TEHRAN – A spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry strongly condemned US-Israel’s joint military strike on Iran’s territory, calling it “a deliberate obstruction of diplomacy.”
The statement comes amid growing tensions in the region, with Iranian leaders warning that the attacks put not only peace efforts but the foundations of international law at stake.
Speaking to the media during Monday’s weekly press conference, Esmaeil Baghaei said that he has “become an active participant in the war with Iran,” just as Iran prepares to take part in the sixth round of diplomatic talks.
“This military attack happened two days before negotiations resumed,” Baghaei said. “It was not only diplomacy and dialogue, but also the betrayal of the complete opposition, but also moral principles, human civilization, and the struggling legal norms established after World War II.
He stressed that such actions would not prevent Iran from defending sovereignty, adding, “There is no doubt that we will draw lessons from this moment. If we do not, it will be a failure not only for our government, but for our people, history and future generations.”
Bagaei repeats that the Islamic Republic is firmly focused on defending the state. “Our full attention to protecting the integrity and dignity of Iran’s territory does not allow distraction or issues of aspect to weaken our resolve. Our top priority is to firmly defend our people, defend Europe, defend Europe and Yost, and launched Yost. The nation.”
The American B-2 bomber attacked Iran’s nuclear facilities at three locations on Sunday. It came 10 days after Israel launched a deadly military campaign against Iran. Iran is responding with daily waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli sites across the occupying territories. Despite the widespread attempt by the Israeli regime to censor the aftermath, major destruction has been documented in major cities such as Tel Aviv, Haifa and Ashdod.
“Iran has never targeted private sites.”
He also rejected accusations that Iran had targeted civilian sites in its recent operation, saying such claims were “completely unfounded.”
“The Iranian army acted only within the framework of legitimate self-defense. Only military targets are chosen. They are perfectly legal targets under international law. It is essential to remember that they did not start this war.
“Diplomatic consistency should not be perceived as weakness.”
Baghaei opposed the proposal that Iran’s continued willingness to pursue dialogue should be perceived as weakness, even in the face of military provocation.
“We must not allow deceive and injustice on the other side to question our principled approach,” he said. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has been committed to diplomacy from the start, and this commitment should not be misunderstood as strategic vulnerability.”
He noted that three European signatories of the European Union and the Joint Comprehensive Program of Action (JCPOA) remain legally bound by supporting UN Security Council resolution 2231.
“As long as this resolution is in effect, they have an obligation to fulfill their responsibilities under it. Consultations and interactions with these countries are intended to hold them accountable for their legal and political commitments.”
He also recalled that Iran continued to engage with all the members of the JCPOA. This excludes the US, which has withdrawn from the transaction entirely.
“Have you not had five negotiations already? Did you not respond to the proposal from the US?” asked Bugey. “In fact, we were scheduled to present our own proposals during the negotiations for the sixth round in Muscat on Sunday. The meeting was pre-aligned and promoted through Oman based on clear and explicit proposals from the US side.”