Speaking at his weekly presser on Sunday morning, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei touched on regional international developments and Iran-related issues.
On Iran-Lebanon relations
The diplomatic relationship between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Lebanon is a long-standing and remains in place, he said, adding that Iran has an ambassador in Lebanon, and Lebanon’s new ambassador has also recently been stationed in Tehran.
"Regarding the new ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Lebanon, the requests and procedures related to the nomination have been underway for some time. We hope that this process will proceed in a natural manner and that our new ambassador will be stationed in Beirut in the near future," Baghaei said.
"Our preference is that any statements that distract Lebanon from focusing on safeguarding its national sovereignty and territorial integrity be avoided. We oppose any remarks that divert the attention of Lebanese society and government away from the country’s main and fundamental issue," the senior Iranian diplomat underlined.
On US seizure of Venezuelan oil tanker
Baghaei, commenting on the US seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, said, “We have adopted an official position on this matter. This action has no legal basis whatsoever."
He said that the US action against a vessel carrying Venezuelan oil has no legitimacy under international law, stressing that invoking domestic laws to commit an international crime is not acceptable.
"The US action constitutes an act of piracy, and all countries should condemn it,” Baghaei said.
On UNSC Resolution 2231
Regarding UN Security Council Resolution 2231, he added, “From our perspective, Resolution 2231 has terminated, and this is not just our view—two Security Council members have endorsed this position. The reference to the JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism by three European countries [Germany, France, and UK], under US pressure and motivated politically, had no legal basis. An action that lacked legitimacy from the outset should not be given any effect. We have expressed our opposition to the Secretariat’s action, and the positions of Russia and China are also clear. Unfortunately, the political move by the three European countries, abusing mechanisms, has caused this situation.”
On 2026 World Cup
Regarding the possibility of the US refusing to issue visas for Iran’s national football team [Team Melli] to participate in the World Cup, Baghaei said that it is the US’s obligation, as the host country, to act in accordance with FIFA regulations.
"Currently, the US has violated this commitment. We have lodged our protest through FIFA and also via the US Interests Section. It is the right of the Iranian team to participate in the World Cup, based on the agreement reached between FIFA and the host government. We hope that, for once, the US will not take a political approach to sports and cultural matters.”
On Yemen developments
Referring to the recent developments in Yemen, Baghaei said that what is currently unfolding in Yemen should be a source of concern for many countries in the region, as these developments are taking place in line with the Zionist regime’s policy of fragmenting the countries of the region.
He also emphasized the necessity of dialogue among the various Yemeni parties to establish stability and safeguard Yemen’s unity and territorial integrity, saying that Tehran considers this path to be the only sustainable solution for the country’s future.
On Iran-IAEA relations
Referring to the recent remarks of Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Baghaei criticized the IAEA chief and the Board of Governors for consistently refraining from even briefly mentioning the unlawful strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites by the United States and Israel.
“In such circumstances, where the approach is not impartial and only one side is being addressed, the issue cannot be resolved,” the spokesperson said.
He emphasized that the IAEA Director General must exercise his technical authority in accordance with the agency’s statute and ensure a professional, unbiased approach in assessing nuclear issues.
"The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency repeatedly repeats sentences and statements that will not change existing realities," he underlined.
Baghaei underlined that iran is in contact with the agency whenever it is necessary and the basis for interaction with the agency is the law passed by the parliament.
On WSJ report
Reacting to the claims made by the Wall Street Journal, which has reported that that US commandos have intercepted a Chinese vessel en route to Iran, Baghaei said that Iranian authorities are awaiting verified details from relevant bodies.
“So far, we have not received any information from competent sources,” he said.
MNA/6688512
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