Yemen Crisis Requires Dialogue, Not Military Force
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the Yemen crisis must be resolved through dialogue and compromise between Saudi Arabia and Yemen, stressing that military force cannot resolve the issue.
He noted that Yemenis had endured more than a decade of what he described as an illegal and inhumane blockade, arguing that the crisis could not be settled through coercion or military power.
The Iranian spokesman also said Tehran had opposed an Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) resolution concerning Yemen, arguing that it could not be considered an official decision of the organization because established procedures, customary practices and institutional mechanisms had not been observed.
Gaza Genocide Continues, Baqaei Says
Turning to Palestine, Baqaei stressed that the genocide in Gaza has not stopped, saying Iran has a human, moral and international legal responsibility to draw attention to crimes continuing in the occupied Palestinian territories.
He identified Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land and its expansionist policies as the root causes of regional problems, arguing that the Israeli regime continues to commit acts of aggression with the support of the United States and some European governments.
Baqaei described the recent OIC meeting as particularly important, given the organization’s founding mission of supporting the Palestinian cause and helping secure the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Iran Prioritizes National Interests Through Diplomacy and Defense
Addressing Iran’s diplomatic approach, Baqaei said Tehran insists on nothing, including negotiations, except the protection of its national interests.
He emphasized that safeguarding Iran’s national interests and national security remains the overriding priority, whether pursued through diplomacy or defense.
Baqaei acknowledged what he described as a clear record of U.S. treaty violations, citing developments since 2018. However, he said past experiences and broken commitments could not justify the Foreign Ministry failing to fulfill its diplomatic responsibilities.
He warned that failing to pursue diplomacy could lead the Iranian public to conclude that the country had not acted seriously and had instead chosen war.
No Nuclear Negotiations Held With Washington, Baqaei Says
Baqaei said Iran had not entered nuclear negotiations with the United States and, consequently, had no details of such talks to discuss with Russia or other parties.
He stressed that Tehran had not deviated from its principled positions, maintaining that they were aligned with Iran’s national interests.
The spokesman also described Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Tehran as part of the regular and ongoing consultations between the two countries, adding that Iran and Russia enjoy very good relations.
Baqaei Rejects Claims of Unanswered U.S. Attack
Addressing claims that the United States had attacked Kuh-e Kalang and that Iran had not responded, Baqaei dismissed the allegations as unfounded.
He said Iran had demonstrated in practice that it would not leave any attack unanswered, warning that any response would be at least equal in force and could be stronger.
“The hit-and-run era is over,” Baqaei said, underscoring Tehran’s position that attacks against Iran would not go unanswered.
ahmad shirzadian
