Iran accuses Israel of taking advantage of tensions with Gulf countries
Tehran confirms delay of Oman talks, reports maritime agreement with Muscat and signals openness to Chinese mediation with Washington
Iranian Foreign Minister spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Monday that Israel was “the sole beneficiary” of tensions between Iran and Gulf states, according to Iran International.
Baghaei urged neighboring countries to set aside their differences and pursue dialogue aimed at strengthening regional security while limiting the influence of outside powers in the Middle East.
He also confirmed that Saudi Arabia had requested the postponement of a meeting in Oman between Iran and several Gulf states, a development also reported by Reuters.
Baghaei said the meeting could have helped revive dialogue between Tehran and its Arab neighbors. He argued that continued conflict among Muslim countries served Israel's interests, accusing it of seeking to perpetuate regional instability.
Tehran also reaffirmed its support for a roadmap agreed upon by the parties to the conflict in Yemen, where tensions have recently intensified between the Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi-backed forces.
Turning to the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said Iran and Oman had reached an agreement following several weeks of negotiations. He said the arrangement would establish secure shipping routes while preserving the sovereign rights of both countries bordering the waterway.
Reuters also reported that Tehran and Muscat had reached an agreement. An Iranian source cautioned, however, that it did not provide for the immediate reopening of the strategically important maritime route.
Baghaei rejected claims that Iran was responsible for instability in the strait and instead blamed the United States. He said responsibility for securing the area remained primarily with Iran and Oman, adding that Tehran would continue retaliatory measures for as long as Washington maintained what he described as a maritime blockade.
Asked about a US underwater drone recently captured by Iranian forces, Baghaei called it “war booty.”
The spokesperson also dismissed claims that Iran was becoming increasingly isolated internationally. He argued that US attacks on Iran had further weakened Washington's diplomatic standing.
On the nuclear issue, Baghaei played down concerns over activity observed at the underground Pickaxe Mountain site near Natanz, dismissing the reports as “media hype.” He said initial reports of construction in the area dated back six or seven years.
Baghaei added that Tehran was open to possible Chinese mediation with the United States, although he maintained that the absence of an intermediary had never been the main obstacle to negotiations.