Baghaei: Iran's presence in Syria was to fight terrorism, not defend an individual

 Ismail Baghaei, spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, answered reporters' questions at a press conference on Tuesday.

At the beginning of the press conference, the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran said: This week, the "D-8" summit will be held in Egypt and the President and Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran will participate in the summit.

The D-8, are eight developing Islamic countries, includes Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt and Nigeria.

Reopening the Iranian Embassy in Syria requires ensuring the Security of Staff and Diplomats

In response to a question at the presser about whether the Iranian ambassador to Syria had announced the imminent reopening of the Iranian embassy in Damascus and when the embassy would reopen, Beghaei said: I prefer not to use the word 'imminent'. Reopening the embassy requires preparations, the most important of which is ensuring the security of Iranian staff and diplomats there.

He added: This issue is on the agenda, and as soon as the necessary security and political conditions are met, we will do so.

Turkey has its own narrative of developments in Syria

In response to a question about the narratives published by officials of some countries regarding developments in Syria, including the statements of the Turkish Foreign Minister in this regard and his claim of coordination with Iran and Russia regarding these developments and the resignation of Bashar al-Assad from power, the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran said at the meeting: It is very natural that countries have their own narratives of developments.

Providing explanations about the consultations held in Doha before the fall of Damascus at the Astana meeting and the meeting of the three Astana countries and five Arab countries in the region, he said: In these two meetings, the necessity of stopping the conflicts and dialogue between the opposition and the Syrian government was emphasized with the aim of preventing the spread of terrorism and preventing the creation of a vacuum in Syria and the violation of the country's territorial sovereignty.

Baghaei added: These concerns were common concerns, and the efforts of the countries participating in the meeting held in Doha were to prevent such a situation from occurring in Syria.

He continued: Our presence in Syria was fundamental and principled, and our withdrawal from Syria was also responsible. We were not seeking to conquer a country, seek domination, or revive past empires in Syria, and what was important to us in Syria was helping to ensure Syria's security in the fight against terrorism. What was important to us until the last moment was helping to maintain the security and territorial integrity of Syria as one of the important countries in the region, because we believe that insecurity in one of the countries in the region affects the security of the entire region.

The EU should reconsider its behavior in West Asia

Baghaei said about the statement by the European Union's foreign policy chief that Iran and Russia should not play a role in the future of Syria: This is an interesting joke, and I think she was reading history books when he made this statement. The time when a foreign power wanted to determine the fate of another region is over.

He continued: It might be good for the European Union to reconsider its position, and behavior in West Asia and what role it has played in shaping many of the region's crises. One of the topics discussed in the Syria-related discussions was the large number of European terrorists who had flowed to Syria at the beginning of the formation of ISIS. These countries were not even willing to take these terrorists.

Referring to the complicity of some European countries with the crimes of the Zionist regime in Gaza and other countries in the region, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said: Instead of assigning tasks to others, they should reconsider their actions and try to work with a constructive and positive approach to strengthen stability and security in different regions of the world.

Regarding the position of the German Foreign Ministry spokesman on the three Iranian islands, Baghaei said: We welcome the correction of the previous inappropriate positions of the German federal government that were previously issued in the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Iran-Europe talks continue

In response to a question about the timing of the new round of Iran-Europe talks, the spokesman for the Islamic Republic of Iran's Foreign Ministry said: The exact timing of the new round of these talks has not yet been determined, but it has been agreed that this process will continue.

He also talked about the letter from three European countries to the UN and the Security Council regarding Iran's nuclear program and their threat to use the snapback mechanism as soon as possible: This correspondence is not a new issue, and we have also presented our reasoned response to the UN Security Council and expressed our positions in a statement issued by the spokesman for the Islamic Republic of Iran's Foreign Ministry.

Stating that we do not consider this method constructive, Baghaei said: Iran's nuclear program is peaceful and this has been proven for years, and these correspondences have no effect on Iran's approach regarding its peaceful nuclear program.

He emphasized: The politicized approach and attempts to pressure Iran have no effect and have no legal basis.

Regarding the Iran-Japan talks in Tehran and the possibility of the country mediating in the sanctions lifting talks, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said: We are in contact with all parties to the JCPOA and there is no need for mediation in the talks with the European parties. We will listen to countries that have ideas in this regard, but as I said, this is an issue that we are discussing with the parties to the JCPOA.

No interim government has been formed in Syria yet

In response to a question about whether Iran has any contact or interaction with the Syrian interim government, the Foreign Ministry spokesman of the Islamic Republic of Iran said: In the conventional sense, no interim government has been formed in Syria yet and Syria is in transition. Currently, various sectors are active in Syria and we are waiting for the transition phase to pass and we hope that this period will be a peaceful period with the security of Syrian citizens and the unity and territorial integrity of Syria preserved, and the result will be the formation of an inclusive government in this country.

He told the reporter: God willing, we will make a decision on this matter at the right time.

We have not heard a position from the future US administration

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran also said regarding the statements of former US State Department official Wendy Sherman that Trump is seeking comprehensive negotiations with Iran: We have not heard anything from the future US administration and this is a natural thing, because they have not yet been established.

Baghaei continued: We prefer not to react to speculations made by former US officials or the media about the future approach. We will make a decision on them in due time and specifically when we are sure about the options and issues raised.

The military forces of other countries are not going to replace the army of another country

In response to a question from ISNA's reporter about the claim by Western officials that the weakening of Iran and Russia is the reason for the fall of the Syrian government, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman said: This is another one of those narratives that parties that use any opportunity to express positions and narratives that insinuate weakness about Iran have used.

He said: What is clear, and we have said it clearly, is that our presence in Syria was not to defend or support a specific person, group or party, but rather a basic presence to help establish peace and stability, specifically to confront terrorism and ISIS, which targeted not only the stability and security of Syria, but also the stability and security of the entire region. ISIS supporters were also clear and are still exploiting this created vacuum to continue destabilizing movements in the region.

Baghaei clarified: An example of that is the presence of the United States. The question should be asked what legal basis was the US presence in Syria based on? Was it at the request of the Security Council? Was it at the request of the Syrian government? And what have they done during this time?

The spokesman for the Iranian diplomatic service emphasized: It is clear that every country must rely on itself to defend itself, and the military forces of other countries are not supposed to replace the forces, army, and defense capacities of another country.

The politicized approach and attempts to pressure Iran have no effect and have no legal basis

Whatever the Syrian people choose in its broad sense will be respected by Iran

The Foreign Ministry spokesman said regarding the future of the Syrian embassy in Iran: The diplomatic staff of the Syrian embassy in Tehran is still in Iran.

Baghaei said: Regarding the future status of the Syrian embassy in Iran, we will decide based on the developments in Syria and the decision that the new Syrian ruling body will make. Deciding on the status of our embassy in Syria and our country's consulate in Aleppo is also considered within this framework.

In response to a question about Syria's debt to Iran and the figures raised in this regard, the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran said: The figures and figures raised in this regard are exaggerated.

He clarified: In general, the agreements, treaties and memorandums of understanding that are concluded between the two countries are between the two countries and will not disappear, and any system and government that comes to power will be transferred with it based on the principle of succession of these rights and duties. Following up on this issue is on the agenda of the Islamic Republic.

Regarding Iran's position on Syria, Baghaei also said: Iran's position is clear. We had a very long-standing, civilizational, cultural, religious and political relationship with Syria and we have always been benevolent to the Syrian people. This approach of ours will definitely continue, and we will decide on our next steps based on all the circumstances and taking into account the situation in this country and the performance of the currents active in Syria.

The diplomatic spokesman clarified: Resolution 2254 was a resolution for the process of developments in Syria. We made a great effort to bring the opposition and the Syrian government at the time closer. Whether the resolution requires amendments is subject to the decision and assessment of the actors and parties involved in Syria. We have announced that whatever is chosen and considered by the Syrian people in its broadest sense will be respected by us.

Iranian Armed Forces Defend Iran with All Their Might

The Iranian diplomatic spokesman also said about the threats of the Zionist regime: We have no doubt that the evil of the occupying regime knows no bounds. At the same time, we hope that other parties will recognize their interests and know that the Zionist regime has no history other than destruction, chaos, and aggression.

He said: They proudly state that they have attacked more than 400 points in Syria and have no hesitation in expanding their scope of aggression in the region. At the same time, all parties are aware of Iran’s extraordinary defense capabilities and know that the Iranian Armed Forces will defend Iran’s Kian and Iran’s territorial integrity with all their might.

Iran has never been a threat to regional countries

In his conversation with reporters, which lasted about 90 minutes, the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran said in response to a question regarding some of the comments made in recent days in a number of media outlets and by some individuals regarding the issue of Syria and the threat to some regional countries: The official position of the Islamic Republic of Iran on various issues is expressed by the country’s official spokespeople.

He emphasized: Iran has never been a threat to regional countries, and within this framework, it has always emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region, because it does not consider peace and stability in the region to be separate from its own security.

Baghaei emphasized: The media and individuals inside and outside the country who make comments are their own personal opinions, and as mentioned, Iran’s official positions are announced by the country’s official spokespeople.

Iran's nuclear program is and will remain peaceful

Regarding the claims of the Israeli regime's officials about the possibility of Iran moving to build nuclear weapons in the wake of recent developments in the region, Beghaei said: This issue shows a lack of sufficient knowledge of the sources and sources of Iran's power and capability. Iran's power and deterrence have resources that are not affected by these analyses in any way. Regarding the nuclear issue, it was in 1991 that the then-Israeli regime officials announced for the first time that Iran would test its nuclear bomb in a few months. Since then, this accusation has been repeated.

He emphasized: It is clear that the goal is Iranophobia and creating inflammation in the region, and I think these analyses are not worth responding to. We have always stated that Iran's nuclear program is and will remain peaceful, and of course, we will use all our means and capabilities to defend our territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

Iran has emphasized the necessity of maintaining the security of the holy sites in Syria

The spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran also said in response to a question regarding the behavior of the new ruling forces in Syria regarding the holy sites in Syria and that there has been no disrespect towards them: There is no reason to behave differently.

Baghaei emphasized: We have always been well-wishers of the Syrian people, and the holy sites are among the important cultural, religious, and civilizational treasures and assets of Syria, and attention should be paid to their preservation and protection.

The spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran: We have emphasized in various ways the necessity of maintaining the security of the holy sites, and we hope that this situation will continue in the same way. Maintaining the security of diplomatic sites is also one of the obligations of governments, which must pay attention to this issue under all circumstances.

The international community must hold human rights violators accountable

Regarding the publication of the Iranian Foreign Ministry’s report on human rights violations by the United States and Britain, he said: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' reporting is based on a legal regulation that obliges the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to collect information and documents annually on the human rights situation in some countries and publish a report.

Baghaei emphasized: This report is both in line with our help in promoting human rights and promoting human rights concepts, and to show that human rights violations are severe in some countries that consider themselves free of violations, and it is expected that if human rights issues are to be addressed, the gross violations in these countries will also be addressed.

The spokesman for the diplomatic service clarified: An issue that is very clear is the gross violations of human rights of other countries and nations by the United States and Britain, a specific example of which is the provision of deadly weapons to the Zionist regime. These cases must be documented and the international community must hold these countries accountable.

In another part of his remarks, he said: 99 percent of the weapons sent to Israel are provided by the United States and Germany. In terms of international law and morality, parties who help commit a crime are considered accomplices and partners.

The assassination of an Afghan official is a terrorist act

The spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran also said in response to a question about "Khalilur Rahman Haqqani", the Minister of Refugees of the caretaker government of Afghanistan: What happened is a terrorist act and we condemn every terrorist act.

Baqaei said: We expressed our condolences to the survivors of this terrorist incident and the caretaker government of Afghanistan.

An area the size of the Gaza Strip has been occupied in Syria

The spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran also stated in response to another question regarding the issue of the Kurds in Syria and the need for them to play a role in forming the future government in this country: Preserving and protecting the territorial integrity of Syria is important to us, and we also emphasize that different groups in Syria should be able to participate in shaping the future process of Syria, and that this process should be formed without any discrimination, problems, or deprivation for different groups in Syria.

In another part of his statement about Iran's role in Syria, Baghai said: As an influential country, as a country concerned about regional developments and security and stability, we will definitely actively participate in any process and opportunity that arises. We are in constant contact with the countries of the region and Syria's neighbors. In the upcoming opportunity and on the sidelines of the Cairo meeting, this issue will be on the agenda of the Foreign Minister's talks with his counterparts.

He said: The Astana process continues to be an important capacity in this process. We will use all our strength to ensure that security and stability in the region are maintained, and as a country that is well-wisher of the Syrian people, we will spare no effort to ensure that the transition phase is free from chaos and abuse by terrorist groups.

Baghaei warned: In the past few days, an area the size of the Gaza Strip has been occupied in Syria. All countries in the region must be vigilant against the Zionist regime's aggression against Syria, and international organizations, especially the United Nations and the UN Security Council, should be called upon to stop this crime and ultimately liberate the entire occupied Golan Heights, since this action is also a violation of a Security Council resolution.

All actors should be helpful to the Syrian people, far from tempting ambitions

In response to a question about Iran’s non-invitation to the Jordan meeting on Syria and the claim that Iran is being left out of regional processes, Beghaei also said: Everyone can have their own narratives. You will also hear our narratives, which are based on facts. The Islamic Republic of Iran has never had any territorial expectations towards any other country in the region. Our presence in this Syria should be seen in this regard. Syria will be built by the Syrians, and the future fate of Syria will be decided by the Syrians themselves.

He said: It is natural that the countries of the region should be helpful without any destructive intervention or pressure or threats towards the currents active in Syrian politics. That a diplomatic process has been established, of course, European countries were not present at this meeting, and they were mainly Arab countries. The Astana process also existed in these years with the presence of three countries, and our Arab friends did not have a physical presence, but they supported this process. A process has now been established, and we hope that this process or other processes or similar processes that have been established to help form a new government and system in Syria can help advance this process with various Syrian parties, but this process will be Syrian-Syrian.

The Iranian diplomatic spokesman stated: We hope that all regional and international parties have learned from this lesson that interfering in the internal processes of countries will not benefit the region or any neighboring country in any way. The future fate of Syria depends entirely on the decisions and actions of active actors inside Syria. All actors who have a role and influence in the formation of these processes must be far from ambitions that may be tempting, and help the Syrian people in this process.