🔶 Baqaei: Oman meeting was not held at Saudi Arabia’s request

Ismail Baqaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, called the cancellation of the Iran–Gulf Arab States meeting in Salalah, Oman, an “unexpected” move and said that the meeting was not held due to a “request from Saudi Arabia.”

Baqaei said this meeting, which had previously been announced to take place on Monday, September 14, was “an opportunity that Iran and Oman provided, and it was expected that regional countries would be prompt, recognize the opportunity, and show appreciation for it.”

He rejected speculation about the link between the cancellation of the meeting and the intensification of the Houthis’ attacks on Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure, calling it “misdirection.” Baqaei said an understanding between Iran and Oman to create a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz has been finalized, and Tehran’s next step regarding the announcement or registration of this understanding will be taken in coordination with, and in consultation with, Muscat.