TEHRAN (Iran News) Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei responded to statements by U.S. officials and Western media outlets on his official account on the social media platform X (social media platform).

Baghaei wrote that professional liars specialize in creating “false realities,” adding that repeating a lie often enough can make it appear like the truth. He referenced the historical propaganda principle attributed to Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi-era German Minister of Information and advisor to Adolf Hitler, stating that the slogan “repeat a lie until it appears true” was widely used in propaganda.

He further stated that this principle is now systematically employed by the U.S. government and its “war-mongering circles,” particularly the “genocidal regime of Israel,” to promote what he described as a malicious campaign of spreading false information against the Iranian nation.

The spokesman emphasized that claims concerning Iran’s nuclear program, alleged intercontinental ballistic missiles, and the number of casualties during the January unrest were nothing but repeated major falsehoods. He urged the public not to be deceived by such allegations.

The remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump, in his first official address titled “State of the Union” during his second presidential term, reiterated criticism of Iran.

Trump claimed that Iran had developed missiles that could threaten Europe and eventually the United States. He also said that following what he called the “Midnight Hammer Operation,” Iran allegedly received warnings not to develop nuclear weapons or missiles, though he claimed Tehran continued such activities.

The U.S. president further alleged that Iran was seeking to rebuild its nuclear program and pursuing “sinister goals.” Iran has consistently rejected such accusations.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran is currently in a phase of “assessment and decision-making” regarding any future diplomatic process with Washington. He noted that regional countries, concerned about rising tensions, are actively and sincerely playing a mediating role, unlike European states which he accused of fueling escalation.

“Various points have been exchanged through intermediaries, and we are examining different dimensions of a diplomatic track that we hope could eventually yield results,” Baghaei said, adding that details related to the format, framework, and implementation are still under review.

Responding to questions about recent statements by U.S. officials and media speculation about renewed negotiations, Baghaei said Iran’s caution is rooted in “a decade of repeated experiences of bad faith, deception, and broken promises by the United States,” culminating in Washington’s unilateral actions in recent years.

He stressed that diplomacy cannot coexist with threats, warning that U.S. military pressure and regional deployments violate fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition on the use of force.

“Iran has already proven its commitment to diplomacy,” he said. “It is the other side that must now prove its seriousness.”

Baghaei firmly rejected claims circulating in some media that Iran’s objectives have shifted from sanctions relief to merely “avoiding war.”

“This interpretation is incorrect,” he said. “The lifting of sanctions is an essential priority for Iran and will remain so in any diplomatic engagement.”

He clarified that any potential talks would focus on the nuclear issue, which Iran says has been used as a pretext for sanctions and pressure. In return for confidence-building measures regarding the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, Iran expects the removal of what it calls “unjust and illegal sanctions” imposed on its people.

The spokesperson highlighted intensive diplomatic contacts in recent days, including calls between Iran’s president and regional leaders, frequent consultations by the foreign minister with counterparts in neighboring countries, and visits to Turkey and Russia.

According to Baghaei, a shared understanding is emerging among regional states that any military escalation against Iran would have consequences far beyond its borders.

“Iran believes regional countries are fully aware that insecurity is contagious,” he said, urging them not to allow third parties to exploit regional issues for destabilizing agendas.

He also addressed reports attributed to Saudi officials regarding possible U.S. military action, saying Tehran maintains close and ongoing communication with Riyadh and does not base its assessments on media speculation alone.

Baghaei sharply criticized the European Union’s recent actions targeting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), calling them “illegal, unjustified, and a serious strategic miscalculation.”

He said Iran has summoned all European ambassadors in Tehran and delivered formal written protests, while additional countermeasures are under review and will be decided in the coming days.

Describing the IRGC as a pillar of regional security, especially in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei accused European policymakers of acting to appease Israel and the United States.

The spokesperson also condemned what he described as intensified Israeli attacks in Gaza and Lebanon, accusing Israel of violating ceasefire understandings and international law. He said the reopening of the Rafah crossing has again been used to advance forced displacement of Palestinians.

Baghaei called on the United Nations, the Security Council, and the UN secretary-general to take responsibility for ending what he described as Israel’s “impunity.”

Addressing rumors about canceled joint military drills involving Iran, Russia, and China, Baghaei said no changes have occurred. He confirmed that annual naval exercises in the northern Indian Ocean and routine IRGC drills are proceeding as planned.

“These exercises are defensive, professional, and aimed at maintaining readiness,” he said.

Finally, Baghaei emphasized that time is a crucial factor for Iran in any potential negotiations.

“Every single day that sanctions are lifted or reduced sooner is a gain for Iran,” he said. “We will move forward with both caution and urgency.”

He added that Iran hopes to provide more clarity on the next steps in the coming days as internal deliberations continue.

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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.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei says that the Israeli regime’s plan to fully occupy Gaza and forcibly displace its people is another sign of the regime’s intention to commit genocide in Palestine.

Baghaei condemned the Israeli regime’s newly approved plan to lay its full military control over the Gaza Strip as a wider plan to commit genocide in the entire Palestinian territories.

“The threat to complete occupation of Gaza and the historic land of Palestine by the criminal rulers [of the Zionist regime] who are wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and whose actions are being investigated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as a crime of genocide, is another vivid sign of the Zionist regime’s certain intention to ethnically cleanse Gaza and genocide the Palestinians, which must be taken into account by the ICC and the ICJ,” Baghaei said.

Emphasizing the legal and moral duties of each government and the United Nations to stop the genocide and heinous crimes being committed in the occupied Palestine, Baghaei called the continued complicity of the United States and some other Western countries with the crimes of the Israeli regime disgraceful.

He called for forcing the Israeli regime to stop the genocide and immediately send humanitarian aid to the hungry and thirsty people of Gaza as a necessary step to end the catastrophe

He also referred to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s official request to the Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as Saudi Arabia as the home to the organization, and Turkey as the chairman of its Council of Ministers, to immediately hold an emergency meeting to discuss the deteriorating crisis in Gaza.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson further called for collective action on the part of Islamic countries to help the oppressed people of Palestine.

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TEHRAN (Iran News)  Tehran has once again said that it has not received a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump, days after he claimed to have sent such a letter to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei said during a press conference on Monday that Iran has not received any letter from the US president.

In an interview on Friday, Trump claimed that he had sent a letter to Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and proposed to negotiate with Iran on a new deal. Iran says it has not received any such letter, reiterating its position of not negotiating with Washington under pressure.

“Some foreign governments and domineering figures insist on negotiations, while their goal is not to resolve issues but to exert control and impose their own agendas,” Ayatollah Khamenei said on Saturday, dismissing the idea of negotiation with the U.S.

Baqaei also said during his presser that the most significant event in the past week was the extraordinary meeting of the foreign ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah, which was held at the proposal of the Islamic Republic of Iran to address developments in the occupied Palestinian territories.

He said the meeting specifically aimed to make a decision regarding the plot to forcibly displace the people of Gaza to neighboring countries.

“On the sidelines of the meeting, the foreign minister also held good discussions with his counterparts from several Islamic countries,” he added.

‘We are witnessing widespread violations of international humanitarian law’

In response to a question about the adoption of a resolution by the United Nations General Assembly and Switzerland’s responsibility regarding international documents, Baqaei said the resolution, adopted in September 2014, called on Switzerland, as the custodian and initiator of international humanitarian law instruments, particularly the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure during armed conflicts.

He explained that the resolution called for holding a meeting to approve the provisions of international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territories and Gaza.

“We were very saddened and surprised that Switzerland ultimately decided not to hold this conference, and this issue was one of the matters discussed in the recent [OIC] meeting,” he said.” U.S. president”

“The foreign ministers of the OIC also expressed regret over the cancellation of this conference. We do not pass judgment, but the reality is that over the past two years, there have been widespread violations of international humanitarian law, yet no response has been observed from those who consider themselves the custodians of this matter.”” U.S. president”

Recent events in Syria ‘a crucial test’ for the new rulers: Baqaei

Addressing the situation in Syria, Baqaei expressed deep concerns about distressing and tragic incidents as well as reports of insecurity, violence, and hostage-taking in various parts of the Arab country.” U.S. president”

“Any act of violence, killing, and attacks on military personnel is condemned and cannot be justified in any way. The targeting of segments of the Alawite, Christian, Druze, and other minorities has truly wounded human emotions and conscience both in the region and internationally,” he said.

He described the tragic events as a very serious and real test for Syria’s rulers to fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding the lives and property of all Syrians, adding that this responsibility also extends to all parties that consider themselves influential in Syria’s developments.

“We have conveyed our concerns through appropriate channels to the countries that have a presence and influence in Syria, and we sincerely hope that the killings and violence against different segments of the Syrian people will come to an end,” the spokesman said.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esma’eel Baqayi says that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always supported the resistance, but at the same time, it has honestly faced illegal behavior and terrorism.

“We are steadfast in our principled positions,” Baqayi wrote on his X account.

The spokeperson said that not seeing the open and hidden hands of the US and Israel in regional developments is a big mistake.

“It is clear that, according to the Turkish Foreign Minister, “the region must be freed from the culture of one country seeking domination over others; Neither Arabs, nor Turks, nor Kurds, nor Iranians; Neither should seek to dominate, disturb or threaten the other,” but what about Israel?,” Baqayi asked.

The spokesperson recalled that within a few days after the fall of Damascus by Turkiye-backed forces, Israel carried out massive attacks against Syrian military and defense facilities and infrastructure, and even its scientific and research centers, and destroyed more than 90 percent of them. “In addition, Israel once again occupied all the Golan Heights and by continuing its expansionism, it has occupied large and important parts of Syrian territory.”

Baqayi pointed out that Israel now controls the most important water sources in Syria and repeatedly violates its territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

“This is the achievement of a wrong policy for the people of Syria, Palestine and the entire region,” he said.

The spokeperson emphasized that Iran has not pursued any regional ambitions over the past five decades, saying, “All our concern has been supporting the Palestinian people and supporting their ideals in the fight against occupation and aggression and preventing Israeli domination over the region.”

“Today, the issue of Palestine is more alive than ever and Israel is more hated than ever. If it weren’t for the daggers that were stabbed in the back, no one would have dared to talk about the forced migration of the Palestinian people from Gaza and the annexation of the West Bank,” he added.

Baqayi stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran has always supported the resistance, but at the same time, it has honestly faced illegal behavior and terrorism. “We were the first country to raise the flag of fighting ISIS and violent extremism with the hand of our national hero martyr Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani and defeated them in the region.”

“We were the first country to oppose a coup against the Turkish government. We were among the first countries to welcome the  abandoning of weapons by P.K.K. and considered it an important step towards strengthening security in our neighboring country, Türkiye,” he added.

He emphasized that Iran is steadfast in its principled positions and does not change positions from one policy to another every day.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that Malaysia’s foreign minister will visit Iran on Tuesday afternoon.

Esma’eel Baqayi said on Tuesday that Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan is set to arrive in Tehran later in the day to talk with Iranian officials.

Baqayi added that during this visit, discussions will focus on the latest developments in bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esma’eel Baqayi, while paying tribute to Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, says the two resistance leaders sacrificed their lives in the way of God Almighty.

“Today, the peace-loving people across the globe and the West Asia alongside Muslims and Lebanese people pay tribute to the two great martyrs # SayyedHassanNasrallah and SayyedHashemSafieddine, who devoted their whole life to the cause of humanity & dignity by standing up against brutal occupation, oppression and injustice”, Baqayi, who is part of the Iranian delegation to Beirut, wrote in a social media post on Sunday.

He saluted the slain Hezbollah leaders for their steadfastness, saying, “They symbolize peaceful resistance against occupation & aggression and heroic support for Palestinian people’s legitimate struggle for fundamental right of self-determination & dignified life.”

“They are immortal now; every Muslim, and indeed every man/woman of good conscience will always remember & exalt these devout heroes for their exemplary steadfastness, bravery and sacrifice in support of their fellow Muslims in occupied Palestine and for their patriotism and love of their homeland”, the spokesperson added in his post.

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TEHRAN (Iran News)  Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei says the United States’ decision to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) is aimed at granting Israel full impunity for its criminal acts in pursuit of its “colonial erasure” of Palestine.

Baghaei made the comment on Friday night on X social media platform a day after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC which has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former war minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes committed during the Gaza war.

Trump’s order, which called the warrants “baseless”, freezes U.S. assets of people working on ICC investigations of American citizens or U.S. ally Israel, barring them from visiting the United States.

“Sanctioning ICC for investigating Israel’s heinous crimes marks a new low in the annals of US complicity and collusion with an occupying apartheid regime that has committed all sorts of atrocities in pursuit of its ‘colonial erasure’ of Palestine,” the Iranian spokesperson said.

“This is truly an egregious abuse of power aimed at affording Israeli regime the fullest impunity for its criminal acts that seriously threaten int’l peace and security,” Baghaei further said in his post, calling on the world to “beware and react accordingly” as the US is now targeting inter-governmental institutions through extraterritorial application of its domestic law.

Reuters reported that a group of 80 of countries on Friday expressed their “unwavering support” for the ICC, an intergovernmental organization seated in The Hague, Netherlands, which is the only permanent court for the prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression.

The ICC itself condemned the sanctions as well, saying it will stand firmly in its pursuit of justice.

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TEHRAN (Iran News) Sullivan has reportedly presented US President Joe Biden with options for potential strikes on Iranian nuclear sites if Tehran decides to move toward a nuclear weapon — an allegation Iran has denied over and over again —  before the inauguration of Donald Trump later this month. The presentation was made in a secret briefing several weeks ago, the Axios news site reported, citing three unnamed officials.

Speaking at his weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday, Baghaei said the threat has been repeated many times, adding that from a legal perspective, threatening to use force against countries is a violation of the United Nations Charter.

“This threat against peaceful nuclear facilities is considered a threat to international peace and security, and the Security Council must intervene in these cases and hold the US government accountable,” he stated.

He added that the Iranian people have shown that they will act decisively in defense of their national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and dignity.

Baghaei also commemorated the fifth anniversary of the US assassination of Lieutenant General Qassem Soleimani, hailing him as a national hero and a champion in the fight against terrorism.

He also noted that January 7 marks Palestine’s “Day of the Martyr,” drawing attention to ongoing atrocities in the occupied territories. Baghaei labeled these acts as genocide, condemning the actions of Israel and its supporters as a permanent stain on their reputations.

On a more celebratory note, Baghaei extended congratulations to Armenian and Orthodox Christian compatriots on the occasion of Jesus Christ’s birthday, observed today by their communities.

— Strategic Agreement with Russia

The spokesman pointed out to the details of the Iran-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, noting that the agreement encompasses various dimensions in the fields of economy, trade, energy, environment, and issues related to defense and security.

Baghaei also said that the document is an update of the cooperation agreement that was signed by the two countries in the late 1990s.

According to the diplomat, the document needed updating partly due to the expansion of ties between Tehran and Moscow over the past three decades.

This is a bilateral document aimed at strengthening the relations between Iran and Russia, he stressed.

— Pezeshkian’s Tajikistan trip 

Answering a question on President Masoud Pezeshkian’s trip to Tajikistan, Baghaei said the visit is set to take place in mid-January.

The spokesman also said the trip will last two days, during which key documents will be signed in economic, trade and cultural fields.

Further details of the upcoming trip will be announced in due course by the president’ office, he added.

The spokesman noted that Iran’s relations with Tajikistan are distinguished and very important, and are based on civilization, history, culture, language and religion.

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