Missile Program Developed for National Defense, Not for Negotiations

TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at the Foreign Ministry’s weekly press briefing, Baghaei addressed regional developments, Iran’s foreign relations, and recent allegations against Tehran.

Baghaei said the region continues to face what he described as the ongoing problem of Israeli aggression “in various forms,” citing arrests and killings of Palestinians as examples of crimes against humanity. He said these actions align with what a UN rapporteur has described as a project to erase Palestine, and argued that such crimes increase the responsibility of the international community to act to restrain Israel.

Responding to questions about alleged false-flag operations, Baghaei said Israel has a long record of planning and carrying out such operations to discredit its opponents. He referenced the 1954 “Lavon Affair” in Egypt, in which, he said, Israeli operatives carried out bombings against U.S. and British interests using Egyptian Jews in an attempt to justify continued British military presence. He noted that Israel denied the incident until 2005, when surviving participants were officially honored and admitted their roles. He said exposing such actions is the most effective way to counter them.

Baghaei dismissed a recent statement by the European Council alleging Iran’s complicity in the Ukraine war as a “repetitive claim.” He said Iran has consistently called for resolving the conflict through dialogue and has had no involvement in the war.

He added that expecting countries to sever relations with Russia is unreasonable, and said Iran–Russia relations are not directed against any third country. Baghaei argued European countries should examine their own actions, saying NATO’s hostile behavior has put Europe’s security at risk, and called on Europe to stop what he described as unfounded accusations.

Commenting on Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi’s visit to Moscow and a simultaneous meeting in Tehran between Ali Larijani and a Russian official, Baghaei said the timing was coincidental. He described Iran–Russia relations as broad and said frequent exchanges of delegations are natural.

He said Araqchi’s trip was part of ongoing consultations, during which a range of bilateral and international issues were discussed with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Baghaei said both sides are determined to make full use of their strategic partnership agreement.

On Iranian assets held in Qatar, Baghaei said the issue is one of “hundreds of examples” of U.S. failure to honor commitments. He said under the relevant understanding, Iranian funds were supposed to be made accessible to the government, but the U.S. violated the agreement and continues to do so.

Addressing the regional situation, Baghaei said Israel’s actions amount to “nothing but violence and killing,” which he argued shows the regime does not consider itself part of the region. He said the killings reflect Israel’s fear of isolation.

“Resistance is deeply rooted and innate,” Baghaei said, adding that as long as occupation continues, resistance will persist. He cautioned against assuming that resistance has been eliminated due to temporary setbacks, and said the abnormal situation in the region stems from Israel’s continued violence.

Responding to Israeli accusations that Iran was involved in the killing of an Israeli nuclear scientist, Baghaei said, “Criminals project their own behavior onto others.” He said Israel has a record of assassinating citizens of other countries and seeks scapegoats whenever incidents occur.

Asked about media reports suggesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking U.S. support for a potential attack on Iran, Baghaei stressed that Iran’s missile program is purely defensive and “not for negotiation.” He said Iran’s defensive capabilities are not subject to discussion.

He added that Iran faces “open hypocrisy,” arguing that Iran’s defensive program is labeled a threat while massive arms transfers to Israel continue despite civilian casualties. He described what he called a media-driven atmosphere as part of a war initiated by Israel and the United States, and said Iran remains focused on its work and capable of defending itself. “National Defense”

In response to a detailed question about the European Council’s claim that Iran, Belarus, and North Korea have provided military assistance to Russia, Baghaei reiterated Iran’s denial. He said Iran has consistently maintained that the conflict should be resolved through dialogue and that Tehran has neither intervened nor provided military assistance. “National Defense”

He again rejected the notion that friendly relations with Russia should be curtailed at Europe’s request, saying Iran–Russia ties are based on mutual respect and interests and do not target other countries.

Baghaei concluded by urging European states to focus on their own responsibilities, examine the roots of the Ukraine conflict, and assess the role of NATO’s actions. He said Europe should stop blaming others and instead be accountable for its own policies, adding that continued accusations do not help resolve the crisis.