'No one wants war': Iran spokesman discusses diplomatic path with U.S. after Oman talks

Key Concepts

• US-Iran Relations: Ongoing tensions, threats of war, and recent indirect negotiations.
• Oman Talks: Initial indirect talks between US and Iranian delegations facilitated by Oman.
• Nuclear Program: Iran’s enrichment of uranium, stockpile levels, and adherence to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
• Red Lines & Flexibility: Identifying areas of potential compromise versus non-negotiable positions.
• 2022 Protests & Crackdown: Recent protests in Iran, allegations of foreign interference, and accountability for casualties.
• Distrust & Historical Context: Deep-seated distrust between the US and Iran, stemming from past actions and accusations.
• International Law & NPT: Iran’s position on its nuclear program being within the bounds of international law and the NPT.

US-Iran Tensions and the Path Forward: A View from Tehran

Introduction

The recent period of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, characterized by a perceived “drum beat war,” appears to have temporarily subsided following indirect talks in Oman. However, the underlying threat remains. This discussion, featuring Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson and member of Iran’s negotiating team, Esmayeel Baghaei, provides a rare insight into Iran’s perspective on these issues, the Oman talks, and potential pathways forward.

The Threat of War & Historical Context

Baghaei unequivocally stated that “no human person of common sense welcomes war,” but emphasized that Iran has lived under threat for the past 47 years, characterizing these threats as “unlawful, unwarranted, and unjustified.” He underscored the resilience of the Iranian people in the face of what they perceive as attempts to impose external will. He highlighted a key point of contention: the US’s past actions, specifically referencing an “unlawful attack against our nuclear facilities” just seven to eight months prior to the Oman talks, which he described as a courageous act for Iran to even participate in negotiations given this history.

The Oman Talks: A Limited Encounter

The indirect talks in Oman involved separate interactions between the American and Omani teams, and the Iranian and Omani teams. A brief handshake occurred between Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and US Envoy Steve Witkoff, facilitated by Omani Minister Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi. Baghaei clarified that he was not present for this interaction. He characterized the mere fact that the two sides were able to meet after eight months of no contact as “important,” acknowledging the “very deep” distrust between the US and Iran.

Negotiating Positions & Areas of Flexibility

The core of the discussion revolved around the challenges of negotiation, given the seemingly irreconcilable positions of both sides. Baghaei asserted that “if the intention is to have a result-oriented negotiations, there should be a compromise.” When pressed on specific areas of potential flexibility, he confirmed that negotiations would primarily focus on the nuclear issue.

Regarding uranium enrichment, Baghaei indicated a willingness to discuss the level of enrichment and the size of Iran’s stockpile. However, he firmly stated that Iran’s right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, as recognized under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), must be respected. He refuted claims that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons, labeling them a “big lie” propagated by Israel for four decades. He reiterated Iran’s established doctrine that “nuclear weapon has no place in our defense doctrine.”

The 2022 Protests and Allegations of Foreign Interference

The conversation addressed the recent protests in Iran and the subsequent crackdown. Baghaei acknowledged the tragic loss of life, stating, “Every single life matters. They are Iranians. And we regard that as a very unfortunate situation.” He affirmed Iran’s respect for peaceful assembly but claimed that the protests were infiltrated by “gunmen” armed with handguns who began killing security forces starting January 8-10. He directly accused Israeli Mossad-affiliated agents of being involved with the protesters, citing claims of 100,000 protesters killed as “lies.”

He stated that President Raisi issued a statement listing the names and national code numbers of those killed, attempting to address concerns about transparency regarding the death toll. Regarding accountability for security forces, Baghaei explained that Iran has established mechanisms for trials and holding those involved in unlawful shootings accountable.

Hope for the Future & Iranian Resilience

Despite the significant challenges, Baghaei expressed optimism about Iran’s ability to overcome these difficulties. He attributed this hope to Iran’s “very rich civilization” and its historical experience in navigating crises over centuries, stating, “We have no other choice other than overcoming these crises as well.”

Technical Terms & Concepts

• Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): An international treaty whose objective is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology.
• Uranium Enrichment: The process of increasing the concentration of the fissile isotope uranium-235 in natural uranium.
• Stockpile: The amount of enriched uranium a country possesses.
• Mossad: The national intelligence agency of Israel.
• Envoy: A messenger or representative, especially one on a diplomatic mission.

Logical Connections

The interview follows a logical progression, starting with the overarching threat of war, then delving into the specifics of the Oman talks, the complexities of negotiation, and finally addressing the internal situation in Iran. The discussion consistently links past actions (US attacks on Iranian facilities) to present distrust and the challenges of achieving a breakthrough. The conversation also highlights the interplay between external pressures (US policy, Israeli accusations) and internal dynamics (protests, security responses).

Data & Statistics

• 47 years: The length of time Iran has faced perceived threats from the US.
• January 8-10: The period during which Baghaei claims armed gunmen infiltrated protests.
• 100,000: The alleged number of protesters killed (which Baghaei dismisses as a lie).

Conclusion

This interview with Esmayeel Baghaei provides a valuable, albeit carefully presented, perspective from within the Iranian government. It reveals a willingness to engage in negotiations on the nuclear issue, particularly regarding the level of enrichment and stockpile size, but firmly defends Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under international law. The interview also underscores the deep-seated distrust between the US and Iran, fueled by historical grievances and ongoing accusations. The Iranian perspective highlights the importance of acknowledging Iran’s rights and addressing past actions as prerequisites for meaningful progress. The interview also reveals a narrative of external interference in internal affairs, specifically regarding the 2022 protests, and a commitment to accountability, albeit within the framework of Iranian legal mechanisms.