TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson has voiced strong opposition to the expanding U.S. military presence, which includes the deployment of B-52 bombers.

Esmaeil Baqaei made the remarks during the weekly press conference on Monday morning.

He took the opportunity to condemn the role of the United States in regional instability, calling on neighboring countries to rely on dialogue to resolve disputes rather than external military support. 

According to Iran, such moves will not alter its resolve to counter Israeli aggression.

Baqaei emphasized Tehran’s commitment to defending its sovereignty, indicating that all resources—both material and spiritual—are prepared to counter any threats.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Iran's communication with Arab states, suggesting plans for a more intensified and sophisticated military operation against Israel. This potential operation reportedly includes larger and more powerful warheads, involving both the Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), following an Israeli strike that killed four Iranian soldiers.

When asked if Iran’s response might shift in light of a potential ceasefire in Gaza, Baqaei responded that Iran is fundamentally concerned with what it labels as “genocide” by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon. 

He suggested that a halt in Israeli actions could influence Tehran’s response. President Pezeshkian also hinted that a truce might reduce the intensity of Iran’s reaction, though he underlined that any aggression against Iran would not go unanswered.

‘Germany’s closure of Iran’s consulates is unjustifiable’

The spokesperson also criticized Germany’s recent closure of three Iranian consulates, calling the move "unjustifiable." 

The decision came after Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock announced consulate closures following the execution of Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German citizen convicted of terrorism in Iran. 

Baqaei denounced the closures, saying that the move by Germany was a reaction to an issue that is related to Iran’s jurisdiction and is about an Iranian citizen who has committed a terrorist act.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had previously said that granting a German passport to an individual does not provide impunity, “let alone a terrorist criminal.”

Writing on his X account, Araghchi said, "No terrorist enjoys impunity in Iran. Even if supported by Germany. Iranian national Jamshid Sharmahd openly and unashamedly led a terrorist attack on a MOSQUE that killed 14 innocent people—including women and children. More than 200 were injured. The evidence is public and available for all to see. A German passport does not provide impunity to anyone, let alone a terrorist criminal."

 ‘International community clearly failed to stop genocide in Gaza’

On Gaza, Baqaei expressed disappointment in the global response to an ongoing real genocide, blaming the UN Security Council’s inability to act on the influence of the U.S. 

Baqaei reaffirmed Iran’s stance as a defender of Palestinian rights and self-determination, calling for an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The Israeli war against Gaza hs so far resulted in the deaths of at least 43,341 people, according to a Sunday report from the health ministry in the battered enclave. 

The spokesman also touched on Germany’s role in arms sales to Israel, suggesting this support is a factor in escalating regional tensions. In response to a recent incident involving the abduction of a Lebanese citizen allegedly by Israeli forces, Lebanon plans to address the matter at the UN Security Council, underscoring ongoing regional unrest.

 ‘No difference between US presidents’

Baqaei commented on the U.S. presidential elections, suggesting that, historically, Iran has seen little difference in approach from various American administrations. 

Meanwhile, he mentioned ongoing dialogues with BRICS nations aimed at easing visa restrictions to promote regional stability and development, as well as ongoing strategic cooperation discussions with Russia.

Finally, Baqaei announced that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will soon visit Pakistan, where he will likely address regional security and collaboration efforts.