Iran Accuses Israel of Benefiting From Gulf Tensions, Seeks Regional Dialogue

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaïl Baghaei, stated on Monday that Israel is the "sole beneficiary" of tensions between Iran and Gulf nations, according to Iran International. Baghaei urged neighboring states to set aside differences and engage in dialogue to bolster regional security and diminish foreign influence in the Middle East. He also confirmed that Saudi Arabia requested a postponement of a meeting in Oman between Iran and several Gulf countries, a report also corroborated by Reuters. Baghaei believes this meeting could have revived exchanges between Tehran and its Arab neighbors, asserting that ongoing conflicts among Muslim nations serve Israel's interests by fostering regional instability.

Tehran reaffirmed its support for a roadmap agreement in Yemen, where tensions between Iran-backed Houthis and Saudi-supported forces have recently escalated. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei announced an agreement with Oman following weeks of negotiations, establishing secure navigation routes while respecting the sovereign rights of both nations. Reuters also reported this agreement, though an Iranian source clarified it does not include the immediate reopening of the strategic waterway. Baghaei blamed the United States for instability in the strait, emphasizing that Iran and Oman are primarily responsible for its security and vowing to continue retaliatory measures as long as Washington maintains its maritime blockade.

Baghaei described a U.S. underwater drone recently captured by Iranian forces as "war booty." He refuted claims of Iran's growing international isolation, arguing that U.S. actions have weakened Washington's diplomatic standing. On the nuclear issue, he downplayed concerns about activities at Pickaxe Mountain near Natanz, calling it "media hype" and noting that initial reports of work in the area date back six to seven years. Baghaei also indicated Tehran's openness to potential Chinese mediation with the U.S., though he stated that the absence of an intermediary has not been the main obstacle to negotiations.