The Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, articulated a comprehensive view of Iran's foreign policy, framing it as a unified effort across various state pillars. He strongly condemned the United States, asserting that its economic war against Iran extends beyond the nation itself, targeting the sovereignty of all nations and the principle of free trade. This perspective positions Iran as a defender of broader international norms against what it perceives as American unilateralism and coercive actions. Baghaei demanded accountability from the US for its alleged aggression and "war crimes" against the Iranian populace, including specific accusations of attacks on Iranian civilian vessels, which he labeled as acts of terror.

US Economic War

Iran views the ongoing economic pressures from the United States not merely as sanctions but as a full-scale "economic war" designed to undermine its national sovereignty. This framing suggests that the US is employing economic tools as a form of aggression, impacting not only Iran's economy but also its ability to engage in international commerce freely. The spokesman's remarks underscore a deep-seated grievance regarding the extraterritorial reach of US sanctions and their perceived impact on global trade mechanisms.

Furthermore, Baghaei linked these economic actions to a broader pattern of "coercive actions" by the US, demanding that Washington be held responsible for its alleged "aggression" and "war crimes" against the Iranian nation. This rhetoric aims to elevate the discourse beyond mere policy disagreements to a moral and legal indictment of US foreign policy. By highlighting attacks on civilian vessels, Iran seeks to portray itself as a victim of direct military and economic hostilities, reinforcing its narrative of resistance.

Strait of Hormuz

A significant point of contention raised by Baghaei concerned the safety and navigability of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint for oil shipments. He explicitly stated that the Strait has become "unsafe due to US attacks" and a "naval blockade against Iran." This accusation directly challenges the US narrative of ensuring freedom of navigation and implies that American military presence is a destabilizing rather than a security-providing factor in the region.

The Iranian spokesman's assertion that the Strait is unsafe due to US actions carries substantial implications for international maritime security and energy markets. By framing US activities as a "naval blockade," Iran suggests a direct infringement on its sovereign rights and international law, potentially justifying its own defensive measures. This perspective highlights the volatile nature of the region and the potential for escalation stemming from differing interpretations of international maritime conduct and national security interests.

Rafael Grossi

Baghaei also addressed the diplomatic efforts by the US and European countries to refer Iran's nuclear file to the UN Security Council, dismissing these attempts as "illegal." He specifically criticized the US-European anti-Iran IAEA draft resolution, stating it is "based on agency director's politicized report." This indicates Iran's deep distrust of the impartiality of international bodies when they are perceived to be influenced by Western powers.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman's comments regarding Rafael Grossi, the IAEA Chief, suggest a belief that the agency's reports are being manipulated to serve political agendas rather than objective technical assessments. Baghaei's statement that "Wherever they fall short, they [Western countries] turn to the IAEA and its chief" implies a pattern of using the IAEA as a tool for pressure when other diplomatic avenues fail. This stance reflects Iran's consistent position that its nuclear program is peaceful and that external pressures are politically motivated rather than genuinely concerned with non-proliferation.