TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson highlighted Tehran’s position on sovereignty, security and diplomacy, citing a wide range of regional and international issues, from U.S. visa restrictions for World Cup participants to tensions in West Asia.
“Iran’s expectations are completely legitimate. FIFA must fulfill its obligations.”
Esmail Bacaei told reporters at a press conference on Sunday that he called on FIFA to uphold its responsibility as World Cup organizers following reports that the United States may deny visas to Iranian spectators and members of the delegation.
Baquay said Iran’s expectations were “completely legitimate and reasonable” and stressed that FIFA must guarantee access for all participating teams, coaches and officials.
“Israel’s actions show that it does not belong in this region.”
Mr. Baquay reported on the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, where nearly 400 Palestinians have been killed following the recent ceasefire. He criticized threats against international human rights monitors, including the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian Human Rights, and called for swift action to stop further violence in Gaza and other regional hotspots.
He also referred to Israel, calling it an “expansionist regime” and saying its military operations in Gaza over the past two years have caused destruction equivalent to 12 Hiroshima-sized bombs, stressing that Israel does not belong to the region.
More than 50 days have passed since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, aimed at ending the war in Gaza, went into effect. However, Israeli shelling continues unabated, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
More than 70,100 Palestinians have been killed and more than 170,000 injured since the war began in October 2023. 360 Palestinians have also been killed since the October 10 ceasefire.
“The U.S. national security strategy prioritizes Israel over the United States.”
Commenting on the announcement of the new US National Security Strategy, Baqai said the document “candidly reflects America’s long-standing priorities in West Asia: access to energy resources and Israel’s security.”
He said the document is more of an Israeli national security document than a U.S. document, noting that it boasts of past attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, implying that the United States accepts international responsibility for those actions.
Two days ago, US President Donald Trump’s administration announced the 2025 NSS.
The 33-page document said West Asia was no longer a top strategic priority for the US government and said the region’s energy reserves were a “historic reason” for the US to focus on West Asia.
“There is no doubt about Iran’s sovereignty over the three islands in the Persian Gulf.”
Bakqai reaffirmed Iran’s sovereignty over three strategic islands in the Persian Gulf and dismissed claims by the UAE and Persian Gulf Cooperation Council countries as baseless.
Historically, Bu Musa Island and Greater and Lesser Tunbu in the Persian Gulf belonged to Iran, a fact supported by numerous historical, legal, and geographical documents in Iran and around the world.
Nevertheless, the United Arab Emirates has repeatedly claimed sovereignty over the islands.
These islands came under British control in 1921, but Iranian sovereignty over them was restored on November 30, 1971 (the day after British troops withdrew and two days before the UAE officially became a federation).
Iran has also designated November 30 as the Trio Islands National Day in the Persian Gulf, commemorating its ancient sovereignty over Bu Musa, Greater Tunbu, and Lesser Tunbu islands.
“Iran will not interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs”
Regarding Lebanon, he stressed that Iran would not interfere in its internal affairs, noting that Hezbollah is deeply rooted in Lebanese society and that defense decisions should be made domestically.
The United States has been pressuring Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, even providing the country with an implementation plan and timeline. However, it has not called on Israel to stop its attacks.
Iran has warned against disarmament, but says it will abide by collective conclusions reached by the Lebanese.
Ali Akbar Velayati, a former foreign minister and current foreign policy adviser to the Iranian leader, said in an interview that it would be extremely dangerous to disarm Hezbollah at the request of the US government, even though the US has no intention of guaranteeing Israel to abide by the 2024 ceasefire. Hezbollah is the “pillar of Lebanon’s defense.”
Hezbollah was formed in 1982 during Israel’s occupation of Lebanon. After the Lebanese army struggled to stand up to the regime, it succeeded in forcing Israeli troops out of the country. Hezbollah is still believed to be more powerful than the Lebanese army, which receives weapons and training from Israel’s Western patrons.
Lebanese authorities have been unsuccessful in forcing Israel to abide by the 2024 ceasefire, which the regime violates almost daily. Dozens of Lebanese have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since November last year. Hezbollah has so far refrained from responding to these violations and appears to want the government to take responsibility for the issue.
“Iran’s foreign policy is based on national interests.”
Baquay concluded by reaffirming that Iran’s foreign policy is guided by national interests and decisions are coordinated through the Supreme National Security Council and other senior authorities.
“We will pursue all issues with evidence and firmly assert our national sovereignty.”