Tehran- IRAF- Baqaei, during his weekly press briefing on Tuesday, February 10, referred to the nuclear negotiations and said:
“Our negotiating partner is the United States, and it is up to the U.S. to make decisions independently of pressures and destructive interventions—pressures that harm the region and ignore America’s own interests.”
He added: “One of the problems of U.S. foreign policy in West Asia is its alignment with and submission to the demands of the Zionist regime, which over the past eight decades has been the main cause of insecurity and crises in the region.”
United Nations Must Hold Israel Accountable
Baqaei, referring to thousands of ceasefire violations since November 2025 that have resulted in hundreds of Lebanese casualties and extensive damage to public infrastructure, stated:
“The Zionist regime’s use of weapons and toxic and chemical materials against Lebanese farmlands is an unprecedented war crime, which not only damages the environment and the health of Lebanese citizens but also targets their livelihoods and daily lives.”
He emphasized:
“These actions require an immediate response from the United Nations and relevant specialized agencies to hold the occupying regime accountable.”
U.S. Must Not Let Others Decide Its Foreign Policy
Baqaei : “It is the responsibility of American officials to act independently of pressures and lobbying influences and not allow others to make decisions for U.S. foreign policy.”
Regarding the venue for negotiations, he stated:
“No decision was made to hold the talks outside of Oman, and I don’t think this should be a cause of concern for our friends.”
He added:
“We remain in contact with all friendly and neighboring countries, and travel, communication, and consultations continue seriously. We believe regional countries can play a constructive and positive role in shaping diplomatic processes and reducing tensions.”
Iran’s Warning Against Any Military Aggression
Baqaei warned: “The Islamic Republic of Iran will respond decisively to any military aggression by any party.”
He added: “Experience has shown that any action by the Zionist regime cannot be carried out without U.S. coordination and cooperation; therefore, any such wrongdoing will face a regrettable response from Iran.”
Negotiations with the U.S.: Beginning a Process
Referring to the negotiation process, the spokesperson said:
“The most important sign of caution is the past negotiation record of the other side. You cannot begin a diplomatic process without considering events from 10 or 15 years ago and the counterpart’s recent actions.”
Baqaei emphasized:
“Threats and sanctions require us to proceed with care and caution in any diplomatic process. At the same time, we have repeatedly stated that we do not avoid diplomacy, because our position is just, our arguments are valid, and our demands are based on international law and the legitimate rights of the Iranian nation.”
Muscat Meeting: Testing the Other Side’s Seriousness
Regarding the Muscat meeting, Baqaei said: “This meeting, which was not long and lasted half a day, was essentially held to test the seriousness of the other side and examine how to continue the process. Most of the discussions were on general principles.”
He added: “Our principled positions are clear. Our demand is to secure the interests of the Iranian nation based on international standards, the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Regarding details, we must wait for the next steps in the diplomatic process.”
Diplomacy and Armed Forces: Complementary Elements of National Defense
Baqaei said: “Diplomacy and the field (military strength) are two fundamental components for protecting and securing Iran’s national interests.”
He added: “Strengthening the country’s defense and military capabilities is essential to deter any enemy from contemplating aggression or threats against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Baqaei continued:
“Iran’s diplomatic apparatus and armed forces play a synergistic role in defending the nation. The recent meeting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the Army Commander and his deputies was held for this purpose and was very productive.”
