First posted on Instagram · @profilopolitics
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei accused Israel on Monday of worsening instability across the Middle East and deepening the suffering in Gaza and Lebanon, speaking at his weekly press conference in Tehran.
Baghaei described Israel as the root cause of instability in West Asia and criticised its attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. With winter approaching, he said, obstacles to the entry of essential goods for displaced people had made the situation catastrophic, leaving displaced families facing a harsh winter without basic necessities.
He also criticised European governments, accusing them of indifference to the crisis and of turning a blind eye to human suffering.
Israel maintains that its military operations are aimed at security threats, while its supporters argue that attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah must also be considered. The debate continues over civilian protection, humanitarian access and regional security.
At the same briefing, Baghaei said the decision on peace talks with the United States was now in America's hands, saying: "The ball is now in America's court. Iran's demands are completely clear and legitimate." He said no final agreement could be initiated, and the Strait of Hormuz could not be reopened or secured, until the United States' naval blockade was brought to an end and Iran's demands were respected. He said Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi had been in Doha to facilitate the exchange of messages with Washington through Qatari intermediaries.
The briefing came as Iranian negotiators left talks with Qatari mediators aimed at ending the war with the United States, with a draft proposal being circulated and a follow-up meeting possible, according to an official briefed on the talks. United States President Donald Trump has said at recent rallies that Washington can "shut Iran down at any time" and that the war against Iran is not yet over.