TEHRAN — Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed hope that the United States will choose diplomacy over further military confrontation, as international mediation efforts continue to prevent a renewed escalation of the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Araghchi said Tehran remained prepared for both diplomatic engagement and defence, adding that the direction of the crisis would depend partly on Washington’s response to questions raised by Iran.
In an interview shared on his Telegram channel, the Iranian foreign minister said his country hoped the United States would demonstrate what he described as “rationality” and pursue a diplomatic solution.
His comments come as Iranian negotiators hold discussions with Qatari mediators over a proposal that could reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within two days if certain conditions are met. Araghchi stressed that Iran was not holding direct negotiations with American officials.
Iran and Qatar Continue Diplomatic Discussions
The latest discussions reflect ongoing efforts to prevent the conflict from returning to full-scale fighting.
Iranian officials have indicated that progress depends on Washington addressing Tehran’s concerns and responding to its proposed conditions. The Strait of Hormuz remains a central issue because of its importance to international oil and gas transportation.
Araghchi has maintained that Iran is prepared to pursue diplomacy while retaining its ability to defend itself. The negotiations are taking place through regional intermediaries, with Qatar playing an important role in facilitating communication.
However, the absence of direct U.S.-Iran talks highlights the difficulties facing diplomatic efforts.
Israeli Strikes Kill Eight People in Gaza
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least eight Palestinians, including a four-year-old boy, according to medical officials.
Five people were killed in an attack in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, while another strike in Gaza City killed three people, including the young boy, and seriously injured a woman.
Israel’s military said it had targeted militants in Khan Younis and a Hamas member in northern Gaza.
Although a ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025 largely halted major fighting, Israeli strikes have continued. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that more than 1,570 Palestinians had been killed since the ceasefire began, bringing the overall reported death toll in the war to more than 74,500.
The ministry operates under the Hamas-run government and does not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties. Israel maintains that its attacks target militant positions and accuses Hamas of operating among civilian populations.
Houthis Accuse Saudi Arabia of Attacking Medical School
In Yemen, Houthi rebels have accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out two airstrikes against the medical school at the University of Hodeida.
The attacks were reported by Al-Masirah, the television channel operated by the Houthi movement. There was no immediate confirmation of casualties.
The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis acknowledged conducting what it described as a precision operation but did not provide further details in its initial statement.
The latest incident comes amid renewed fighting in Yemen, where clashes between Houthi forces and Saudi-backed government troops have intensified in recent months. The port city of Hodeida has repeatedly been affected by the violence.
Qatari LNG Vessel Damaged in Persian Gulf Incident
Qatar’s national liquefied natural gas shipping company, Nakilat, has reported that one of its vessels was struck by unidentified objects while sailing in the Persian Gulf.
The company said the vessel, Al Mayeda, sustained damage on Friday night but remained operational. No crew members were injured, and the incident caused no reported environmental damage.
Nakilat did not identify who was responsible for the incident or specify the nature of the objects involved.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and said an investigation was underway, warning that incidents involving commercial vessels could threaten maritime safety and the marine environment.
The incident has added to concerns about shipping security in the Persian Gulf, particularly as tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue.
United Nations Calls for Investigation Into Staffer’s Death
The United Nations has also called for an investigation following the death of a staff member who had been held by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Mohammad el Shami, who worked with the UN human rights office, had reportedly been detained since June 2024. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the organization had repeatedly requested information about his condition but had not received proof of life.
El Shami is the second UN employee reported to have died in Houthi custody. A World Food Program worker also died while detained by the group in February 2025.
The UN has renewed calls for accountability and the protection of humanitarian personnel operating in conflict zones.
Iran Designates British Military Branches as Terrorist Organizations
In another development, Iran has designated Britain’s navy and air force as terrorist organizations and described the country’s foreign intelligence service, MI6, as a hostile entity.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported the decision, saying Tehran accused the United Kingdom of supporting U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran through access to military bases and logistical assistance.
The designation could increase diplomatic tensions between Tehran and London, particularly over the treatment of individuals accused of cooperating with British intelligence agencies.
The developments underline the growing number of diplomatic, military and maritime challenges facing the Middle East as regional governments and international mediators continue efforts to prevent further escalation.
Swifteradio.com
