Iran Foreign Ministry: "Missile Capabilities Are Never Up for Negotiation"

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, strongly denied the possibility of Iran's missile program being placed on the negotiating table, Iranian media including the state-run IRNA news agency reported on June 23 (local time).

During a press briefing on this day, when asked by reporters whether the issue of Iran's missiles had been discussed in follow-up negotiations after the end-of-war agreement with the United States, or if there was any possibility of it being discussed in the future, Baghaei dismissed the notion, stating, "Absolutely not."

He emphasized, "Iran's defense and missile capabilities have never been included in our talks, and they will never be a subject of negotiation with any party in the future."

Regarding the usage of unfrozen Iranian funds and oil sales revenue, Baghaei explained, "Iran's unfrozen assets are in a state where they can be used freely."

In response to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump that the unfrozen funds should be used to purchase American agricultural products, Baghaei remarked, "It is quite interesting that their war philosophy and goals, which once declared the destruction of Iranian civilization and the collapse of its regime, have now devolved into merely making American farmers wealthier."

He drew a firm line, stating, "We will decide for ourselves how to use the unfrozen Iranian assets. Decisions on purchasing goods will also be made as the relevant ministries deem appropriate, considering price and quality comprehensively. Therefore, there are no restrictions related to this."

Regarding the lifting of the maritime blockade and the release of frozen funds secured by Iran through the end-of-war negotiations, Baghaei emphasized, "Iran has not received concessions (from the U.S.), but is reclaiming the legitimate rights that were taken away."

Baghaei also reaffirmed that there are no plans to allow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections of nuclear facilities that were attacked by the U.S. and Israel.

He stated, "There is no protocol regarding this. As a member of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and a country that faithfully implements safeguard agreements, we will continue with our current procedures, which are very clear."

Baghaei also expressed the position that if Israel violates the agreement and resumes attacks in Lebanon, where a fragile ceasefire continues amidst armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Iran could also break the agreement.

He replied, "We have mobilized all available means with a responsible and sincere attitude to ensure that the parties' commitments are fulfilled," adding, "Just as we fulfill our promises, we expect the other side to comply with theirs as well."

However, he pointed out, "According to the memorandum of understanding, our counterpart is the U.S. government," and warned, "If other parties do not fulfill their commitments, they should not expect Iran to unilaterally continue fulfilling its obligations."

When asked about his stance on the recent remarks by the French Foreign Minister that "all decisions related to the lifting of UN sanctions must be made with the opinion and participation of European powers within the UN Security Council," he strongly criticized them, saying, "Europe should first reflect on its irresponsible past actions."

Baghaei pointed out, "They must not forget that during the so-called 'snapback' (sanctions restoration) situation, the European parties acted very irresponsibly without showing any independent authority or will."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.