Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei

Tehran, November 4 (RHC)-- Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says Tehran will definitely respond to the Israeli regime’s act of aggression against the country, vowing that the country will be fully equipped to defend itself.

“Supporting national sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries is a principle for us and we have proven this in practice,” Baghaei told reporters at his weekly press conference on Monday.

“We will use all our material and spiritual resources to respond to the aggressions of the Zionist regime (Israel) and will use all our resources with all our might in this regard,” he emphasized.

Asked whether the intensity of Iran’s response to Israel will change in case of a ceasefire in Gaza, Baghaei said Israel’s genocide in Palestine and aggression in Lebanon are the main issues, and “we support initiatives to end crimes.”

Addressing a cabinet session on Sunday, President Pezeshkian said a truce in Gaza and an end to Israel’s massacre of civilians “could affect” Tehran’s response to Israel.
“If they (the Israelis) revise their behavior, accept a ceasefire, and stop killing the oppressed and innocent people of the region, it could affect the type and intensity of our response,” Pezeshkian said.

However, he stressed that Iran will not leave “unanswered” any act of aggression against its sovereignty and security.  Baghaei also denounced the destabilizing presence of the United States in the region and urged regional countries to settle regional problems through consultations.

Germany’s closure of Iran’s consulates "completely unjustifiable"

Baghaei dismissed reports about the expulsion of Iranian diplomats from Germany and said Tehran has informed Berlin that its move to close three Iranian consulates in the European countries was not justifiable at all.

The spokesperson noted that Germany’s move 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.

In an announcement on Thursday, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that the Iranian consulates in the cities of Frankfurt, Hamburg and Munich are to be closed over the execution of convicted terrorist Jamshid Sharmahd.

In a post on his X account on Friday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi slammed the decision which has been taken in support of a terrorist and amounts to sanctions against thousands of Iranians.

Gaza situation "a shame" for international community

The Iranian spokesman further said the ongoing situation in Gaza is a shame for the international community.  “In the 21st century, a real genocide is taking place but the international community has clearly failed.  The Security Council is paralyzed by the obstacles created by the United States,” Baghaei added.

He emphasized that Iran’s defense of the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination is both a commitment and a moral and human duty.  “We have proven that we are steadfast in supporting the cause of Palestine. Stopping the killing of the Palestinian people is a priority now,” he stated.

Germany one of main arms suppliers to Israel

Asked about the recent Israeli abduction of a Lebanese citizen north of the capital Beirut, Baghaei said such measures are part of the regime’s policies, stressing that concerns over the issue are not baseless.  “Germany is one of the main suppliers of weapons to the Israeli regime, so there is concern about Germany’s role in this abduction,” he added.

Lebanon’s government announced on Sunday that it will submit a complaint to the United Nations Security Council concerning the abduction of a Lebanese citizen in Beirut by the Israeli regime.

The Lebanese citizen was kidnapped in a suspected Israeli naval operation in Batroun, about 30 kilometers north of Beirut, with the illegal entity claiming that the abductee was a “senior operative” of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah.

No difference between U.S. presidents

Baghaei also said U.S. elections are an internal issue but the performance of the elected presidents is important for Iran.  According to history, he continued, there has been not much difference between American politicians regarding their behavior and approach toward Iran.

The Iranian spokesperson also said the BRICS members are considering possible ways to remove visa requirements.  The group has great capacities at different levels which can be used to promote regional peace and security as well as economic development, he added.

He noted that Iran and Russia are discussing the timing of signing a strategic cooperation agreement by the two countries’ authorities.  He said Iran was among the 52 countries that issued a joint letter calling on the United Nations to impose an arms embargo on Israel.

Baghaei also announced that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will soon visit Pakistan.