We Must Fight for Peace

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Esmail Baghaei, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated today in a press conference with media representatives: "In the past week, we witnessed the flames of America's hatred against us flare up further, and we saw various infrastructures in Iranian cities being targeted. In these attacks, America's destructive logic was once again revealed."

Baghaei added: "America's attacks on Iran are an assault on the right to life and human dignity. We strongly condemn the attacks on infrastructure, medical centers, and bridges. Today, the south is Iran itself, and we salute all our compatriots in every corner of the country."

The current World Cup has been one of the most political editions of the tournament

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson continued: "The current World Cup has been one of the most political editions of the tournament. We witnessed part of this in how the Iranian national team was treated. America's approach toward our national football team continued until the final minutes of the team's presence in the United States."

He noted: "The activities of the Spanish football team players in the fight against oppression were commendable, and we have no issue with the people of Argentina."

Baghaei added: "The south is Iran itself. The south is not a distant frontier for us; rather, this region is the closest to the heart of Iranians. Iran is one body, and any wound inflicted on any part of it is a wound on this single body."

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson stated: "The resistant people of the south today, more than ever, deserve appreciation. People whose stature has not bowed despite all the hardships. They are the guardians of the Persian Gulf and the Makran coasts."

There is no doubt about America's involvement in the Minab crime

Regarding the statements by American officials who claimed that the Minab school incident was fabricated by AI, he clarified: "There is no doubt about the Minab crime. But the point is that they seek to suggest that every crime committed against our country has been ordinary. We are seriously pursuing this crime and the crime in Lamerd."

Baghaei said about the efforts of mediators for negotiations and preventing the escalation of tensions: "Mediators are trying to prevent the escalation of tensions. Simultaneously, our armed forces are powerfully responding to the origin of the attacks on our country. We have received proposals from the mediators, but we do not want to discuss the details."

Peace is not a luxury commodity, and one must fight for peace

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson added: "Peace is not a luxury commodity, and one must fight for peace. Peace, especially in our region, is an expensive commodity. We have paid high costs to establish peace. We must abandon romantic notions about war and peace because we did not seek war."

He continued: "In the 12-day war, in the past war, and now, all the enemies' reasons for imposing war on us have been nothing but pretexts. Just like today, when they have raised attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz as a pretext for war."

Baghaei said regarding America's threat of a ground invasion: "Our powerful armed forces are present in the south of the country and are counting the moments to crush the enemy."

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson added regarding America's readiness to negotiate with Iran: "We have seen their readiness for negotiations time and again. Our response in this regard is the defense of Iran's dignity and sovereignty."

He continued: "We have never been pioneers in breaching commitments, and as long as they fulfilled their obligations, we did too. And today, when they have violated their commitments, the situation is evident."

America's manner and behavior are reminiscent of ISIS's actions

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson stated regarding the attacks on Iran's infrastructure: "No wound will cause Iran to compromise in defending its national sovereignty and the dignity of its people. America's manner and behavior are reminiscent of ISIS's actions. If they think that by damaging infrastructure, hospitals, and killing people, they can create the slightest weakness, they are mistaken. Every wound they inflict on us makes us more determined to defend Iran's integrity. The attack on the Darkhovin facility violates non-proliferation commitments and must be condemned."

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said about consulting with Oman for managing the Strait of Hormuz: "Apart from clause five of the memorandum of understanding, we, as the coastal state of the Strait of Hormuz, have rights. We have learned lessons from the experience of military aggression and the cooperation of some countries, and we must not allow this waterway to be misused against Iran's national interests. Iran and Oman, as coastal states, are determined to take the necessary measures to exercise their sovereignty. We have been in consultation with Oman since the very first days of the ceasefire. Our effort has been to formulate the necessary mechanisms in cooperation with Oman."

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we are determined to declare our sovereignty

Baghaei noted: "This must be done in consultation with the two coastal states. Proposals have been put forward in this regard. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, we are determined to declare our sovereignty."

Regarding the release of an American citizen from Iran, he noted: "I repeat here the response given by the judiciary. No American prisoner has been released from Iranian prisons. Accordingly, I refer you to the relevant and specialized authority."

America's crimes are incompatible with any standards of civilized humanity

Baghaei added regarding Iran's capability to defend itself: "No wound will cause Iran to hesitate in defending its national sovereignty and the interests of its nation. America's crimes are incompatible with any standards of civilized humanity. If they think that by killing Iranians they can create the slightest weakness in Iran's resolve and determination, that is certainly not the case. Every wound they inflict on us makes us more determined to defend Iran's integrity."

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson referred to the possibility of Iran's withdrawal from the NPT and continued: "Reviewing every issue is an ongoing matter. We constantly review every issue related to Iran. We are currently members of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and we know our commitments in this regard and also express our expectations."

The expansion of the war rests solely on America's shoulders

He also clarified regarding the possibility of the war expanding in the region: "The expansion of the war rests solely on America's shoulders. America, by insisting on using the territory of regional countries and violating their sovereignty, is continuing its attacks. We have no hostility toward any country; we are neighbors. We expect them, in line with their obligations, to prevent America from using their territory to aggress against the Islamic country. Our action is self-defense under the right of legitimate defense, and our armed forces will respond."

The Shanghai foreign ministers' meeting will be held on Thursday and Friday in Kyrgyzstan

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said about the Shanghai Cooperation Organization foreign ministers' meeting: "The Shanghai foreign ministers' meeting will be held Thursday and Friday in Kyrgyzstan, and we will participate in this meeting. This meeting has its specific agendas for security and counter-terrorism. It is also a good place for the foreign minister to consult with counterparts. Of course, on Thursday, we will also host a high-ranking Iraqi delegation, and after that, we will leave for Kyrgyzstan."

Regarding the pursuit of America's crimes against Iran, he said: "The crime committed against Iran, especially the martyrdom of Iran's Leader and many Iranian officials, was unprecedented and unforgivable. Pursuing retribution and implementing justice is a national matter, and all pillars of the state consider themselves responsible in this regard, just as the free people of the world consider themselves part of this principle."

America's work has always been intimidation and interference

Baghaei also said about the Iraqi Prime Minister's visit to Iran: "This is a bilateral visit; everyone knows how important our relationship with Iraq is. We have always placed special value on Iraq's stability, welfare, and independence, and we have spared no effort to enhance relations and help maintain Iraq's independence. This is not the approach of others; America's work has always been intimidation and interference."

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson continued: "The Iraqi Prime Minister's visit is very important, and we welcome it in advance. This visit can be a turning point in enhancing relations between the two neighboring countries. A wide range of topics, especially borders and security, will be discussed. Several memoranda of understanding will also be signed during this visit."

The people of Cuba are free people who seek independence

Referring to America's claims about Iran-Cuba relations, he said: "We know, and they know, that they are lying. Cuba has been subjected to American pressure and threats for over 70 years. The people of Cuba are free people who seek independence. The trend that has started in Latin America over the past two years is a dangerous trend and the embodiment of America's belligerent unilateralism, which wants to make everyone subservient to it."

Baghaei said about the Interior Minister's trip to Pakistan: "Yes, the trip is scheduled for today, and Mr. Momeni will go to Pakistan. It is a bilateral visit, and consultations are planned regarding the responsibilities of the interior ministries."

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said about the Agency's indifference to the attack on Darkhovin: "Certainly, this silence and indifference will not strengthen our trust in the IAEA. Second, the fact that the IAEA does not issue a statement does not change the essence of the matter. The essence is the attack on a country's peaceful nuclear facilities, which is against international law."

He added, completing his remarks: "This attack is disgraceful and shows that America's claims against Iran are lies. The Darkhovin facility was supposed to be used for energy production. This attack shows that America has a problem with Iran's knowledge and industry."

Baghaei said about Iran's conditions for possible negotiations: "The guarantee of enforcing any pact is your power, and we have shown well that just as we are serious in fulfilling commitments, we are also serious in demanding our rights. The guarantee for implementing a covenant is your power. We are determined to make this tool increasingly more powerful."

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said about the possibility of Iran withdrawing from the MoU: "For now, we are focused on defending Iran, and our duty is to support the defenders of the homeland. We did not enter a room to enter and exit. We drafted a document that both sides had, and the other side knowingly consented. Its commitments were very transparently seen; the other side did not implement them but rather violated them. We also reciprocally said we would not implement it."

The Strait of Hormuz cannot be marginalized

Regarding American statements to marginalize Iran's sovereignty in the Strait of Hormuz, he said: "They have been trying to fade the Strait of Hormuz for 80 years, but the Strait of Hormuz cannot be faded."

Baghaei noted regarding America's claim of targeting Iran's military centers: "The Americans officially admitted that they do not care about any humanitarian rules. They had said they are not bound by stupid rules. They attacked an Iranian naval destroyer for fun. These are all admissions of not adhering to humanitarian laws. Repetition of these crimes will increase their burden, and they will certainly have to be held accountable."

The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said about Iran-Russia relations: "Our relationship with Russia is comprehensive and based on the strategic partnership agreement, and it has various dimensions. We have a detailed plan regarding cooperation on corridors and strengthening rail cooperation. Both countries are serious about facilitating the cooperation process."

Our strikes are solely against American bases

Regarding attacks on the soil of Iraq's Kurdistan Region, he said: "We do not attack any party; our strikes are solely against American bases that are used to attack Iran. This is in line with defending the shared security of Iran and Iraq. We have a security agreement with Iraq to ensure that Iraqi soil is not misused."

Baghaei said about relations with Bahrain and the UAE: "Countries know their duties. According to international law, countries are obligated not to allow their soil and facilities to be used against another country. The violation of countries' sovereignty is mostly being done by America, which has set up bases on their soil and uses them to attack Iran."

At the end of this press conference, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson reacted to Vance's statements about the Zionist regime and Iran, and clarified: "The disputes and internal debates in America are their own concern; for us, the performance of the American government is important, which failed to fulfill its commitments. There is no doubt about the mischief of the Zionist regime. They do not support any process that could create the slightest hope for stability in the region, and they undermine it. Both the region and the American public opinion know this. Every government is responsible for its own behavior and must fulfill its commitments regardless of interference."