Baghaei: As long as the US naval blockade continues, the conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz do not exist

Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, today (Monday, August 10) answered reporters' questions at his weekly press conference.

Baghaei began by honoring Journalists' Day, saying: "In the past few years, a number of journalists have lost their lives in Palestine, Lebanon, and elsewhere. A group of these dear ones were active in the fields of media, culture, and news. Their memory is honored, and we send our greetings to all the martyrs."

Regarding the Mecca Agreement, he said: "In one view, this development can be seen as a sign of a shift in the perception of regional countries. They have realized that security is not a purchasable commodity. Iran's policy has been to invite regional countries to cooperate and strengthen endogenous security without relying on external actors. This development should be noted."

"After October three years ago and the beginning of the genocide in Gaza and the regime's attacks, countries in the region came to the conclusion who the greatest threat to stability and security for the entire global community is. The Zionist regime's ambitions are not unknown. The regime's attacks on Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria, and its threats against regional countries, all indicate the strengthening of this perception that countries in the region can no longer rely on America's claim of providing security as they once did."

"America itself has been part of the region's insecurity. The Zionist regime certainly could not have advanced its crimes without American support. Our belief is that security in the region is indivisible. Any plan that correctly identifies the enemy and the threat has the potential to help strengthen security."

Regarding the closure of the Iranian school in Kuwait and the situation of four detained Iranian nationals, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: "Regarding the four Iranian citizens, continuous follow-ups are ongoing. The Kuwaiti government, disregarding its responsibility under international law, has refused to grant consular access. This is Iran's legitimate request, and we hope Kuwaiti authorities will reconsider this decision."

"Regarding the Iranian school, this is another strange action. Taking revenge on the most innocent segment, those who use the school, is unjustifiable. This is a political decision, and we hope this issue will be resolved."

"Our expectation from regional countries is that they refrain from putting their territory at the disposal of the enemy. This is not too much to ask, and it is consistent with the principle of good neighborliness."

Regarding the withdrawal requests of Venezuela and Chad from the International Criminal Court, he said: "These two countries are not the only ones that have requested withdrawal; this itself is a sign. A sign of the international community's disappointment with a court that was established to prevent impunity."

"The test of recent years was one in which, due to American pressure, the court could not succeed. Because of the genocide in Palestine and the threats that America made against the court's judges, all countries were led to the conclusion that we are going to face selectivity. This situation will practically set back the decades-long plan that began after World War I to address international crimes."

Regarding the statements of the Turkish and Pakistani foreign ministers about the Mecca Agreement and Iran's knowledge of it, Baqaei said: "Yes, we were more or less informed. There is no reason to be worried about three neighboring countries—Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia—with whom we have deep religious and civilizational ties, that there would be an agreement against Iran."

"The history of friendship between Iran and Pakistan and Turkey is long-standing. This development is an important sign that regional countries have concluded they cannot rely on America's claim of providing security and are seeking to try another approach."

Regarding the Caspian Sea Convention and claims against it, he said: "This document was signed in 2018, and various aspects of it have since been discussed and reviewed in other competent bodies. Iran makes decisions regarding its national interests and benefits independently. We have shown that decisions on joining international documents are made with consideration of national interests."

"This document has four signatories, and as long as five countries have not signed it, it is not enforceable. Those who decide to address common concerns would like this document to become binding. We consider our interests. Linking this issue to the developments of the imposed war is not very relevant. The decision rests with the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis)."

Regarding the possibility of other countries joining the Mecca Agreement and the possibility of Iran joining, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said: "Iran itself has been a pioneer in emphasizing the pursuit of security mechanisms based on cooperation among regional countries. Iran's plans still exist and can be updated. We are in contact with regional countries and hope all countries will adopt the best path for ensuring collective security in the region."

Regarding participation in the UN General Assembly meeting, he said: "No decision has been made yet, but we take advantage of every opportunity and intend to participate this year as well."

Regarding Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, he said: "The reason for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz was the military aggression of America and the Zionist regime against Iran. Naturally, the negotiations between Iran and Oman regarding the shipping route concern the two countries; in itself, it is a bilateral negotiation between two littoral states."

"The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz depends on the fulfillment of conditions imposed on Iran and the Strait by America and the Zionist regime. As long as the US naval blockade continues, the conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz do not exist. It is up to America to stop and compensate for its destructive actions so that we can discuss the next steps."

Regarding the possibility of Iran collecting tolls for the Strait of Hormuz, Baqaei said: "At this stage, we are not discussing such details, and discussions continue. Regarding the traffic plan, an understanding has been reached. Regarding the joint statement, some points exist. We have no discussion about these details now."

"On issues such as a mechanism to monitor security of traffic, the environment, and the provision of maritime services, discussions have taken place. Naturally, when you provide maritime services, you also receive service fees."

Regarding the decision of the Supreme National Security Council on the agreement with Oman, he said: "The decision-making process is clear. Every negotiation is conducted under the supervision of the Supreme National Security Council, and the process follows the guidelines. In this case as well, the same procedure is followed."

"Regarding whether we are negotiating with America, no, we are not, and message exchange takes place through intermediaries. What the next step will be depends on the conditions."

Regarding minesweeping of the middle line in the Strait of Hormuz, he said: "In Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding that America violated, Iran's role was clearly specified. The responsibility for the future management of the Strait of Hormuz was with Iran. Ensuring security also included securing and minesweeping, which were Iran's responsibility. This matter must be pursued between the two littoral states."

"The northern and southern routes, after the agreement, were to become the middle route. It was America that, by creating a route contrary to the memorandum, created this situation."

Baghaei regarding changes in the Supreme National Security Council and the possibility of their impact on negotiations, said: "The whole world has clearly seen that over this past year and a half, our country is a country of institutions, not individuals. Decision-making and decision-taking take place within the framework of institutions. It is fitting to congratulate Mr. Rezaei on his appointment and wish him success."

Regarding the formation of a joint legal team between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary to pursue the case of American and Israeli crimes, he said: "The most important thing to do is to build a case and issue an indictment against the perpetrators and commanders of the crimes committed during the two imposed wars. Raising the issue in international courts requires that the judicial process has begun at the local level."

"Documentation is ongoing. The document that the Ministry of Health compiled on the Lamerd crime is important. We have reflected this and will continue this path."

Regarding the Majlis plan on the Strait of Hormuz, he said: "Iran's governing bodies are fully coordinated with the Islamic Consultative Assembly. The plan for managing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is being reviewed, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is present in the process and has put forward its views. Today, Mr. Araghchi had a meeting with members of the National Security Committee."

Regarding the New York Times report about Iran presenting a list of demands to America, he said: "This is media hype aimed at whitewashing the main issue. In any analysis regarding the Strait of Hormuz, you must immediately consider the main reason for the situation."

"The Strait of Hormuz was open from the time of Adam until March 9 of last year, and despite threats, nothing happened to passing ships. The problems arose from the aggression of America and the Zionist regime. The US government still boasts that it has a naval blockade and is attacking Iranian ports. As long as these violations continue, would international shipping dare to pass through this route?"

Baqaei regarding the possibility of Ghalibaf and Araghchi traveling to Pakistan, said: "It is very natural that there is travel between two countries that have close relations. Both our officials visit Pakistan and they visit Iran. In the past few days, we have had the visits of the ministers of Industry, Science, and Interior to Pakistan."

"Invitations for the travel of Mr. Araghchi and Mr. Ghalibaf have been received, and whenever the appropriate conditions are met, this travel will take place. It is mainly about bilateral relations. Iran-Pakistan relations have become much more important, and it is a natural part of the good relationship between two neighbors."

Regarding security consultations between Iran and Iraq, he said: "We must certainly strive to ensure that the outlook for Iran-Iraq relations is clear. The process continues in this manner, and consultations between the two countries are ongoing. We are aware of the threats and dangers that threaten the borders. The cooperation process is positive, and we hope this process will expand day by day based on the security understanding reached several years ago."

Baghaei regarding the Ukrainian president's acknowledgment of attacking an Iranian ship and the announcement of an understanding between Ukraine and the Zionist regime, said: "We expressed our positions very clearly and were not convinced by the Ukrainian side's claim that it was unintentional. But with the admission of Ukrainian officials, they certainly must compensate, and if they do not, we will compensate ourselves."

In response to reports by American media about America's attrition, he said: "We give no credit to any report, positive or negative, about America's capabilities. What matters is our own high level of readiness. There is no doubt that America has been weakened."

"The crimes America committed have destroyed this country's standing in all fields in an unprecedented way. We insist on always being vigilant and increasing our capabilities."

Regarding consultations with regional countries on security, he said: "In every dialogue we have with Oman and regional countries, we discuss the necessity of increasing cooperation to achieve endogenous security. We hope recent developments will pave the way for countries to move in that direction."

Regarding consultations with Afghanistan on the water issue, he said: "The water issue is one of our most important issues with the Afghan side. We have made progress, but it is not only a technical issue."

Baghaei regarding reports of the American crime in Lamerd, said: "During these past few months, three names—Minab, Lamerd, and Qeshm—have been highlighted. But these three names should not make us overlook thousands of other war crimes committed by America and the Zionist regime. Every day, new aspects of the Lamerd crime are being published, and the use of phosphorus is part of it. We have reflected these to relevant international bodies. We are still searching for the remains of our children in the rubble of the Minab school."

Regarding Trump's statement about economic pressure on Iran, he said: "Did America come to diplomacy from the very beginning when it decided to launch a military aggression? With a party that insists on using force and emphasizes a naval blockade, you cannot counter with diplomacy alone. You must, with authority alongside diplomacy, prevent its actions."

Regarding Araghchi's statement about no negotiations with America, he said: "Mr. Araghchi's reference was that our focus is currently on negotiations with Oman. The Strait of Hormuz has become insecure for other reasons, and we continue to face a naval blockade."