denial of the genocide in Gaza amounts to complicity and that the UK played a direct role in forming the process that led to it.
Go deeper:
Iran Leads Coalition to Uphold NPT With Draft Resolution to IAEA Conference
M.Majdi - Hossein Vaez
