Baghaei: Iranians Are Ready to Sacrifice Their Lives in Defense of the Country's Borders
The Foreign Ministry spokesman, in response to a question regarding the US President's statements about the possibility of changing Iran's borders following the military aggression by the US and the Israeli regime against Iran, stated: "The will of the Iranian nation is the criterion, not the will of evil foreigners. The US President and others have made comments about many parts of the world, from Canada to other countries, as if the entire planet is a piece of prime real estate and governments are real estate agencies. However, countries are formed based on national sovereignty, the will of nations, and the right to self-determination."
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Summary of Spokesman Esmail Baghaei's Press Conference:
Opening Remarks
- This marks the second week of the Iranian people's epic battle against the brutal warfare waged by the Zionist regime and the US.
- The most significant event was the announcement of the third Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei.
- The Foreign Ministry issued a statement congratulating his selection by the Assembly of Experts and reaffirming its allegiance to him and the Iranian nation, pledging continued efforts to advance national interests.
Response to US President's Remarks on Iran's Borders
- The will of the Iranian nation is the sole criterion, not the will of evil foreigners.
- Countries are not real estate; they are founded on national sovereignty and the right to self-determination.
- A nation's borders are the culmination of its historical, social, and religious developments and embody the essence of its identity. Iranians are proud of their country's map and are ready to sacrifice their lives to preserve it.
- Iran has always been the graveyard of foreigners' dreams and illusions.
- Other countries that remain indifferent or believe they can stay safe while watching this illegal process are gravely mistaken. Indifference to injustice ultimately makes one complicit in it.
On the Goals of the US Aggression
- America's goal is undeniable: dominance over other countries' resources, as openly stated by US officials like Senator Graham, who spoke of seizing Iran's oil.
- Our focus is entirely on defending Iran against this brutal aggression.
- The history of US enmity with Iran dates back to 1953, not just 1979. In these past two years, Americans have also sabotaged two diplomatic processes while Iran was engaged in negotiations. Our duty is clear: to continue defending Iran with all our might, united.
On US Contradictions and Rhetoric
- The US previously accused Iranians of terrorism, which was deceitful. Even Iranian children can now see through these lies.
- The reality is seen in the killing of 168 innocent children in Minab, athletes in Lamerd, and the attack on oil facilities causing environmental pollution.
- The refusal to take responsibility for the Minab school attack shows a disgusting level of impudence. This is a war over humanity itself.
On the Purpose of Continued US Attacks
- The enemy's goal is to demonize Iranians to justify their crimes to the world. This is a clear pattern.
- Our duty is to explain these realities to the region and the world, as this trend will not be limited to Iran. Iran is defending not just itself, but humanity, human dignity, and freedom against hegemony.
On US Responsibility for the Minab School Bombing
- The goal is to break a nation and destroy a country. On the very first day, alongside the attack on the Leader's residence, a school was hit, and the number of civilian casualties far exceeded military ones. The aim is to destroy Iran's identity, a goal that will never be achieved due to Iranian resistance.
On Regional Countries Allowing Use of Their Soil
- The past days have proven that US military presence in the region does not bring security; it causes insecurity and division. History will remember that during the holy month of Ramadan, the soil of some regional countries was misused to attack a Muslim nation.
- The US only cares about the Zionist regime's security, not the region's. Regional countries must learn from this.
- We reiterate our demand that regional countries not allow their territory to be misused by the US. Allowing such use constitutes an internationally wrongful act and permits the attacked country to exercise its right to self-defense.
On the UN Security Council's Role
- The UN, its Security Council, and the Secretary-General have failed in their duties. The Security Council was obligated under Article 39 to act immediately against this blatant aggression but failed to do so.
- This shows the Council is heavily influenced by the US and its allies, leading to the erosion of fundamental international law principles. In the absence of action from these bodies, Iran will continue to exercise its inherent right to self-defense.
On Ceasefire Discussions
- We are on the eleventh day of a war imposed on us while we were negotiating. In such a situation, there is no place for discussing anything other than defense and delivering a crushing response to the enemy.
On Concerns of Other Countries (e.g., France
- Our concern is for the lives of our citizens. Some countries are more concerned about fuel prices. These countries, including France, are UN Security Council members but have failed to act. Their compliance with the US has emboldened the aggressors.
On the Attack on the Destroyer "Dena"
- This attack, which occurred far from the Persian Gulf, is a clear war crime with no justification in international law.
- The US not only attacked but also prevented aid from reaching the injured Iranian sailors, a violation of multiple international conventions including the Hague and Geneva Conventions. This crime will not be forgotten, and legal action will be pursued.
On Iran's Armed Forces' Commitment to Civilian Protection
- Iran's Armed Forces are committed to international humanitarian law and ethics, as proven during the 8-year imposed war.
- The enemy, however, targets civilians, infrastructure, and the environment, committing crimes with generational consequences.
- If the enemy crosses these red lines further, Iran will exercise its right to self-defense with appropriate and proportionate responses, as already demonstrated by missile strikes on US bases.
On Assessments of Iran's Military Capabilities
- The losses the aggressors are suffering stem from their own miscalculations. Let them remain in their delusions. Our brave Armed Forces will prove their real capabilities on the ground.
On Legal Pursuit of War Crimes
- We are pursuing these crimes through the UN, the Security Council, human rights bodies, the ICRC, and the WHO.
- The international community also has a duty to not remain indifferent, not because we lack defense capabilities, but because normalizing such villainy will have consequences for all, especially regional countries.
On the Status of the New Leader
- The Leader has been elected and announced, and all necessary legal procedures under the constitution have been completed. The message is clear: the Iranian nation will stand united in this existential battle.
On Diplomatic Missions in Iran
- Over half of the diplomatic missions are still active in Iran. The security of diplomats is ensured by our government, though we are in a war where the aggressors respect no rules.
On Alleged Attacks on Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Cyprus
- The General Staff of the Armed Forces has clearly stated that no such projectiles were fired from Iran or by our forces. British officials also denied the Cyprus incident.
- We warn against "false flag" operations, a known tactic of the villainous regime in the region, as seen in past operations. We urge all countries to avoid hasty judgments and appreciate the positive dialogue between the Presidents of Iran and Azerbaijan.
On Positions of Independent Islamic Countries
- We appreciate all countries that have taken a clear stance condemning this aggression. They have chosen to stand on the right side of history.
- Countries that remain silent or, worse, take positions favoring the aggressors will be held accountable to history and the people of the region. All individuals have a moral duty to speak out against this injustice.
