TEHRAN: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei has claimed that Saudi Arabia insisted on stopping a planned meeting between Iran and Gulf states in Oman.
Speaking at a news conference in Tehran, Baghaei said only Israel would benefit from tensions between Iran and the Gulf countries.
He also accused the United States and Israel of committing war crimes by starting a war against Iran in February. He said thousands of civilians were killed during the conflict.
Iran Accuses US and Israel of Attacks
Baghaei named several Iranians who he said were killed in airstrikes. He also mentioned children who were killed in an attack on a football field.
The Iranian spokesman further alleged that the United States and Israel used cluster bombs during the attacks.
He described the alleged use of such weapons as a violation of humanitarian standards and values.
Iran Says Pakistani Nationals Injured in Ship Attack
Baghaei also said the United States attacked an Iranian commercial vessel near Iran’s Hengam Island.
According to the Iranian official, one person was killed in the attack. Several others were injured, including two Pakistani nationals.
He said the injured people were working aboard the vessel.
Baghaei accused the United States and Israel of repeatedly targeting security in the Persian Gulf.
Iran Denies Role in Houthi Operations
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman also denied any Iranian role in recent Houthi actions in Yemen.
He said Iran does not interfere in Yemen’s affairs. He added that Tehran has no connection with the events taking place there.
Baghaei claimed that several countries are using developments in Yemen to create divisions between Iran and other countries in the region.
Iran Says Hormuz Policy Will Not Follow Outside Pressure
Baghaei said Oman and Iran had reached a joint decision to adopt a responsible strategy for managing the Strait of Hormuz.
He said the planned meeting with Gulf officials in Muscat on Monday could have provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of those decisions.
However, he said the meeting was cancelled because of developments in Yemen.
Baghaei added that the meeting could have provided a suitable platform for discussing the new policy.
He said no responsible country would accept a policy imposed by outside powers or accept pressure to follow an external position.
Iran Rejects Reports of Nuclear Activity
Baghaei also rejected reports of nuclear activity at Peak X Mountain.
He described US claims about nuclear facilities at the site as baseless.
The Iranian spokesman said there was no basis to claim that nuclear facilities exist inside Peak X Mountain.
He said reports about the site were part of what he described as a US media and psychological campaign.
The claims made by Baghaei have not been independently verified in the information provided.
