Qatar Works to Prevent a New Wave of Escalation in the Region
Qatari mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran amid fears of a US attack.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
Al Jazeera reported on Saturday, citing the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, that Qatar’s mediation efforts between the United States and Iran are ongoing to prevent the situation in the region from spiraling out of control.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said, “The U.S. administration’s intentions to find a solution remain in place, even after the midterm elections,” noting that Washington’s interest in reaching an agreement has not changed.
He added that significant progress has been made and expressed confidence in the possibility of reaching a settlement.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported on Saturday that initial reports indicate two missiles struck Qeshm Island, adding that there is no official information on potential damage.
The United States has not yet announced any attacks on targets inside Iran.
Regional countries had expected that U.S. President Donald Trump, who refrained from launching strikes on Iran in the weeks leading up to the midterm elections held on Tuesday, would resume attacks once the voting process concluded. Iran has repeatedly stated it would respond to any new attacks by striking U.S. and Israeli targets in neighboring countries.
Iran has proposed a seven-day plan of its own since September, which Trump has so far rejected. The plan calls on Washington to lift the blockade on Iranian ports, cancel the freezing of assets, and approve an Iran-backed route through the Strait of Hormuz, after which the disputed waterway would be reopened.
