Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei accused Israel on Monday of being the “sole beneficiary” of rising tensions between Iran and the Gulf states.

Speaking to reporters, Baghaei urged neighboring countries to set aside their differences and pursue dialogue to strengthen regional security and reduce the influence of outside powers in the Middle East.

He also confirmed that Saudi Arabia had requested the postponement of a planned meeting in Oman between Iran and several Gulf states. Baghaei said the meeting could have helped revive dialogue between Tehran and its Arab neighbors, while accusing Israel of seeking to prolong regional instability.

Iran also reaffirmed its support for a roadmap agreed upon by the parties involved in Yemen, where tensions have recently escalated between the Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi-backed forces.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said Iran and Oman had reached an agreement following several weeks of negotiations. He said the agreement would establish secure shipping routes while preserving the sovereignty of both countries bordering the strategic waterway.

Reuters reported that the agreement does not call for the immediate reopening of the strait.

Baghaei rejected claims that Iran was responsible for instability in the waterway and instead blamed the United States. He said Iran and Oman remained primarily responsible for security in the area and that Tehran would continue retaliatory measures as long as Washington maintained what he called a maritime blockade.

Asked about a U.S. underwater drone recently captured by Iranian forces, Baghaei described it as “war booty.”

The Iranian spokesman also rejected claims that Tehran was becoming increasingly isolated internationally. He argued that U.S. attacks on Iran had further weakened Washington’s diplomatic standing.

On the nuclear issue, Baghaei dismissed reports about construction activity at the underground Pickaxe Mountain site near Natanz as “media hype,” saying similar reports had first emerged six or seven years ago.

Baghaei added that Iran was open to possible Chinese mediation between Tehran and Washington, although he said the absence of an intermediary had never been the primary obstacle to negotiations.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)