Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has called Israel the biggest threat to regional stability and security. He made the remarks during his weekly press briefing on Monday. Meanwhile, he urged regional countries to strengthen security cooperation without relying on foreign powers.
During the briefing, Baghaei discussed the defense agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey. He described the agreement as evidence of changing security perceptions across the region. According to the spokesman, regional states increasingly recognize that foreign powers cannot guarantee lasting security.
Baghaei linked regional instability to Israel’s military operations in Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. He also argued that American support has contributed significantly to Israel’s military activities across the region. Therefore, Tehran wants stronger regional cooperation to address shared security challenges.
The Iranian official also addressed negotiations between Iran and Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz. He rejected claims that disagreements with Oman caused restrictions around the strategic waterway. Instead, he blamed US-Israeli military actions and American military facilities around the Persian Gulf.
Negotiations over shipping routes remain a bilateral matter between Iran and Oman. However, any agreement could affect international shipping because Hormuz remains vital to global energy trade.
The Strait of Hormuz carries a significant share of international oil shipments each year. Therefore, prolonged restrictions could increase shipping costs, insurance premiums, and energy market uncertainty.
Regarding the reopening of the waterway, Iran says Hormuz cannot become secure while the US maritime blockade continues. Washington must also end what Tehran describes as destructive actions before further discussions can proceed.
Iran and Oman continue discussing navigation safety, environmental issues, and maritime services. The Iranian side says specific maritime services could involve charges, although Tehran has not proposed transit fees.
The removal of naval mines also remains part of the wider discussion surrounding the waterway. According to Baghaei, Iran has responsibilities under the Islamabad memorandum for managing and securing the Strait of Hormuz.
Looking ahead, negotiations with Oman could determine whether ships gain safer routes through the strait. However, broader military tensions will continue influencing prospects for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.