Middle East Diplomacy: Iran Awaits U.S. Response as Regional Tensions Persist
Negotiations in Qatar aim to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within days, while new strikes in Gaza and Yemen complicate the peace process.
By Kofi Costa ·
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Saturday that the outcome of current diplomatic efforts depends entirely on the answers the United States provides to specific questions raised by Tehran. He indicated that consultations with mediators are ongoing as both sides try to prevent a return to all-out war.
Araghchi said Iranian negotiators are currently in Qatar working on a proposal. The plan suggests the Strait of Hormuz could reopen within two days if Washington meets several conditions. He clarified that no direct talks are occurring with the United States, but he expressed hope that Washington would choose diplomacy over other paths. Araghchi noted that Iran is prepared for both defense and diplomacy depending on U.S. rationality.
Violence continued in Gaza despite a ceasefire that began in October 2025. Israeli strikes killed eight people on Sunday. In the southern city of Khan Younis, a strike killed five people according to Nasser Hospital. In Gaza City, another strike killed three people, including a four-year-old boy, and seriously wounded a woman, according to Shifa Hospital.
The Israeli military said it targeted several militants in Khan Younis and one Hamas militant in northern Gaza. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that more than 1,570 Palestinians have died since the truce began. This brings the total death toll for the war to more than 74,500. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and militants, while Israel states its strikes target militant elements and accuses Hamas of using civilians as shields.
In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels reported two airstrikes on the medical school at the University of Hodeida. Al-Masirah TV, a Houthi-run channel, broadcast the news. The rebels blamed Saudi Arabia for the attacks, though there was no immediate information on casualties. The Saudi-led coalition said it carried out a precision operation. Hodeida has faced repeated attacks since fighting escalated months ago between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces.
Qatar’s national gas company Nakilat reported that one of its vessels was struck by unidentified objects in the Persian Gulf. The company, also known as Qatar Gas Transport Co., said the ship named Al Mayeda sustained damage Friday night. No crew members were injured, and the vessel remained operational with no environmental impact. Nakilat did not specify who fired the objects, though Iran has previously warned against ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz without permission. Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the attack and said it was investigating.
The United Nations called for an investigation into the death of a staff member held by Houthis. Mohammad el Shami, who worked for the UN human rights office, was held since June 2024. UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the Houthis never provided proof of life or information on his well-being. This is the second UN employee to die in Houthi custody, following a World Food Program worker who died in February 2025.
Iran designated the British navy and air force as terrorist organizations. State-run news agency IRNA reported that the Iranian Foreign Ministry also declared MI6 a hostile entity. The ministry accused the United Kingdom of participating in U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran by providing military bases and logistical support. This designation allows individuals accused of working with MI6 to face prosecution under Iranian law.
