Baghaei, addressing press at his weekly briefing, pointing to the exchange of messages between Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trump’s envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said that “this act will not lead to direct talks between Iran and the U.S.”
About the presence of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Iran, he said, “Currently, there is no inspector in Iran,” adding that the deputy head of the IAEA will travel to Iran within the next 10 days.
Baghaei was asked about a proposal called “Menareh,” which was put forward by Iran’s former Foreign Minister Javad Zarif and former ambassador to the UK, Mohsen Baharvand. He said, “The proposal is better explained by its designers,” adding, however, that the issue of a consortium is not a new one. “The idea of forming a consortium has been one of the initiatives from years ago, but we have never entered its implementation details,” he stated.
He added, “It is very natural for a country where nuclear and related issues have been on the agenda of its diplomatic apparatus for nearly two decades, that experts, thinkers, and experienced individuals be active in this field and try to present their approaches and proposals.”
Officials said, “We have always emphasized that enrichment — as an inseparable part of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty — is of high importance. Therefore, any proposal that can guarantee and safeguard this component can be subject to review.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi surprised press by attending the weekly briefing, to extend his congratulation over the national day of journalists on August 8.
The top official also referred to the 12-day Israel imposed war against Iran and said: “ The war will be a memorable and lasting turning point in Iran’s history. The Zionist regime, supported by big powers and in a companionship of a number of countries, launched an act of aggression against Iran, imagining that can achieve its goals in a short time.”
He said, however, people demonstrated that their roots are deep in this soil, such that heavy winds and storms can not uproot them.”
Araghchi said that “in this war, people showed how they are united in critical moments and firmly stand against enemies. They marked a new chapter in Iran’s history.”
The senior official also praised journalists’ special role in reflecting truth and boosting the spirit of resistance.
