Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic, addressed reporters during a press conference on Monday, May 18. Referring to military threats made by Donald Trump against the Islamic Republic, he stated that Tehran “is prepared for any eventuality or scenario” while continuing to pursue diplomacy.
Baghaei claimed that the United States has relied on “threats” and “economic pressure” as its primary tools over the years. However, he stressed that the Islamic Republic will not retreat from pursuing its “legitimate rights and interests” in the ongoing negotiations. He also accused the United States of “betraying diplomacy,” saying Washington is no longer viewed “as a credible partner” on the international stage.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson further stated that Tehran continues to demand the unfreezing of Iran’s blocked assets and the payment of war reparations in talks with the U.S., describing both demands as “Iran’s absolute right.”
In another part of his remarks, Baghaei described a Kuwaiti attack on an Iranian border patrol vessel as a violation of “good neighborliness” and called for the immediate release of the detained Iranian citizens. At the same time, he said the Islamic Republic remains in regular contact with countries including Saudi Arabia and Qatar and seeks to preserve regional ties based on “mutual respect.”
