In comments at a weekly press conference on Monday, April 6, Spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry Esmaeil Baqaei addressed claims regarding a proposal for a ceasefire in the US-Israeli military campaign and Iran's response to it.

He emphasized that a deadline should not lead to any hesitation in defense actions, stating that the experience of ceasefires reveals they often serve merely to create pauses for the strengthening of forces in preparation for further aggression.

He argued that no rational person would engage in such tactics, insisting that Iran's demands must be respected alongside the avoidance of cycles of ceasefire and war.

Baqaei further stated that the United Nations has often proven to be an instrument of powerful nations, thus when dealing with issues tied to national security, Iran must ensure actions are taken to guarantee a halt to aggressions.

On speculation about a ceasefire proposal, he asserted that Iran had previously articulated its stance clearly. Just days prior, he noted, a 15-point plan was presented through intermediaries, which Iran deemed excessive and unreasonable. Baqaei insisted that regardless of that proposal, Iran has compiled its own set of demands aligned with its national interests.

He emphasized that Iran does not shy away from voicing its legitimate demands, clarifying that expressing viewpoints should not be construed as a capitulation. He stressed that while brave Iranian Armed Forces are active, the diplomatic apparatus also has its responsibilities.

The spokesperson declared that Iran’s criteria are its national interests, security, and the decisions of the Iranian people, affirming that their position remains clear and that they are prepared to communicate their responses when necessary.

Regarding the exchange of viewpoints among mediators, Baqaei did not find it unusual, indicating that such positions had been mentioned through intermediaries since the beginning.

He noted that negotiating under the threat of ultimatums and war crimes is inappropriate, especially when the enemy is intensifying its acts of aggression. He asserted that all focus must be on defending the country.

Furthermore, Baqaei labeled any threats as a war crime, specifically mentioning the repeated US threats to destroy Iran’s infrastructure while simultaneously granting a green light to target civilian objectives.

He insisted that any country complicit in such crimes must be held accountable, warning that all nations should recognize that any collaboration with the United States constitutes a war crime deserving of scrutiny.

In response to remarks by American officials about escalating attacks on Iran while simultaneously discussing negotiations, Baqaei explained that the actions taken by the US over the past year have destroyed any credibility it has for diplomacy, citing America's breaches of trust and disregard for international norms, noting its withdrawal from approximately 70 international documents in just the past few months.

The US and the Israeli regime launched a large-scale unprovoked military campaign against Iran following the assassination of then Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, along with several senior military commanders and civilians on February 28.

The attacks have involved extensive aerial strikes on both military and civilian locations across Iran, causing significant casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure.

In response, the Iranian Armed Forces have carried out retaliatory operations, targeting American and Israeli positions in the occupied territories and at regional bases with waves of missiles and drones.