Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Rejects Media Speculations on Nuclear Deal

In an interview late on Thursday, Esmaeil Baghaei, a deputy foreign minister of Iran, rejected media speculations regarding an agreement and reaffirmed the Islamic Republic’s resolute and principled stance. He highlighted that while Iran entered the diplomatic process with goodwill and full responsibility, American officials have repeatedly shifted positions, raised unrealistic demands, and carried out military attacks during negotiations.

Baghaei noted that since the declared ceasefire in April, both the US and the Israeli regime have violated the truce multiple times. Specifically, he mentioned that American forces targeted Iran’s southern infrastructure, striking two water reservoirs in Sirik.

He emphasized that while the United States speaks of diplomacy and negotiations, it simultaneously resorts to force, illegal actions, and criminal behavior. Baghaei stressed that Iran has shown, both in diplomacy and on the battlefield, that it will never submit to the conditions and demands of the other side.

He noted that Iran’s red lines are the interests and welfare of the Iranian nation, and there will be absolutely no compromise in this regard. Turning to the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said that despite Iran’s responsible actions to ensure safe maritime passage, the United States has made the strategic waterway unsafe through its aggressive attacks.

He confirmed that necessary warnings have been issued to all vessels following US strikes on Iranian facilities and deadly assaults on commercial vessels, including three Indian ships that resulted in the deaths of Indian sailors. Regarding media speculation about the timing and location of a possible signing ceremony, Baghaei dismissed them as mere guesswork.

He stated that the decision-making process in Iran is completely clear, and the relevant authorities must review every detail of the text before any official announcement can be made.