TEHRAN – Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, addressed the media during a weekly press conference on Monday, highlighting Tehran's initiative with Turkey to propose an arms embargo against Israel.

"We hope more countries will join this campaign. The regime must not use donated weapons for genocide in Gaza and Lebanon," he stated.

Baqaei emphasized that Israel has initiated aggression and must cease its actions. He noted, "At times, we have shown restraint for regional peace, but this has been misinterpreted. Supporters of the regime must persuade it to stop its aggression against Iran." 

‘Tehran reserves the right to respond to Israeli attacks’

In light of recent Israeli attacks on Iranian military facilities, which resulted in casualties, Baqaei asserted that Iran is resolute in its right to respond to these aggressions. "We will not abandon our right to respond to the Zionist regime," he affirmed.

In the early hours of Saturday, Israel targeted the military installations in Iran’s Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces in flagrant violation of international law and the UN Charter.

Baqaei pointed out a growing consensus among regional and international nations condemning Israel’s actions, citing the 80-year occupation as the root cause of insecurity in the region. He criticized the supporters of Israel for obstructing international organizations from addressing the regime's crimes.

While asserting that Iran does not seek war, he reaffirmed the nation's commitment to self-defense, stating, "The Iranian nation and Armed Forces have no fear of war." He emphasized that Iran will actively work to prevent the escalation of conflict.

On the use of Iraqi territory for Israeli attacks, he remarked, "Countries have a legal, ethical, and international obligation not to allow their land to be used for attacks on another nation. We are confident that no neighboring country has permitted such actions. We urge the Iraqi government to formally protest this matter at the UN."

‘Unwavering US support emboldens Israel for further aggression’

Baqaei remarked on the impunity Israel has enjoyed due to unwavering US support, which has emboldened further aggression. 

He called for an end to American arms and political support for Israel to halt its crimes.

‘Israel’s war on Gaza is a one-sided conflict’

Responding to Egypt’s proposal for a temporary ceasefire and prisoner exchange in Gaza, Baqaei criticized the term "ceasefire," asserting that it implies mutual conflict while in reality, one side is committing genocide. 

He expressed Iran's support for any initiative aimed at ending Israel’s violent actions in Gaza and Lebanon, but noted that participating nations lack the necessary will to effect change.

‘Iran's stance on weapons of mass destruction is clear-cut’

The spokesperson for Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that the Islamic Republic does not seek to use nuclear energy militarily considering both the fatwa (religious order) of the country's highest political official and logical assessments.

“Iran's stance on weapons of mass destruction is clear-cut; Iran has no aim to militarize its nuclear program under any circumstances,” Baqaei added.