Tehran, Iran – In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman and negotiating team member Esmail Baghaei announced on Monday that the memorandum of understanding signed with the United States has “effectively ended.” Baghaei emphasized that Tehran is no longer bound by its terms in light of recent developments. He also asserted that all US bases in the region are now included in Iran’s “target bank.”
Baqaei’s remarks came during his weekly press conference, which he began by commending the Iraqi people for their massive participation in the funeral procession for the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He affirmed that Tehran prioritizes addressing the domestic public’s demands for retribution for Khamenei’s assassination. Furthermore, Baqaei emphasized that Iran will utilize all available international mechanisms to document what he termed the “crimes committed” against it and to pursue justice.
Baqai accused Washington of blatantly violating the agreement, explaining that it had breached key provisions of the fourteen articles of the memorandum of understanding within a short period. The Iranian official affirmed that his country would adopt a policy of reciprocity toward any commitment or breach by the other party. He emphasized that Iran possesses the sovereign right to take all necessary measures to protect its territory and interests.
Regarding regional maritime security, Baghaei noted that last Saturday’s negotiations focused on mechanisms for managing the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Sultanate of Oman. He also criticized the statement issued by the three European countries concerning the strait.
He emphasized firmly that Iran will not allow any party, whether the United States or Israel, to exploit the strait to harm its interests. He further warned that “any area or part of any country’s territory used to attack Iran will be considered a target of Iranian defense measures.”
Baghaei stressed that “none of the American bases in the region have been excluded from Iran’s target bank.” He affirmed Tehran’s commitment to preventing any destabilization of the region’s security.
On the nuclear issue, Baghaei ruled out any possibility of cooperation in the foreseeable future, announcing that Iran would not grant the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, access to its nuclear facilities.
On the regional level, Baghaei criticized statements by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, describing them as “incorrect.” He also called on Ankara to stop raising issues that, in his view, justify Israel’s expansionist policies. He demanded that Turkish officials clarify their positions to ensure they do not exacerbate tensions in the region.
