Tehran, Iran - February 17, 2025 Iran opposes any destructive external interference in Syria and maintains its consistent stance that the future of Syria is to be decided by the Syrian people, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday. In regard to recent remarks made by the Israeli side that Israel will "finish the job" against Iran with the support of the United States, the spokesman strongly condemned such rhetoric and called it a blatant violation of the United Nations Charter, while Israel should bear the corresponding international responsibility. In addition, Baghaei condemned the U.S. government's contradictory approach and pointed out that the U.S. government simultaneously expresses a willingness to negotiate with Iran, while continuing to threaten the Islamic Republic. He also noted that Iran is committed to ensuring its own national security and stability, while rejecting external meddling and disruption. Shotlist: Tehran, Iran - Feb 17, 2025: 1. Press briefing of Iranian Foreign Ministry in progress; reporters; 2. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei speaking during press briefing; 3. Camera crew; 4. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesman, Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (partially overlaid with shot 5): "Iran has always believed that the destiny of the Syrian people should be decided by the Syrian people themselves, without any destructive external interference. We reiterate that a stable and secure Syria, free from terrorism and extremism, is in the interest of all countries in the region. Regarding bilateral relations, Iran is closely monitoring developments and will formulate its plans based on the actions of other parties."; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 5. Baghaei speaking; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] 6. Baghaei speaking; 7. SOUNDBITE (Farsi) Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesman, Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "These statements [by the U.S.] cannot be taken seriously. Words and actions must align. The U.S. cannot threaten to undermine Iran on one hand, while claiming to support dialogue on the other. Such behaviors are inconsistent and riddled with contradictions."; FILE: Tehran, Iran - Date Unknown 8. Various of national flags of Iran; traffic; 9. Cityscape. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland/Al-Arabiya/Persian language TV Stations outside Iran. Strictly No Access BBC Persian/VOA Persian/Manoto TV/Iran International TV]