Tehran says ‘real regional war’ with Israel underway, dismisses talks with US

Speaking at a weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday, Esmaeil Baghaei stated that there is no doubt among regional countries that the principal threat originates from the Zionist regime.

He went further, saying, “using the word ‘threat’ is not entirely accurate, as we are in a real regional war with the Zionist regime.”

He explained that a threat implies a potential future action, whereas for over two years, there has been a “ruthless massacre” of people in Palestine, attacks on several regional countries, and ongoing occupation.

He noted that a clear regional consensus has formed on two points: that the Israeli regime is the primary threat, and that regional countries need mutual understanding and agreement to ensure their security.

The spokesperson addressed the recent US-mediated ceasefire in Gaza, stating that while the term “ceasefire violation” is now used, the reality is the “continuation of the genocide and collective destruction of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.”

He pointed out that since the ceasefire talks began, over 200 Palestinians have been killed and more than 600 injured, placing responsibility on the guarantors of the truce.

Baghaei also highlighted the unprecedented number of journalists killed—approximately 270—during the Gaza onslaught, stating this fact alone indicates what is happening is not a war but a “full-scale genocide.”

He warned that the continued inaction of the UN Security Council and the regime’s primary supporters has emboldened Israel, leading to a continued sense of impunity in its ongoing, flagrant violations of human rights.

‘No official message form US’

Responding to questions about negotiations with the US, Baghaei clarified that no official message had been received from the American side via Oman.

He stated that while intermediaries continue efforts to exchange messages, this “does not at all mean the start of a negotiation process between Iran and the US.”

“Iran was attacked while engaged in diplomatic negotiations. The Iranian people can never forget this,” he noted, referring to a US-Israeli aggression in June that martyred many high-ranking military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.

He stated that the US has proven it does not adhere to the requirements of reasonable negotiation, and that talks can only be considered when parties are able to accept each other’s interests.

The Iranian diplomat sharply criticized the US and Western powers for their “regrettable” and “hypocritical” stance on nuclear issues, slamming them for violating their own Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) commitments while pressuring Iran’s peaceful program.

He referenced a statement by the US President Donald Trump about having enough weapons to “destroy the world 150 times over,” questioning how such a capability could be a source of pride.

Regarding US hostility toward Iran, Baghaei referred to a recent regional meeting where the US Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, admitted that Washington has pursued a policy of intervention in other countries’ internal affairs for decades which has “ultimately intensified hostility, division, and terrorism worldwide.”

He expressed regret that some American politicians have “failed to learn from these bitter experiences” and voiced hope that “the atrocities and human tragedies unfolding in our region” would finally be addressed at the international level.

He pointed to recent developments in Syria, the ongoing crisis in Sudan, and the chaotic situation in Libya as examples of how these interventions have “only spread instability and disorder.”

Earlier this week, Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) massacred at least 2,000 people in El-Fasher, western Darfur.

Reports tell of summary executions, sexual violence, attacks on aid workers, looting, and abductions. The blood of the victims can be seen from space.

The RSF has waged war with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for more than two years.

Israel, the UK, France, Canada, and the US face scrutiny for arms sales and diplomatic cover.

Despite denials, the UAE has emerged as a major backer of RSF, providing weapons and logistics support, in exchange for Sudanese gold.

The war has killed over 150,000 people, displaced 12 million, and left nearly 25 million people facing acute hunger.

Use of crime-fighting as ‘excuse’ for violating sovereignty not permitted

Regarding Iran’s position on US threats against South American countries, Baghaei stated, “We decisively condemn the US military movements in the Caribbean and Latin America and consider it disruptive to international peace and security.”

He added that the “pretext of combating drug trafficking” has been tested many times before in the region and “lacks legal legitimacy from the perspective of international law.”

“No country is permitted to violate another nation’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty merely under the excuse of confronting transnational organized crime, whether drug trafficking or other offenses,” he emphasized.

This mounting military presence has fueled fears that Washington may attempt to destabilize or even invade Venezuela under fabricated pretexts.

The Southern Command has conducted at least 15 assaults in the Caribbean or eastern Pacific since early September, killing no fewer than 62 people.

Late last month, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, speaking in a national broadcast, said the Trump administration is manufacturing “a new eternal war.”