Baqaei: Iran will respond to any aggression more powerfully than in the past

According to Ashura News, quoted by Tasnim News Agency, Ismail Baghaei, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, answered questions from the media at a weekly press conference with reporters.

Initially, Baghaei congratulated the veterans and the IRGC on Veterans Day and said: I salute all the veterans and IRGC members who sacrificed their lives and existence to defend the country.

Regarding the threats and sedition of the Zionist regime, he said: These are the root of chaos in the West Asian region. Despite the apparent ceasefire that has been established in occupied Palestine and Lebanon, we continue to witness the regime's attacks on the people of Gaza and Lebanon. Just last night, 15 violations of Lebanese airspace occurred. In the past year, there have been 6,000 ceasefire violations.

I saw a report about the number of Arabs who are considered citizens of the regime, known as the 48 Arabs, and since last year, 260 Arabs have been murdered. This is indicative of what the former Human Rights Council rapporteur in 2022 called the apartheid rule in the Zionist regime.

The US approach to human rights is fraudulent

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said about the repression of protesters in the US and the country's accusations against Iran: "Our world is facing a problem called double standards. The events that occurred in occupied Palestine did not even lead to a meeting of the Human Rights Council, a regime whose officials have cases, are easily moved, but at the same time, under pressure and under false pretexts, the entry of our country's officials is prevented.

There is a long history regarding the US, the US approach to human rights is fraudulent. One of the advantages that the current US government has is its honesty. They do not hide that its policy is to plunder countries, they used to hide this. Regarding the events in the US, this is a violation of human rights, the US should first notice the harsh treatment of the police in this country. The former US president said that in the past few days in the US, children and people were arrested and a number were targeted. The US approach towards Iran is a continuation of the psychological and media war in which the country's government has a long hand.

Iran is confident in its capabilities

In response to the US actions in the region and the holding of the exercises, he said: We were and are facing a hybrid war. Following the June aggression, in the past few months we have been facing a new threat from the US and the Zionist regime. The countries of the region are aware that any insecurity in the region is not only aimed at Iran, which is why there is a common concern among the countries of the region.

Iran is confident in its capabilities and has the June experiences in mind, and will respond to any aggression with regret more than before.

Reaction to the statements of French officials about Iran

In response to the statements of French officials about Iran, Beqaei said: I think that politics is not done by exchanging private text messages that there is no assurance about their preservation. Countries must act responsibly and not waste their credibility. Macron’s statements in the private message are ambiguous in our opinion and the relevant party should explain, but the Iranian people know very well that this period of talks has passed and the response was a humiliating text message.

Private text messages do not replace diplomacy

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson continued: “Political activism and official diplomacy are incompatible with the exchange of private text messages that lack any security guarantees and legal justification.

Countries are obliged to behave responsibly in international developments and not waste their political credibility with ill-considered actions.

The ambiguous statements used in the recent text message between a regional official and the US President are, in our opinion, irrelevant and have no value for citation.

Although, according to diplomatic custom, the parties are expected to provide explanations about the content of these ambiguous messages, the Iranian people are well aware that the era of intervention and assigning tasks to other countries by extra-regional powers has long ended.

Defense cooperation with China and Russia continues

He said about Iran's consultations with countries about developments: Our relations with Russia and China are long-standing and reciprocal, and our defense cooperation has a long history. We have long-term agreements with both countries, and among the points in these is cooperation in the field of defense. This cooperation will definitely continue with full force. Russia and China are members of the Security Council and are certainly concerned about the responsibilities of the Security Council towards peace. We are also in close contact with the two countries about recent developments.

They did not want the world to hear what Iran said

In response to Grossi's threats and the meeting with Araghchi, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: Grossi should be asked what non-compliance? Is it Iran's fault that access to the damaged facilities is not possible or are there parties that violated international law? Grossi should answer whether there is a protocol for the inspection? They should be grateful to Iran for preparing the protocol and an agreement was reached in Cairo! Grossi should hold the parties responsible for this situation to blame.

We are in direct contact with the Agency. Regarding the meeting, the Director General should answer whether we caused the meeting not to take place? The meeting was scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the Davos summit, and we have no qualms about listening to the other party's words. But we saw that this opportunity was also lost due to the sabotage of Western parties, especially the host. It is unacceptable for us that Switzerland, with its history of neutrality and at the same time hosting officials of the Zionist regime who are accused in the International Court of Justice, canceled the visit of our country's Foreign Minister solely based on pressure from the same parties. They did not want Iran's words to reach the world.

Anti-Iran resolution of the Human Rights Council

He said about the anti-Iran resolution of the Human Rights Council: This resolution itself caused a split in the international community. The two Western countries that proposed it, namely Germany and England, tried to convince the international community to accept the inverted narrative of what happened in Iran. In practice, nearly half of the members either voted against or abstained, and this sent an important message. I should thank the countries that responsibly recognized the reality.

Iran will react to the European Parliament's action

Bakaei said about the European Parliament's action and declaring the Revolutionary Guards a terrorist organization: I will respond in one sentence. This action of theirs in labeling a part of the official armed forces of a country is against international law and has consequences. When will the sea become a dirty dog's nose? I said this, merely labeling an institution that arose from a nation and is responsible for security and has taken the greatest action in combating terrorism is a foolish act. Iran will definitely react. Attacking a state institution with an offensive label and description leads to the proliferation of terrorist groups. Unfortunately, this approach was established by the United States. This act is definitely condemned and European countries should be careful not to fall into the trap of such actions.

Transferring ISIS prisoners to Iraq

Regarding reports of transferring ISIS prisoners to Iraq, he said: We respect the decisions of the Iraqi government and believe that the Iraqi authorities definitely know the good and welfare of this country. At the same time, we cannot hide our concern that foreign parties will impose new burdens on Iraq and the region. The blood of Iranians and Iraqis has been mixed in the face of the ISIS phenomenon. We have paid a huge price to confront ISIS. The competent authorities of the two countries are definitely in contact so that this issue does not harm the relations between the two countries.

Respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries is a principle

Regarding Araqchi's tweet about Europe, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: Our position on Greenland is clear. Respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries is a principle, and if you act selectively, you cannot maintain your principles. This is a problem that Western countries are facing. The point that Mr. Araqchi made was to make them aware.

Interference in the affairs of countries has become an ugly habit of American officials

Regarding the election of the new Iraqi Prime Minister and the US accusations against Iran in this regard, he said: Unlike America, we are determined to respect the decision of the Iraqi people. What happens in relation to governance in Iraq is exclusively within the competence of the Iraqi people. The Iraqi people should be allowed to decide on the way of governance as they wish. Interference in the affairs of countries has become an ugly habit of American officials, and this is unacceptable.

Cancellation of Araqchi's trip to Davos

Reacting to the cancellation of Araqchi's trip to Davos, Beqaei said: This is one of the obvious contradictions. We do not want the credibility of countries that have always tried to play a positive role to be questioned. We have a respectful relationship with Switzerland, which protects American interests in Tehran. The question is; how did the trustee of the World Economic Forum fall under the influence of warmongering countries? The question is which parties benefit from the obstruction of any opportunity for diplomacy. In our opinion, the Zionist regime and warmongering individuals in America are parties that think only of confrontation and do not believe in diplomacy.

Americans’ resentment towards Iranians

Regarding the statements of the US Treasury Secretary against Iran and the sanctions against our country, he said: This is an admission of malice, and in the last year we have had no shortage of such admissions, expressions of joy over the attack on Iran and expressions of joy over the fact that economic terrorism has been effective. The fact that an official at this level confesses to committing crimes against humanity is evidence that we will definitely collect. These are signs to prove the Americans’ resentment towards Iranians.

US claims about Iran-Iraq relations

In response to US claims about Iran-Iraq relations, Baqaie said: How great Iran is. On the one hand, they claim that Iran has been weakened, but on the other hand, wherever they look, they think Iran is there. This is an admission of Iran's glory and also a continuation of interventionist policies against other countries.

Allegations against Russia of collusion with the US in Venezuela

In response to the developments in Syria, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: "The events that happened in Syria are instructive. What is important for us and the region is security and stability in the West Asia and Levant region, which unfortunately continues to be subject to aggression by the Zionist regime due to its occupation in Syria."

US threats against Latin America and Cuba

Regarding US threats against Latin America and Cuba, he said: "We believe that respecting the national sovereignty of countries and refraining from resorting to force should be the basis of countries' international behavior. The reality is that we are facing a unilateral effort to disrupt all international principles. This situation will lead to chaos on a global level, and this responsibility will burden all countries. All countries will suffer from this situation. These European countries are among the parties that faced threats to their territorial integrity. Cuba has been under severe US sanctions for the past few years, and no country should seek permission from anyone regarding how to exercise its sovereignty."