Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei claimed Monday that Israel is the only beneficiary of tensions between Iran and Persian Gulf countries, Iran International reported.
Baghaei called on neighboring countries to put previous disputes aside and pursue dialogue aimed at strengthening regional security and reducing the involvement of outside powers.
He also said that Saudi Arabia had requested the postponement of a planned meeting in Oman between Iran and Persian Gulf countries. The postponement and Saudi request were also reported by Reuters.
According to Baghaei, the planned meeting could have provided an opportunity to advance dialogue between Tehran and the Gulf states, adding that countries in the region still need to communicate with one another.
According to Iran International, Baghaei also expressed Iranian support for a roadmap agreed upon by the parties in Yemen and claimed that continued conflict between Muslim countries serves Israel's interest in maintaining regional instability.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei said Iran and Oman had reached an agreement establishing safe shipping routes following weeks of negotiations, while preserving the sovereign rights of both countries.
Reuters separately reported that Iran and Oman had reached an understanding concerning the Strait of Hormuz, though an Iranian source said the arrangement did not provide for the immediate reopening of the strategic waterway.
Baghaei also addressed concerns surrounding activity at Iran's Pickaxe Mountain site, dismissing the renewed attention as "much ado about nothing," according to Iran International. He also noted that reports of construction in the area first emerged six or seven years ago.
"Iran was not and is still not a party to the Additional Protocol," Baghaei was quoted as saying, arguing that Tehran had provided the notifications required under its safeguards agreement and describing the renewed attention surrounding the site as "media hype."
Baghaei rejected claims that Iran is becoming internationally isolated and argued instead that the United States has suffered damage to its international standing. He accused Washington of violating the UN Charter by attacking Iran.
According to Iran International, Baghaei said Tehran would continue taking measures it considers necessary for as long as the United States maintains its maritime blockade.
Asked about a US unmanned underwater vehicle captured by Iran, Baghaei reportedly described it as war booty and said that "war booty is halal."
He also claimed that responsibility for security in the Strait of Hormuz rests with Iran and Oman as the countries bordering the waterway, while blaming US actions for instability in the area.
Addressing calls in Iran's parliament to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Baghaei accused other countries of undermining the treaty while criticizing Iran for discussing measures aimed at strengthening its deterrence.
On the possibility of Chinese mediation between Iran and the United States, Baghaei said Tehran has welcomed a role for Beijing, but argued that the absence of a mediator has never been the main obstacle between the two countries.
Baghaei also rejected reports that Iranian gas exports to Turkey would be paid for with food and medicine, Iran International reported. He characterized the reports as an attempt to exaggerate the impact of US economic pressure and said Iran continues to maintain good relations with Turkey and its other neighbors.