Civilian Casualties Continue as Children, Universities Targeted
Baqaei opened the press conference by condemning "the most egregious crimes in history," stating that even the face of history's greatest criminals appears pale in comparison to the atrocities committed by Washington and Tel Aviv over the past 38 days.
"In just the last 10 to 12 hours alone, numerous crimes have been committed," Baghaei stated. "At least six children — four girls and two boys — were martyred during an American attack on a region in Qom."
The spokesperson specifically highlighted the attack on Sharif University, a prestigious institution symbolizing Iranian diligence and pursuit of knowledge, which was struck with bunker-busting bombs. This marks the fifth university attacked in less than a month, following the targeting of Shahid Beheshti University several days prior.
"Attacks on scientific and research centers, as well as schools, demonstrate nothing less than America's and the Zionist regime's hatred for anything that forms the basis of Iran's progress and development," Baqaei emphasized.
Iran Rejects U.S. 15-Point Proposal as "Excessive and Unreasonable"
Responding to questions regarding the American 15-point proposal for negotiations, transmitted through Pakistan and other friendly nations, Baqaei clarified that such proposals were "excessively demanding, unusual, and unreasonable" and categorically unacceptable to Tehran.
"The United States has destroyed the diplomatic pathway twice within less than nine months, and that too in the worst possible manner — not only withdrawing from agreements but committing war crimes and crimes of aggression against Iran during negotiations," the spokesperson said.
Baqaei stressed that Iran has documented its own demands based on national interests and security considerations, and will announce its position "whenever necessary and in whatever manner appropriate."
"Negotiation is absolutely incompatible with ultimatums, crimes, and threats to commit war crimes," he added.
Attack on Dr. Kharazi's Residence Condemned
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson offered condolences to former Foreign Minister Dr. Ali-Akbar Kharazi following the martyrdom of his wife in an attack on his Tehran residence, while Dr. Kharazi himself was also targeted.
Baqaei underscored that despite Israeli hostility toward anything related to diplomacy, Iran will continue its work according to constitutional frameworks regarding both war and peace.
"In matters of war and peace, we will act as we have always — defending our country with all our might under the command of the Supreme Leader and according to the mechanisms defined in our Constitution," he stated.
Failed U.S. Operation in Isfahan
Baqaei confirmed reports of a failed American operation in Isfahan Province, stating that the operation may have been a "deception operation to steal enriched uranium."
"What is clear is that the result of this operation was nothing but failure for the opposing side," he said. "We truly believe this was a divine blessing that aided the Iranian people after their resistance, demonstrating that resistance and defense will bear fruit."
The spokesperson described the operation as "a disgrace and catastrophe for America," adding that Iranian tribal and courageous compatriots played a significant role in thwarting the attack.
IAEA Director General's Statements Condemned
Responding to questions about the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General's recent remarks, Baghaei accused the agency of normalizing attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities.
"The Agency, instead of performing its duties and condemning these actions, has effectively taken steps toward normalizing attacks on peaceful nuclear facilities of countries," he stated.
"Mr. Grossi's interviews have truly exceeded all limits — not only going beyond the Agency's safeguards and technical duties but also serving as complicity in and justification for crimes being committed against Iran and specifically against its peaceful nuclear facilities."
Baqaei noted that even in IAEA reports, there has never been any discussion of Iran's nuclear program deviating from its peaceful path.
No Disagreement Among Iranian Authorities on War
Addressing concerns about potential divisions within the Iranian government regarding the conflict, Baqaei affirmed complete unity.
"There is absolutely no disagreement or division among various branches of the government regarding this imposed war," he stated. "Our people stand united like a clenched fist to defeat the enemy."
He described claims of internal divisions as "part of psychological warfare to create discord among the people's ranks," emphasizing that all government branches have demonstrated unified resolve over the past 37 days.
Oman Talks on Strait of Hormuz Protocol
The spokesperson provided details on recent Iran-Oman consultations regarding the Strait of Hormuz, held at the deputy ministerial level.
"Given the U.S. and Israeli imposed war on Iran, based on international law to safeguard this waterway and prevent its misuse for advancing aggressive actions, we have stated we will not allow the passage of vessels belonging to or linked to the aggressor parties," Baqaei explained.
He noted that for vessels of non-belligerent countries, necessary measures have been arranged to ensure their safe passage.
"The goal of these talks is to examine a protocol for the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz," he added.
Regional Support for Iran
Baqaei expressed appreciation for support from neighboring nations, particularly the people of Iraq, Turkey, and Pakistan, who have demonstrated meaningful solidarity with Iran against the imposed war.
"Such support and opposition to the war — even in Europe and the United States — demonstrates our righteousness in this path and can create deterrence against the expansion of the war," he stated.
War Crimes Documentation
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson detailed extensive documentation of American war crimes since December 9th, including attacks on at least 62 schools and educational institutions, universities, and hospitals.
"We are following reports from the Ministry of Health and the Iranian Red Crescent Society, and the list of American war crimes keeps growing," Baqaei said. "We receive all these cases from relevant domestic sources and document them, just as we did during the June 1980s war."
Trump Admits to Arming Iranian Protesters
Baqaei addressed U.S. President Donald Trump's recent admission to Fox News that his administration sent weapons to protesters in Iran during January demonstrations.
"This is a clear confession confirming what our officials had stated," the spokesperson said. "This is a confession to America's involvement in all the blood spilled in January."
The spokesperson noted that 3,117 people lost their lives during the January unrest, with 2,004 becoming martyrs.
Ceasefire Rejected as "Trap"
Responding to questions about 48-hour ceasefire proposals, Baghaei stated: "Ceasefire should not cause the slightest hesitation in defending the country. Why reject ceasefire? Not because our elders said so — the reason is experience."
"Ceasefire means stopping to regroup and re-equip to continue crimes," he explained. "Our demand is the end of the imposed war along with assurance that this unfortunate cycle does not repeat."
"The best guarantee is that the enemy becomes regretful to the point of not daring to aggress again," Baqaei added.
Victory Will Bring Bright Future for Region
Concluding the press conference, Baqaei expressed confidence that Iran's victory in this war will usher in a bright future for the entire region.
"Iran's victory in this war will mean the victory of defending sovereignty, international law, and human dignity," he stated.
The spokesperson emphasized that American military presence has brought nothing but insecurity to the region, and that Iran's victory will establish a future based on peace, security, and mutual trust among regional countries.
"America does not belong to this region," Baqaei concluded. "The only concern of America is safeguarding the existence of the Zionist regime, and they place no value on the security of regional countries."
M.Majdi - seyed mohammad kazemi
