Tehran (Web Desk/Agencies): Iran on Tuesday warned the United States that Tehran would not accept attempts to turn negotiations into one-sided demands, as relations between the two countries remain strained.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Washington appeared to be approaching diplomacy as a means of imposing its will rather than engaging in a genuine dialogue with Tehran.
“The Americans have mistaken the concept of negotiation for dictation, something that will definitely not work with Iran,” Baqaei said during a televised press briefing.
He accused the US of approaching talks in “bad faith” and said Washington appeared uncertain about how to deal with Iran. Baqaei argued that the American approach had led the country into what he called a strategic error.
“As long as they act in this manner, they will certainly achieve no result other than what they have obtained so far,” he said.
Baqaei referred to the recent US strike on Iran’s Khark Island, accusing Washington of repeatedly taking actions that Tehran regards as aggression. He cautioned that Iran would respond if another attack were carried out
The Iranian spokesman also accused the US of violating the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, claiming that the document had been signed at the highest level, including by US President Donald Trump.
“The signature of the US president was on the Islamabad memorandum of understanding,” Baqaei said. He claimed that Washington had undertaken commitments under the agreement but breached them approximately three weeks after it was concluded.
He said Iran would assess future steps concerning the memorandum in light of subsequent developments. At the same time, Baqaei accused the US of continuing its sanctions regime and naval blockade while stepping up what he described as an “economic war” against Iran.
Despite the escalating confrontation, Baqaei maintained that Tehran would keep diplomacy available as a means of defending its national interests.
“We will certainly, taking all aspects into consideration, use the capabilities and tools of diplomacy wherever necessary, both to explain our positions and to secure and uphold the rights of the Iranian people,” he said.
Regarding the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Baqaei said Iranian officials remain in regular communication with the organisation, while rejecting claims that a fresh round of negotiations between Tehran and the nuclear watchdog has begun.
“Our mission to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna holds discussions with the relevant parties at the agency whenever necessary,” he said. “But if by negotiations you mean a new development between Iran and the agency, there is no such thing.”
Baqaei again rejected allegations that Iran was conducting nuclear activities at the Kuh-e Kolang site, also known as Pickaxe Mountain. His statement came after IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi recently said there was no solid evidence to substantiate claims of nuclear activity at the location.
He criticised what he described as inconsistent and politically driven remarks from IAEA officials, urging the organisation to carry out its responsibilities according to its mandate and remain independent of political positions adopted by its member states.
Baqaei said Grossi’s recent comments effectively supported Tehran’s longstanding claim that no nuclear work was being undertaken at the site.
When questioned about reports that Iran could withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Baqaei acknowledged that the possibility was being debated by Iranian experts and the wider public. He said the discussion was largely linked to concerns that Iran had not received the benefits it expected from the treaty despite complying with its commitments.
He stressed, however, that there had been no change in Tehran’s official position on the NPT.
“As long as we are a member of this document, we consider ourselves committed to the obligations contained in it,” Baqaei said.
He also reaffirmed Iran’s longstanding rejection of nuclear weapons, saying such weapons conflicted with the country’s religious principles and characterising them as “anti-human” weapons of mass destruction.
On a separate regional issue, Baqaei said Iran did not regard the Mecca defence agreement between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as a danger to Tehran. He noted that the three countries had themselves been subjected to Israeli threats, either directly or indirectly.
Baqaei said Iran would maintain consultations with Türkiye and other regional governments, arguing that countries across the region were increasingly recognising that greater cooperation and mutual confidence were essential to safeguarding their security.