Mideast Diplomacy: Iran Awaits U.S. Answers on Strait of Hormuz

Diplomatic efforts to prevent a resumption of full-scale war in the Middle East are currently stalled on the need for specific responses from Washington. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Saturday that Iranian negotiators are in Qatar discussing a proposal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if the United States meets certain conditions.

Araghchi told reporters via his Telegram channel that Iran hopes the U.S. will prioritize diplomacy over other options. He emphasized that Iran is prepared for both defense and negotiation, contingent on what he described as the rationality of the American side. He confirmed that no direct talks are currently happening between Tehran and Washington, though consultations with mediators continue.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday. Trump described the conversation as very good and said the two leaders discussed the war in Iran. Netanyahu has not issued a public statement regarding the call. Some Israeli officials worry that Netanyahu may be inclined to launch new attacks to bolster his political position after his coalition lost its majority in parliament following last week's elections.

In Gaza, Israeli military strikes killed eight people on Sunday. Five died in a strike on the southern city of Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital. Three others, including a four-year-old boy, died in a strike on Gaza City, while a woman was seriously wounded, according to Shifa Hospital. The Israeli military said it targeted militants in both locations. Since the October 2025 ceasefire, more than 1,570 Palestinians have been killed, bringing the total death toll of the war to over 74,500.

In Yemen, Iran-backed Houthi rebels reported two airstrikes on the medical school at the University of Hodeida. The Houthis blamed Saudi Arabia for the attacks, though the Saudi-led coalition described the action as a precision operation. No casualty count was immediately available. The port city of Hodeida has seen repeated attacks as fighting intensifies between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces.

Qatar’s liquefied natural gas carrier Al Mayeda reported that it was struck by unidentified objects in the Persian Gulf on Friday night. Nakilat, the operator, said the vessel sustained damage but remained operational. No crew members were injured, and there was no environmental impact. The statement did not identify the source of the objects, though Iran has previously claimed attacks on ships in the area.

The United Nations is calling for an investigation into the death of Mohammad el Shami, a staff member of its human rights office. El Shami died in Houthi custody, where he had been held since June 2024. U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the Houthis never provided proof of life or information on his well-being despite repeated requests. This is the second U.N. employee to die in Houthi custody, following the death of a World Food Program worker in February 2025.

Iran has designated the British navy and air force as terrorist organizations and labeled MI6 a hostile entity. The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused the United Kingdom of supporting U.S. and Israeli attacks by providing military bases and logistical support. The move could expose individuals accused of working with MI6 to prosecution under Iranian law.