Iran rejects direct talks with US amid escalating tensions in West Asia

He spoke at a weekly press conference in Tehran, where he answered a question about the need for negotiations between Iran and the United States to ease tensions in West Asia.

Kanaani said Iran's position was clear, and it had conveyed its message to Washington through mediators.

The solution to the crisis and the tension in the region was clear, and so was the source of the crisis, which was the Palestinian issue.

He added that the U.S. government was not part of the solution but the problem, and it was escalating tensions in the region.

He said this was not only Iran's view but also that of many nations and governments.

Furthermore, he criticised the U.S. and British strikes on the Houthi targets in Yemen, slamming it as a "crude move, in violation of international law and regulations, and aimed at diverting global public opinion from the source of the crisis in the region."

"What is taking place in the Red Sea is the effect, not the cause," said Kanaani, accusing the U.S. of trying to expand the conflicts in the region, which would endanger international security and peace.

The U.S. and Britain have launched several rounds of strikes on the Houthi targets in Yemen since January in response to the group's attacks on ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea.

The Houthis said their attacks were to stop the Israeli strikes on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, and to show solidarity with Palestinians.

(With UNI/Xinhua inputs)