TEHRAN – Iran’s Foreign Ministry has rejected claims that Tehran failed to meet its commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA), saying the parties that neglected their obligations have no right to accuse Iran of inaction.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said: “Iran is being accused of failing to fulfill its JCPOA obligations, but those who have been negligent in implementing the agreement cannot, under any circumstances, blame Iran.”

Baghaei highlighted multiple diplomatic developments over the past week in the region, most notably Iranian President’s participation in the ongoing Shanghai Summit.

‘Israeli attacks on Yemen a blatant crime’

Baghaei offered condolences to the people of Yemen and Palestine, condemning the assassination of Yemen’s Prime Minister and several ministers during Israeli military operations. “This act was a blatant crime and violated all principles of international law,” he said, noting that the attacks coincided with an escalation of violence and mass killings in Gaza.

He described the humanitarian crisis, reporting that nearly 2,500 Palestinians have died in food lines due to hunger and thirst. “Unfortunately, the United Nations has failed to take effective action, largely due to continued U.S. support for Israel. However, international media and journalists have raised global awareness, with over 250 outlets refusing to print front pages yesterday in protest of the ongoing genocide.”

‘US is showing lack of seriousness and goodwill regarding negotiations’

Responding to recent remarks by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio on direct talks with Iran, Baghaei said such conditions reveal a lack of seriousness and goodwill. He recalled that the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA unilaterally in 2018 and coordinated with Israel to carry out attacks on Iran during negotiations.

“The U.S. Secretary of State’s endorsement of the snapback mechanism, describing it as following a presidential directive, illustrates that the administration’s plan from the outset was to dismantle the JCPOA and impose unlawful pressure on Iran,” Baghaei added.

Regarding the European trio (Germany, France, Britain) triggering the snapback mechanism, he said: “When they speak of the JCPOA, we must ask which JCPOA they mean. They accuse Iran of failing to meet commitments, but the parties who neglected the agreement cannot blame Iran. Our measures to reduce obligations were legal and fully aligned with the JCPOA.”

He also criticized Europe’s current diplomatic role, saying: “The EU and the three European countries, which once acted as mediators in JCPOA negotiations, have now reduced their role to facilitating U.S.-Iran talks. Their statements are discrediting.”

‘Tehran continues direct engagement with IAEA’

Baghaei confirmed that currently, no International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections are taking place in Iran, except for the Bushehr reactor fuel loading. He emphasized that Tehran continues direct engagement with the agency and is preparing a framework for future interactions following parliamentary and national security council guidance.

Regarding recent Persian Gulf Cooperation Council statements on Iranian islands and the Arash oil field, he said: “External claims are unacceptable and confer no rights to the claimants. Iran remains open to negotiations, but sovereignty will not be compromised.”

‘Shanghai Summit participation is critical for regional security, economic cooperation’

The spokesperson highlighted Tehran’s participation in the Shanghai Summit, calling it “critical” for regional security and economic cooperation. “This is our third full membership participation, and we have held multiple bilateral meetings, including with Chinese counterparts. The summit’s resolutions address emerging challenges, condemn Israeli and U.S. aggression, and reaffirm UN Resolution 2231,” he said.

He also noted Iran’s strong relations with China under the 25-year cooperation agreement covering trade and energy. “Our partnership continues independently of external controversies. We are optimistic about strengthening ties and expanding cooperation.”

‘US, European diplomacy toward Iran is inconsistent and insincere’

Baghaei criticized U.S. and European diplomacy toward Iran, calling it inconsistent and insincere. “You don’t need to be a diplomat to see the contradictions: threats are issued while claiming commitment to diplomacy. This reflects duplicity and bad faith,” he said.

He stressed that European countries must act responsibly, reviewing past negotiations and pursuing independent approaches free from U.S. and Israeli influence.

On global governance, Baghaei noted: “The Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS play key roles in promoting multilateralism and South-South cooperation. China’s leadership is vital in countering unilateralism and enhancing regional stability.”

‘Parliament to decide regarding snapback push’

Finally, he highlighted Parliament’s central role in decisions regarding the snapback mechanism. “Parliament is a key institution in these deliberations. We will wait to see the final decisions alongside other decision-making bodies,” Baghaei said.

He reiterated Iran’s commitment to pursue its rights, including water allocation from the Hirmand River, and emphasized that public opinion and humanitarian concerns, such as aid to Gaza, remain high priorities.