In a post on X early Thursday, Baqaei responded to remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had described Iranians’ religious beliefs as a barrier to advancing negotiations.

“What does the American administration's failure to respect its diplomatic commitments and its addiction to force and pressure have to do with the ‘religious beliefs’ of Iranians?!” Baqaei wrote.

The spokesperson said: “Faith does not preclude ‘rationality’, just as secularism does not guarantee wisdom. What makes ’rational negotiations’ impossible is not ’Iran’s religious beliefs’, but America’s negotiating behavior, which amounts to little more than one-sided dictation rather than genuine diplomacy.”

“You cannot demand concessions while refusing reciprocity, dictate terms while ignoring the other side’s legitimate interests, and expect a lasting agreement,” he added.

Baqaei urged Washington to stop making ideologically driven assumptions about Iranians’ religious beliefs and instead understand Iran’s strategic interests and legitimate security concerns.

“Stop making ideologically driven assumptions about Iranians’ religious beliefs and start understanding Iran’s strategic interests and legitimate security concerns. And above all, instead of accusing others, address your own record of broken promises.”

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