Tehran calls IAEA Board resolution 'a stain on its sponsors'
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Nov 23, 2025
Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has condemned the recent anti-Iran resolution adopted by the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors, calling its content "a stain on the designers and sponsors of it."
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Baqaei said the resolution not only contradicts United Nations Security Council regulations and the IAEA's past practices, but also fails to make "even the smallest reference to the root cause of this problem," which he described as "the crime of the Zionist regime and the United States in attacking Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities."
He argued that the document ignores the origins of the current dispute and instead deepens an already complex situation.
Responding to IRNA's question about the resolution submitted by three European countries urging Iran to resume diplomatic negotiations based on rescinded Security Council resolutions, Baqaei said the measure "does not help solve the issue" and "will only make the matter more complicated."
He added that the move constitutes "a clear interference in the functioning of the agency" and further harms its independence. "There was no goodwill in designing and presenting this resolution," he said.
'US lacks seriousness in talks'
On the question of potential mediation between Iran and the United States, the spokesperson said the issue "is not about mediation at all; the problem goes back to the US approach and policy."
He argued that Washington lacks seriousness in negotiations and views talks not as a normal diplomatic process based on exchange but as "dictation."
"As long as the United States insists on this approach, no meaningful negotiation will take shape," he said.
Baqaei outlines nature of Iran-Saudi correspondence
Baqaei also said that Iran maintains a strong relationship with Saudi Arabia and appreciates efforts by Riyadh and other regional countries that are working to reduce tensions and support regional stability.
He clarified the nature of a recent letter sent by Iran's president to Saudi Arabia's crown prince, describing it as a "routine" exchange within the framework of bilateral coordination on the Hajj.
According to Baqaei, the letter conveyed Iran's appreciation to Saudi Arabia for the services provided during last year's Hajj and expressed readiness and hope for continued cooperation to ensure a successful pilgrimage this year.
Iran aims to reduce Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions: Spokesperson
The spokesperson also addressed speculation about the possibility of a regional meeting involving Iran and several neighboring states to help manage tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
He said that "security and stability in our surrounding region and neighborhood are very important for us," adding that Tehran has made extensive efforts since the onset of tensions to prevent escalation and support resolution through dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad.
Iran would continue its efforts to ensure the issue is discussed "within an appropriate regional framework," with the principal goal of helping reduce tensions between the two "neighboring and Muslim countries," he added.
'Talks to expand Tehran-Moscow nuclear cooperation ongoing'
Responding to a question on Russia's position regarding nuclear cooperation with Iran, Baqaei said Moscow's view — that Iran's nuclear cooperation with other states should continue in the same manner as for any non-nuclear-weapon state — is consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2231.
He noted that the resolution confirms that, after its expiration, Iran should be treated like any other state without nuclear weapons. This, he said, affirms Iran's full freedom to engage in peaceful nuclear energy cooperation.
Baqaei added that Russia's stance aligns with its long-standing opposition to efforts by European states and the United States to revive repealed Security Council resolutions.
Iran, he went on, appreciates this position, noting that talks to expand peaceful nuclear cooperation between Tehran and Moscow are continuing "seriously as before."
Baqaei links Epstein files release to US behavior abroad
Elsewhere in his presser, Baqaei said the recent release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein has once again highlighted the longstanding influence of US domestic politics on its overseas behavior.
He said there is a well-established assessment that some US actions abroad — including in the Caribbean and Latin America — have at times served as an attempt to divert public attention from "serious internal realities" that raise significant questions at home.
According to Baqaei, such foreign maneuvers have been used to shift both domestic and international focus away from sensitive political issues inside the United States.
Baqaei: Sudan situation 'very worrying'; US responsible
Turning to Sudan, Baqaei described the country's situation as "very worrying," arguing that Washington bears responsibility for the origins of the crisis.
For nearly two decades, US interference contributed to tensions, fragmentation, violence, and the killing of innocent people, he said.
Iran, he stressed, rejects all forms of third-party intervention in Sudan's internal affairs and believes the solution must be reached by Sudanese actors themselves to restore peace and stability.
Baqaei also addressed remarks by Lebanon's foreign minister regarding readiness to engage in talks with Iran's foreign minister.
He said Iran and Lebanon enjoy long-standing, respectful, and mutually beneficial relations, supported by deep ties between their peoples.
He noted that the Lebanese minister's comments were promptly met with a positive response from Iran's foreign minister, who reiterated that Iran "does not interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs" and that all Lebanese matters belong solely to the Lebanese people.
'US conducting bullying tactics against Venezuela'
In response to a question about internal US disputes related to the recent tensions between Venezuela and the United States, Baqaei said Washington's stated justification of combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Latin America is merely a pretext for "bullying policies" and pressure against a sovereign state.
Any official familiar with the United Nations and international law would recognize that US actions against Venezuela "completely violate fundamental principles of international law," he added.
Baqaei also condemned recent US decisions on Taiwan, including new arms shipments, saying such moves aim to provoke China and contradict the internationally recognized "One China" principle, which is affirmed in UN resolutions.
He said the United States is once again demonstrating disregard for regional peace and stability in East Asia.
FM's upcoming trip to Netherlands
Regarding the foreign minister's upcoming trip to the Netherlands, Baqaei said there is no scheduled meeting with the European troika.
The visit is for the annual session of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, though bilateral meetings with attending ministers may occur as standard practice, he explained.
Case of Mahdieh Esfandiari
Addressing the case of Mahdieh Esfandiari, the Iranian national detained in France, Baqaei said Iran's judiciary makes decisions solely on the basis of charges and evidence.
He noted that Esfandiari had been arrested "without any basis and without committing any crime," and that Tehran has repeatedly expressed its position.
She is now out of prison, he said, and Iran hopes her mid-December court hearing will lead to her release and return home.
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