Iran has emphasised reducing tensions with the Gulf countries and keeping regional affairs free from external pressure. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei has said that Israel benefits from the growing differences between Iran and the Gulf states.
Addressing a press conference in Tehran, Baqaei said that the planned meeting between Iranian and Gulf officials in Oman could not be held. According to him, Saudi Arabia insisted on not holding the meeting, while the events in Yemen were also a reason for the cancellation of the meeting.
The Iranian spokesman said that Tehran and Muscat agreed to adopt a responsible strategy regarding the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, direct talks with the Gulf countries could have provided an opportunity to discuss this policy.
Baqaei made it clear that Iran would not accept pressure from any foreign country to change its policy. He said that the countries of the region should make their own decisions regarding their interests and security.
The Iranian spokesman also made strong accusations regarding the United States and Israel. He said that a large number of civilians were affected in the operations against Iran. Baqaei mentioned the killing of civilians, including children, in some airstrikes and claimed the use of cluster bombs.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman also referred to the attack on a commercial ship. According to him, the ship was targeted near the Iranian island of Hingam, in which one person was killed and several were injured. Baqaei said that two Pakistani citizens who were working on the ship were among the injured.
While expressing Iran’s stance on the situation in Yemen, he rejected Tehran’s involvement in the recent Houthi operations. According to Baqaei, Iran does not interfere in Yemeni affairs and some parties are using the Yemeni situation to escalate regional differences.
On the other hand, the Iranian spokesman also dismissed US claims about nuclear activities in Mount Kalinga as baseless. According to him, the information coming out in this regard is part of an ongoing media campaign by Washington.
The Iranian statements have come at a time when concerns remain about regional security in the Gulf and the Middle East, the Strait of Hormuz and the situation in Yemen. Iran has made it clear that it considers dialogue with regional countries on these issues important but will not accept external pressure.
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