Iranian diplomat urges rationality in talks to keep Strait of Hormuz open
Negotiations in Qatar focus on a proposal to reopen the waterway within two days, while new strikes in Gaza and a hit to a Qatari LNG ship complicate the regional picture.
By Kofi Costa ·
Diplomats in Doha are working to prevent a return to full-scale war in the Middle East, with the next steps resting on Washington's response to specific demands from Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told followers on his Telegram channel on Saturday that the final outcome depends on answers the United States provides to "Iranian questions." He said Iran hopes the U.S. chooses diplomacy over other paths and described the country as ready for both defense and diplomatic engagement, contingent on American rationality.
Araghchi confirmed that Iranian negotiators are currently in Qatar discussing a proposal. The plan would allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen within two days if the U.S. meets several stated conditions. He clarified that these are indirect talks; no direct negotiations are taking place between the two governments at this time.
In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes continued despite the ceasefire that largely halted major fighting in October 2025. A strike on the southern city of Khan Younis killed five people, according to Nasser Hospital. Another strike in Gaza City killed three, including a four-year-old boy, and seriously wounded a woman, Shifa Hospital reported. The Israeli military stated it targeted several militants in Khan Younis and one Hamas militant in northern Gaza.
Gaza’s Health Ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, said more than 1,570 Palestinians have died since the truce began. The total death toll for the war now exceeds 74,500. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and militants in its counts. Israel maintains its strikes target military assets and accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields.
Tensions also flared in the Persian Gulf, where Qatar’s national gas shipping company, Nakilat, reported that one of its vessels was struck by unidentified objects on Friday night. The company, officially known as Qatar Gas Transport Co., said the vessel, the Al Mayeda, sustained damage but remained operational. No crew members were injured, and the company reported no environmental impact. The statement did not identify who fired the objects, though Iran has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission.
Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the attack and said authorities are investigating. The ministry noted that such incidents risk damaging the environment and marine life. In Yemen, the Iran-backed Houthi rebels reported two airstrikes on the medical school at the University of Hodeida. Al-Masirah TV, run by the Houthis, blamed Saudi Arabia for the strikes. The Saudi-led coalition said it conducted a precision operation but did not immediately confirm casualty figures.
The United Nations is calling for an investigation into the death of a human rights staffer held by Houthi rebels. Stéphane Dujarric, the U.N. spokesman, said the employee, Mohammad el Shami, had been held since June 2024. Dujarric stated the Houthis never provided proof of life or information on his well-being despite repeated requests. A World Food Program worker died in Houthi custody in February 2025.
In a separate move, Iran designated the British navy and air force as terrorist organizations and labeled MI6 a hostile entity, according to state-run news agency IRNA. The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused the United Kingdom of supporting U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran by providing military bases and logistical support. This designation could allow Iran to prosecute individuals accused of working with MI6 under its own laws.
