The Iranian government has firmly dismissed any allegations of its involvement in the Yemeni conflict, emphasizing that the Houthi forces are autonomous in their operations and decision-making. According to Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Tehran maintains a stance of non-interference concerning Yemeni affairs. He refuted the assertions that Iran is connected to the latest incidents involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen, attributing the conflict to Yemen’s longstanding internal issues.
Baghaei also addressed the postponement of a scheduled meeting in Oman, which was supposed to include discussions between Iran and Gulf nations. The delay was reportedly at the behest of Saudi Arabia. The agenda for the meeting was centered around enhancing regional security and fostering cooperation among the participating countries. Additionally, the talks were anticipated to serve as a platform for Iran and Oman to present a bilateral understanding concerning maritime navigation routes through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Despite the meeting’s deferment, Baghaei confirmed that the agreement between Iran and Oman is finalized, with both nations set to determine subsequent steps independently.
Oman’s Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, provided further clarity on the meeting’s postponement, citing the intention to bolster regional consensus as the reason behind the decision. He reiterated Oman’s steadfast dedication to promoting dialogue, ensuring regional stability, and pursuing long-term collaborative efforts. The emphasis on dialogue and cooperation underlines Oman’s role as a mediator in the region, seeking to bridge gaps and foster understanding among neighboring countries.