TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Wednesday that Iran is in no rush to resume relations with Syria, emphasizing that any restoration of ties will depend on conditions that genuinely serve the interests of the Syrian nation.

He made the remarks during his weekly press conference, and reaffirmed Tehran’s longstanding support for the Syrian people in the face of Israeli aggression, while clarifying Iran’s position on bilateral ties. He stressed that cutting relations between two Muslim nations with a history of deep friendship is never permanent, and said Iran continues to view itself as a friend of the Syrian people.

Baqaei added that “Whenever friendship with Iran is deemed to be in the interest of the Syrian people, we stand ready for reciprocal action,” he said.

He also welcomed closer dialogue with neighbors, highlighting Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s recent meeting with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein in Doha, where both sides reviewed the latest escalation in Gaza and the broader regional fallout. “Our support for Syria remains unwavering,” Baqaei said, denouncing Israel’s continued attacks on Syrian territory as violations of international law and regional peace.

‘All defining features of genocide have been realized in Gaza’

Turning to Gaza, Baqaei said no regional discussion can begin without addressing “the most urgent issue in the world.” He described the devastation in Gaza as “beyond words,” insisting the violence meets the definition of genocide.

Quoting the latest findings of the UN Human Rights Council’s Independent Commission of Inquiry, Baqaei said: “According to the Commission, all the defining features of genocide have been realized in Gaza over the past two years. This is an unmistakable case.”

He argued that the ground invasion coincided with the U.S. Secretary of State’s visit to the occupied territories, proof of Washington’s direct complicity. “These crimes are carried out under his watch. Global public opinion sees clearly that the United States is not only silent but also complicit,” he said.

‘Establishing relations with a terrorist regime is a crime’

The spokesman also reiterated Tehran’s rejection of normalization with Israel. Responding to a question about the Leader’s recent call for severing ties with the regime, Baqaei stressed: “From the very beginning, our position has been that establishing relations with an occupying, terrorist, genocidal regime is nothing but normalizing crime.”

He welcomed economic and trade boycotts already adopted by some governments and pointed to grassroots movements in Europe pressing for stronger measures. “These campaigns reflect the conscience of the world,” Baqaei said. “We hope regional and Islamic countries will join them to oppose killings and warmongering with concrete action.”

Baqaei also backed calls to bar Israeli athletes from international competitions. He noted that nearly 800 Palestinian athletes, including children, have been killed in the past two years. “It is unacceptable for the world to turn a blind eye to this massacre while allowing representatives of the aggressor to compete freely,” he said.

 ‘US measures undermine its obligations as host of UN Headquarters’

Baqaei also criticized Washington’s restrictions on Iranian representatives attending the UN General Assembly, calling them “unprecedented” and contrary to America’s obligations as host of the UN Headquarters. 

“Such measures undermine the credibility of the United States,” he said, adding that while some visas had been issued, Tehran is awaiting further updates from its missions in New York and Geneva.

‘Mahdieh Esfandiari’s case is a hostage-taking’

On the detention of Mahdieh Esfandiari in France, Baqaei described the case as “political hostage-taking” rather than an ordinary legal matter. He said Esfandiari’s social media posts, framed by the other side as “incitement to terrorism,” were in fact expressions of solidarity with Palestinians.

“The Ministry has worked tirelessly over the past seven to eight months to provide consular support,” Baqaei said. “Her case cannot be compared to the legal proceedings involving two French nationals in Iran.”

‘Iran’s defensive capabilities are non-negotiable’

On Iran’s nuclear program, Baqaei dismissed U.S. and European claims as politically motivated, stressing that no credible IAEA report supports such allegations. “The West’s approach is aimed at hindering Iran’s progress, not ensuring security,” he said.

He confirmed that Tehran has reached a new understanding with the IAEA to improve implementation of safeguards obligations, welcomed by the agency’s director general despite opposition from some European states.

On missiles, Baqaei said Washington had no right to comment: “Iran’s defensive capabilities are non-negotiable and not subject to U.S. approval.”

While acknowledging that some regional states have explored ways to facilitate indirect communication between Tehran and Washington, Baqaei said no official mediator has been designated. 

He added that recognizing Palestine without concrete measures to protect its people is “symbolic at best and meaningless at worst.”

‘Iran condemns terrorism under any circumstances, regardless of motive’

The spokesman also condemned the assassination of U.S. political figure Charlie Kirk, stressing Iran’s principled opposition to terrorism “under any circumstances, regardless of motive.”