Tehran – Iran has affirmed its commitment to upholding its legal rights regarding its nuclear program, despite the current suspension of uranium enrichment activities. According to Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, the nation is actively exploring all available options to safeguard its entitlements in the face of international pressure.
Speaking at a weekly press conference, Baghaei stated that any “new conditions imposed upon us as a result of actions contrary to international law do not mean that we will abandon our rights.” He emphasized Iran’s resolve to continue on its current trajectory, dismissing a recent resolution passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors as a violation of established norms and procedures.
Baghaei characterized the IAEA resolution as an unwarranted interference in the agency’s operations, warning that it would further complicate the situation. He also addressed speculation regarding Saudi Arabian mediation to revive nuclear talks with the United States, clarifying that no such mediation is currently underway.
The Foreign Ministry Spokesman attributed the stalled negotiations to Washington’s perceived lack of sincerity and its insistence on dictating terms. “Washington is not serious about negotiating; it seeks to dictate. As long as it insists on this approach, negotiations will not resume,” Baghaei asserted.
While acknowledging and appreciating the goodwill efforts of other nations, including Saudi Arabia, Baghaei maintained that these efforts do not constitute formal mediation. He also responded to comments made by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi regarding a deadlock in relations between Iran and the United States.
“There is no deadlock,” Baghaei clarified. “We are a member of the agency and we have clear demands. We expect the agency’s administration to adhere to its technical tasks and not allow pressure from the United States and three European countries to divert it from its professional path.”
Baghaei further elaborated on a previously reached understanding between Iran and the IAEA, which was intended to serve as a foundation for cooperation. He lamented that “unfortunately, the three European countries prevented the agency from taking advantage of this opportunity and disrupted the course of cooperation through their recent actions and measures. We had affirmed that any action contrary to the understanding would be considered null and void.”
Finally, addressing statements from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the possibility of a future agreement between Tehran and Washington, Baghaei reiterated that “the United States has practically proven that it is not serious… either it does not have a correct understanding of the concept of negotiation, or the nature of its behavior carries no meaning other than dictation and the imposition of conditions. These statements must be evaluated accordingly.”
