No One Can Decide the Future of Gaza

In response to Trump's statements calling for the evacuation of members of the Gaza Strip, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: "No group can comment on the future of Gaza except the Palestinians themselves."

News ID: 85683

Date: 03 February 2025 - 14:40

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated during a press conference: Iran and Afghanistan are 2 countries with shared faith, ethnicity, and religion, and they share more than 900 kilometers of common borders. Therefore, this visit is a natural initiative within a reasonable  3 to 4-year process that has taken place.

Baghaei continued: Iran and Afghanistan have numerous commonalities, including historical, cultural, and religious ties. Accordingly, our efforts are focused on ensuring that these bonds and shared interests serve as a foundation for mutual understanding regarding the interests and concerns of both sides.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized: We have specific issues in areas such as migration, water rights, and security, and these matters should be addressed within diplomatic frameworks. Both sides must reach a mutual understanding regarding these interests and concerns.

He added: This visit was part of a path that had already begun. As you know, our interactions with the caretaker government of Afghanistan have continued over the past three and a half years across different administrations. We hope this visit will be an important step in this process, both in terms of addressing concerns and utilizing shared capacities and foundations to enhance relations in common areas.

Baghaei noted that this visit was not merely a political and diplomatic trip. A large group of businesspeople and traders active in the economic and trade relations sector accompanied the Foreign Minister during his visit to Afghanistan. Accordingly, a good meeting was held with Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, and a very productive session took place with Afghan business leaders and the Chamber of Commerce, with the participation of Iranian private sector representatives.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified: Regarding the water issue, our concerns were expressed very clearly. All Afghan officials emphasized the importance and attention they place on securing Iran’s water rights, stating that even in the absence of a treaty (as you know, we have a specific treaty regarding the Helmand River), they consider themselves morally, ethically, and humanely obligated to help secure Iran’s water rights.

Regarding Araghchi’s visit to Qatar, he said: The Foreign Minister’s visit to Qatar is part of diplomatic exchanges. Iran has diplomatic relations with Qatar, and this bilateral visit provided an excellent opportunity to meet with Hamas representatives to congratulate them on the victory of the resistance.

Baghaei referred to Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. and said: The visit of the Prime Minister of the Zionist regime is a matter between the two sides, and we are focusing on our issues. At the same time, we are closely monitoring the effects and outcomes of these exchanges on regional developments and the Palestinian issue.

In response to a question about the ECO Economic Cooperation Organization summit in Tehran, the spokesperson noted: The ECO summit is currently being held at the level of deputy foreign ministers. This summit follows the Mashhad summit, and during it, we are pursuing previous resolutions, future programs, and the 2025 work plan. Additionally, meetings will be held on the sidelines of this summit.

Regarding the visit of the Azerbaijani President’s foreign policy advisor to Iran, he added: This is a bilateral visit, following the visit of the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, and it is part of ongoing discussions between Iran and Azerbaijan. The foreign policy advisor had good meetings with senior Iranian officials, and positive talks were held on strengthening relations and addressing some issues, particularly in the media space between the 2 countries.

Baghaei addressed the malicious propaganda by the Zionist regime regarding sending money to Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying: The news about Iran sending suitcases of money to Hezbollah, propagated by the Zionist regime, is aimed at hindering Lebanon’s reconstruction.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on recent developments in Syria: Regarding the election of "al-Jolani" as interim president and the future of Iran-Syria relations, I must say that any government supported by the Syrian people has our support. The Islamic Republic of Iran has always emphasized the need for all parties to help maintain security and stabilize the situation in Syria. We are closely monitoring developments and hope this transitional period leads to an inclusive government representing all segments of Syrian society. We also use every opportunity to express our views through parties and countries with which we have good relations and are active on Syria.

Regarding a meeting in Doha on Afghanistan, he said: Iran’s position on Afghanistan is clear. Given all the ties and commonalities, security is a continuous issue, and whatever happens in Afghanistan is important to us. Therefore, we will not miss any opportunity to help maintain and stabilize the security and economic situation of the Afghan people.

Baghaei addressed the appointment of ambassadors to Syria and China and speculations on social media: Previously, other individuals were mentioned. I will not comment much on these rumors. The process of confirming ambassadors is well-established, as we have already announced regarding the appointments to London and Berlin. Mousavi, the Director-General of Legal Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will assume the role of Iran’s ambassador to London.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on Trump’s plan for the forced displacement of Gazans: That is the land of the Palestinian people. This plan is part of the erasure of the Palestinian people. The international community has a responsibility to support the Palestinian people in defending their land and rights.

Regarding the establishment of full peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, he added: The security of the Caucasus and all neighbors, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, is important to us. Diplomatic exchanges with both countries are ongoing. We are ready to provide any assistance to strengthen security and stability in the South Caucasus, including by facilitating dialogue between the 2 countries.

Baghaei commented on Araghchi’s visit to Kabul: Araghchi’s visit was short, but during this brief trip, good discussions were held with Afghan officials, and it provided an excellent opportunity for economic actors from both countries to become more familiar with each other, aiming to enhance economic and trade relations. We see this visit as a step in the process and hope it will lead to more fruitful steps in cooperation with Afghanistan.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the arrest of the Imam of the Imam Ali Center in Stockholm, Sweden: Their claims are baseless. The actions and movements we have witnessed from Sweden in recent weeks are not constructive at all, and it seems some decisions are influenced by a third party that seeks neither Iran’s nor Sweden’s best interests. Based on our inherent duty to protect the rights of Iranian citizens abroad, we have addressed this issue and found that there are no charges against him, and he has committed no crime. We are also questioning why he is detained, as it is inconsistent with international and human rights standards. Even the regulations allowing our diplomats to meet with him have not been observed. We hope they reconsider and do not allow a center or initiative that fosters people-to-people relations to be harmed due to political considerations.

He added: We have expressed our protests through channels in Stockholm and Tehran, and yesterday the Swedish ambassador was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Iran’s concerns were promptly conveyed.

Baghaei commented on the appointment of the Iranian President’s special representative for Afghanistan: The President’s representatives in other countries are our ambassadors. We have a chargé d'affaires in Afghanistan who was appointed some time ago, and he, along with the relevant Director-General, is responsible for managing our diplomatic affairs with Afghanistan. The news about one of our colleagues is media speculation. Ashjazadeh is the Director-General for South Asia.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs addressed the disappearance of three Indian nationals in Iran: The Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised this issue with us. We are in contact with the Indian Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in New Delhi, and the matter is under investigation.

Baghaei commented on the latest status of the Syrian Embassy in Tehran: Regarding the reopening of embassies, certain political and security prerequisites must be met, and we must be assured of them before making any decisions.

When asked if a new agreement with the West is expected, he said: Much has been said about negotiations. If conditions are favorable and we are confident that we can secure Iran’s interests, negotiations are not a one-sided matter. Our officials have expressed clear positions, and based on these, we will determine the future path.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on the purpose of the Iraqi Parliament Speaker’s visit to Tehran: The Iraqi Parliament Speaker is in Tehran. This visit is part of parliamentary diplomacy, and meetings will be held with the Speaker of the Parliament, the President, and the Head of the Judiciary. This visit is part of bilateral discussions and consultations on the latest regional developments.

Baghaei addressed U.S. actions and the lack of a human rights report against Iran: We have not seen any light. The issue is that in the periodic human rights reports on countries, the U.S. decided not to comment. This is within their internal discussions. The Americans also stated that the U.S. is not a charity and that its aid is to advance its interests. These are not donations but a form of payment for services received. This is a sign of the U.S.’s interventionist policy.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to the coalition against the Zionist regime: This campaign began in The Hague, Netherlands, with 10 countries participating in this initiative. The main goal is to ensure the end of impunity for the Zionist regime regarding the genocide in Gaza. What enabled the regime to commit crimes was the supply of lethal weapons by Western countries. We have supported any initiative in this regard. The path is for the regime’s leaders to be prosecuted.

At the end of the press conference, he commented on Grossi’s political statements against Iran: The IAEA is a technical body with a specific mandate under specific agreements. We have always invited IAEA officials to adhere to their duties and avoid politically charged statements. This approach damages the IAEA’s credibility and undermines the Director-General’s position. The IAEA must adhere to the procedures and laws governing its specialized domain.