Iran: No Plans for Negotiations; Arrest of Gaza Flotilla Activists Is an Act of Terrorism

He noted that Iran’s agreement with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi had been welcomed by the agency and European states, but was later undermined by new, unjustified demands. Baghaei emphasized: “Europe has proven that diplomacy, as previously practiced, is no longer effective. We currently have no plans for negotiations and are focused on assessing the consequences of the European trio’s actions.”
On the recent military aggression against Iran, Baghaei held Israel and the United States accountable, stating that the IAEA’s report was exploited to justify the attack. He added: “Grossi’s acknowledgment that Iran has not violated its peaceful nuclear commitments is accurate. The agency should have condemned any assault on Iran’s nuclear facilities and must refrain from political bias.”
Baghaei also responded to threats made by President Donald Trump, asserting: “Admitting to criminal aggression against Iran only highlights the illegality of U.S. actions. Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful, and the attack violates international law.”
He criticized the European trio’s move to reinstate sanctions, noting that six members of the UN Security Council opposed the action, with the Council’s president abstaining. Baghaei said: “This division reflects the illegitimacy of the European position. Their record since 2015 shows a consistent failure to uphold commitments.”
He warned that Iran will take all necessary steps to counter the unlawful use of the snapback mechanism and reiterated that Resolution 2231 must expire on October 17, removing sanctions from the agenda.
Regarding the detention of two French nationals in Iran, Baghaei stated that they face specific charges, while the arrest of Iranian citizen Mahdieh Esfandiari was unlawful. He confirmed that the Foreign Ministry is actively pursuing her case.
“Our ambassador has met with Ms. Esfandiari multiple times, and her case remains under investigation. We are reviewing the situation to facilitate appropriate legal outcomes.”
Baghaei condemned the arrest of approximately 500 activists from the Gaza “Flotilla of Resilience” by Israeli forces, calling it an act of terrorism: “This mass detention is a blatant violation of human rights. It coincides with the ongoing genocide in Gaza, which continues despite claims of peace.”
He criticized international institutions for their inaction, attributing their paralysis to U.S. support for Israel: “Weapons, starvation, and siege continue to claim Palestinian lives, while global bodies fail to respond.”
Baghaei concluded by reaffirming Iran’s commitment to diplomacy based on national interests, but warned that the European approach has undermined trust and legal stability within the UN framework:
“The UN Secretariat’s role in issuing sanctions lacks legal legitimacy, and we have formally registered our objection.”