Baqaei: We care about relations with Australia/Attack on nuclear facilities should not be simplified

According to Ashura News, quoting ISNA, in an interview with an Australian media outlet, Esmail Baghaei said about the resumption of relations with the country, stating that “it was the Australian government that decided to reduce the level of diplomatic relations.” He said: “Iran did not start this story. We value our diplomatic relations with every country, including Australia. Therefore, it is up to the Australian government to decide what is truly in the interest of their people.”

In another part of the interview, he stated: “The main issue in our region is the genocide that has been going on for the past two years, and the fact that even the people of Australia, on the other side of the world, have become so angry that they have protested and demanded an end to this terrible genocide is very meaningful.”

Baghaei also emphasized in the interview: “The Revolutionary Guard Corps is part of our official armed forces, and with their strength and capabilities, we defend our territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and national dignity against our enemies.” They are responsible for defending the land and people of Iran against any enemy.

Stating that “our nuclear materials were in the same place where they were illegally attacked by the United States and the Israeli regime,” the Foreign Ministry spokesman noted in another part of his interview with the media: This is the first time that the peaceful nuclear facilities of a country that is a member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) have been attacked by two regimes armed with nuclear weapons. This has been a huge blow to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, to the rule of law, and to all the basic principles that we are proud of as human civilization. In other words, this should not be simplified and reduced to an attack by the United States and Israel on something they considered dangerous. There is no legal or logical rule that would allow such attacks against a sovereign state.

The full text of the Foreign Ministry spokesperson’s interview with Australia’s Channel 9 on September 1 is as follows:

Host: Thank you very much for appearing on 60 Minutes.

First, what is the Iranian government’s reaction to the expulsion of the ambassador?

Baghaei: This is regrettable. We believe that the Australian government’s action was unjustified. We value our relations with Australia. Since we established diplomatic relations with Australia in 1968, we have had a respectful relationship with Australia. I think the Australian people hold a good position in Iranian public opinion. The Australian government’s decision to downgrade our diplomatic relations was unjustified and unexpected.

Host: What explanation did your government receive for this expulsion?

Baghaei: They told us that they decided to downgrade relations due to Iran’s involvement in a so-called anti-Semitic operation against Jews in Australia. They clearly stated that this had nothing to do with our embassy or ambassador. Despite this, they made this accusation against Iran. We have clearly stated that this accusation is baseless and absurd.

Moderator: This is the first time since World War II that Australia has expelled a foreign ambassador. It is clear that this decision was not made suddenly. Do you think that this action has completely severed diplomatic relations between Australia and Iran?

Baqaei: We understand that this is the first time that the Australian government has taken such a step. That is why we believe that this action was completely unjustified, because as I said, anti-Semitism has no place in our culture, history or religion. No one in Iran can believe that this accusation has any basis in reality. This is simply a fabrication. We have our own analysis of why the Australian government has made such an accusation against Iran.

Moderator: Well, what is your analysis?

Baqai: Do you think it is a coincidence that less than 10 days after Benjamin Netanyahu’s harsh and insulting letter to Prime Minister Albaniza and his ultimatum to take action against anti-Semitism, the Australian government decided to sever diplomatic relations with Iran?

We all know that the Australian people are upset and angry about the genocide in Palestine. Over the past month, Australians in Melbourne, Sydney and other cities have taken to the streets to protest against the crimes committed in the Palestinian territories. Of course, the Israeli regime did not like this. They accused the Australian Prime Minister of being weak and gave him until September 23 to do something about anti-Semitism. I think some people in the Australian government decided to take the easiest way to please or blackmail Benjamin Netanyahu, and that was to accuse Iran of anti-Semitism.

Host: Okay, let’s get to the main accusations against Tehran, your government. Australian intelligence agencies say they have credible evidence that Iran was behind the financing and organization of two acts of anti-Semitic violence, the arson attacks on an Israeli synagogue in Melbourne and a restaurant. Is that true?

Baqaei: I think this is the same synagogue that is generally known for being against Israeli policies. These are the same Jews who are against Israel’s genocidal policy in the Palestinian territories. Why would Iran decide to attack this synagogue? This is absurd. Secondly, I think this is the same Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) that tried to fabricate intelligence in a similar way in 2003 to justify the claim that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, because they wanted to drag Australia into the US war on Iraq. Now everyone knows that the allegation that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq was completely baseless and false.

Moderator: You mentioned Australian intelligence agencies. I am told that they have traced the financial trail between Australia and Tehran and key figures in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. What do you say about that?

Baqaei: They have not provided any evidence for such an allegation and we have categorically denied this allegation. Also, keep in mind that Mossad cooperated with ASIO on this matter. They have admitted that the Australian intelligence agency used data provided by Mossad to supposedly expose this conspiracy. This is like someone claiming to have consulted Jeffrey Epstein to uncover the trail of women trafficking; everyone knows that Mossad is trying to produce false information against Iran and to damage our diplomatic relations with partners, friends and other countries.

The very fact that Mossad was the source of the alleged anti-Semitism against Iran is further evidence that this was a deception operation organized by the Israeli intelligence agency to divert attention from the real issue in our region and globally. The real issue in our region is the genocide that has been going on for the past two years, and the fact that even the people of Australia, on the other side of the world, are so outraged that they are protesting and demanding that this horrific genocide be stopped is very significant.

Moderator: You deny Iran’s responsibility. Do you at least condemn these anti-Semitic attacks?

Baqaei: As I said, Iran’s history of coexistence with Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians does not need any explanation from me or any other official. You can come to Tehran and other cities and go to our synagogues without even having to go through an X-ray. Because they feel safe here. Don’t forget that we are at war with Israel. They attacked us. They imposed a war of aggression on the Iranians. Can you imagine that there has not been an attack, even a verbal attack, against our fellow Jews? This shows that the Iranians, based on their rich history, have learned to coexist peacefully with all religions. Therefore, we categorically reject any such operation. Anti-Semitism has no place in Iran’s history, religion or political approach.

Moderator: You say that Australia is the victim of a Mossad plot, but Australia, like the US and Canada, is planning to list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group.

Baqaei: I think that just because the US has taken action against Iran does not mean that it is necessarily logical, legal or fair. The history of US hostility towards the Iranian people is clear to everyone. Of course, it is unfortunate that others are following the US approach. Remember, this is the same United States that launched an aggressive war against Iraq on the accusation of weapons of mass destruction, and unfortunately, some other Western countries followed suit. So, just because the United States said something doesn’t mean it’s right or fair.

Moderator: You didn’t answer my question, what exactly is the IRGC doing, given that international agencies believe the IRGC is responsible for many of the attacks?

Baqaei: Who made this claim? When you talk about international agencies, I think you’re referring to the American intelligence agencies or Mossad or something like that. I’m telling you, we’re at war with the Israeli regime. The United States’ hostile actions against Iran have a long history; it even goes back to 1953, when the United States and Britain staged a coup against our elected national government.

The IRGC is part of our official armed forces, and with their strength and capabilities, we defend our territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and national dignity against our enemies. They are responsible for defending the land and people of Iran against any enemy.

Host: You asked who says this? These attacks have been reported in Africa, Europe, Asia, and in the UK, with up to 20 reported in the UK alone in 2015.

Baqaei: As I said, this claim is completely false. Look, this [accusation] is part of the disinformation and misinformation campaign being promoted by the US and Israel against Iran. This is part of the Iranophobia project, because they know that the IRGC is a powerful force against Iran’s enemies.

Host: Australian authorities have reported that the Iranian community in Australia is being regularly monitored and harassed. Is this also false?

Baqaei: Completely false. You are probably referring to a recent ABC interview with someone who works for Iran International. This network is generally known in Iran as the mouthpiece of the Israeli regime. They are trying to justify the Australian government’s decision to downgrade relations with Iran. This claim is fundamentally false. We have a large Iranian-Australian community in Australia. We consider them our dear compatriots. Also, the downgrading of diplomatic relations will negatively affect the service they receive, because the consular services that should be provided to our citizens in Australia as usual and normal will be somewhat disrupted due to the Australian government’s decision to downgrade diplomatic relations.

Host: You mentioned Iranian Australians.

Some of these people have reported being harassed and monitored. What do you think about the Iranian government doing this in Australia?

Baqaei: As I said, we categorically reject any report or accusation that Iran is monitoring or surveillance our citizens in Australia. This is false.

Moderator: Iran has promised to take reciprocal action in response to the expulsion of the ambassador. What will this reciprocal action look like?

Baqaei: We have made it clear that we are not happy with the downgrading of diplomatic relations with Australia. We have had respectful diplomatic relations with Australia since the 1960s, although there have been many instances of misconduct by the Australian government. I can give you examples. However, we value our bilateral relations with Australia, just as we value our diplomatic relations with other countries. The duty of diplomats and the Foreign Office is to engage with other countries to promote friendly relations between our people. People-to-people relations are very important to us. Downgrading diplomatic relations was not our decision, but we were forced to take reciprocal action. We have not closed the Australian Embassy in Tehran and we continue to welcome Australia’s review of this decision for the reasons I have mentioned.

Moderator: What assurances can you give to Australian citizens currently in Iran? Are they safe?

Baqaei: Your question is irrelevant. Of course they are.

Moderator: What about the two Australian citizens who are in Iranian prisons? What assurances can you give for their safety?

Baqaei: Anyone who commits a crime or wrongdoing, as is customary in your country and other countries, should be tried before competent courts. There should be no discrimination based on religion, nationality or any other difference. Anyone accused of committing a crime should be tried and prosecuted according to the law.

Moderator: You are saying that Australia acted under the influence of Mossad, the Israeli government and the United States. Regardless, aren’t you worried that Iran is becoming more and more isolated?

Baqaei: No. Just because one or two countries decide to reduce diplomatic relations because of their alliance or commitment to the United States, it doesn’t mean that Iran is isolated. We have very dynamic relations with our neighbors. Imagine what happened after the Israeli and US attacks on Iran. It was an act of aggression that was condemned by our friends in the region and globally. Our president is currently in Beijing for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. We also have very good relations with other countries and we are eager to develop our relations with every country in the world based on mutual respect and benefit.

Moderator: What is needed for Iran to be able to live peacefully alongside Israel?

Baqaei: We have not attacked any country in our region in the past 200 years, as a country that inherits a very rich and historical civilization. Just look at our history.

The problem with the Israeli regime is the way it was formed, its behavior, and its policies, including the fact that it was founded on the occupation of another nation’s land. Just look at what has been happening over the past two years – I’m not talking about the past eight decades. Look at what they have done to the Palestinians and the region! Is it Iran that has occupied the lands of two other countries?! Is it Iran that is bombing Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and other countries every day?! Did Iran attack Israel?! Or vice versa?!

It is imperative that Western public opinion realizes the facts and does not take everything they hear from the mainstream media as fact. The reality is that the Israeli regime has occupied the land of Palestine and has committed heinous crimes against the Palestinians. They have made it clear that a Palestinian state has no place in their minds. They talk about Greater Israel, meaning that they want to occupy the lands of many neighboring countries. So, instead of asking Iran, I think you should ask this question to the Israeli regime and demand an end to the genocide in Palestine and their crimes and aggressions against other countries in the region.

Moderator: But do you, as the spokesperson for the Iranian government, recognize Israel's right to exist?

Baqaei: As I said, our position is very clear. Our position is a principled one.

Even if you look at the history of Iran's position before the revolution, back to 1948, when the partition resolution - Resolution 181 - was passed in the UN General Assembly, the Iranian representative there warned against the consequences of establishing such an entity with disregard for the rights of the Palestinian people. Our position is still that let's hold a referendum, that is, a democratic way to decide the fate of Palestine. All the original inhabitants of Palestine, including Jews, Christians and Muslims, should be able to participate in a free referendum to decide on the system of government that should govern the historical land of Palestine.

Moderator: That sounds a lot like "no"...

Baqaei: Why do you think that? You come from a liberal democracy. Why do you think that when Iran talks about a referendum with the participation of all Jews, Christians and Muslims, where each person has an equal vote, is that not feasible or does it mean a no? Let me put it another way. Do you think that the Palestinian people have the right to self-determination or not? And you know that the right to self-determination is recognized under the UN Charter and is one of the fundamental human rights in international law?

Moderator: My opinion is irrelevant here, but the Australian government's opinion is that the time has come to recognize the state of Palestine. But let's move on, because time is short. Donald Trump says that Iran's nuclear facilities have been destroyed. What is your assessment of the extent of the damage?

Baqaei: This is a very complex and technical issue, and our Atomic Energy Organization is still assessing the extent of the damage to our facilities. But apart from that, I think that the US President's admission of their attacks means that they are openly admitting to the criminal acts that they have committed against Iran. And this makes their international responsibility for this wrongdoing even greater, because they know what they did was cruel and illegal, and yet they are proud to attack our country. It is shameful.

Host: There should be an assessment of the extent of the damage that Iran has suffered. How much damage has it suffered?

Baqaei: Of course it has suffered, but I would say that instead of asking about the severity of the damage, the public and the mainstream media should be concerned about the consequences of such a blatant violation of international law and the pride in such an illegal act by the United States and the Israeli regime against Iran.

Host: France, Germany and the UK say they will impose strict sanctions on Iran unless Tehran reveals the location of its nuclear material. What is your response?

Baqaei: This is another example of an unreasonable demand; all three countries you mentioned were part of the nuclear deal with Iran. That agreement, which is bound by a unanimous UN Security Council resolution, is still in place. Yet, instead of criticizing Israel and the United States for their flagrant violation of a UN Security Council resolution, they are pressuring Iran for its ambiguity about the location of this [enriched] material. Our material was in the same place that was illegally attacked by the United States and the Israeli regime. These countries [Germany, France, Britain] should have acted responsibly as sovereign states. They should have condemned such attacks, not now asking Iran about the location of the material. Keep in mind that our facilities have been under close 24-hour monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency. This is the first time that a peaceful nuclear facility of a member state of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) has been attacked by two nuclear-armed regimes. This has been a major blow to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, to the rule of law, and to all the fundamental principles that we as a human civilization pride ourselves on. In other words, this should not be simplified and reduced to an attack by the United States and Israel on something they considered dangerous. There is no legal or logical rule that would allow such attacks against a sovereign state.

Moderator: Finally, if our Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, were sitting across from you, what would you say to him?

Baqai: You should be proud of your people, because your people are people of conscience who are protesting against the crimes that are being committed in our region. They are protesting against the crimes that are killing our fellow human beings, not just by bombing but by starving them. So instead of paying the Israeli regime a ransom for its ultimatum, please rely on the will and conscience of your people and try to stand on the right side of history.

Host: Can I ask another question? What is Iran’s plan for its relationship with Australia?

Baghaei: Look, it was the Australian government that decided to downgrade diplomatic relations. Iran did not initiate this. As I said, we value our diplomatic relations with every country, including Australia. So, it is up to the Australian government to decide what is truly in the best interest of their people. I know that the consular section of our embassy in Australia is still operational, and we are happy about that, because we can provide the necessary services to the Iranian community there. We simply responded to what Australia initiated and, of course, exercised restraint in responding to their action.

Host: Thank you very much for your time on 60 Minutes.

Baghaei: Thank you.