Qatar's Emir and Trump Discuss Regional De-escalation

The Middle East remains tense as diplomatic efforts intersect with renewed violence and detentions. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani on Friday to discuss steps to lower tensions in the region.

The Qatari media office said the two leaders focused on international efforts to end the conflict. Their conversation specifically addressed Qatar’s role as a mediator between the United States and Iran. The goal of that mediation is a comprehensive agreement that ends the crisis and secures stability.

Qatar and other Gulf states allied with the U.S. have sought to prevent further escalation after suffering heavy attacks from Iran earlier in the war. During the call, Sheikh Tamim emphasized the need for continued dialogue and diplomatic solutions. He also cited the importance of ensuring freedom of maritime navigation and the security of energy supplies.

Diplomatic activity is not limited to the U.S.-Qatar channel. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate calls with his Iraqi and Tunisian counterparts on Friday. He outlined Tehran’s vision for resuming negotiations with Washington, a plan he said was presented to the U.S. before the midterm elections.

According to Iraqi state media, Iran’s proposal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and setting a timetable for talks. It also adds issues related to Iran’s nuclear program to the agenda. Araghchi had previously spoken with Turkish and Gulf leaders about similar regional developments and maritime security.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke with Araghchi on Thursday. Egyptian spokesman Nader Zaki said Abdelatty urged all sides to show flexibility and compromise to reach a political solution and avoid further escalation.

Violence continued in Yemen despite these diplomatic efforts. Deadly airstrikes hit a popular market in al-Waziyah, a city in the province of Taiz, on Friday. Anees Alsabahi, a spokesperson for the Houthi-run health ministry, said at least 30 people were killed and eight others were wounded.

This strike marks one of the deadliest attacks since fighting resumed between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces. Both the Saudi-backed military and the Houthi rebels blamed each other for the airstrikes. The Associated Press could not independently verify the claims from either side. Taiz is mostly controlled by the Houthis, who have besieged the provincial capital where government forces are based.

In the West Bank, Italy is working to secure the release of its citizens. The Italian Foreign Ministry said it was seeking the freedom of several Italians detained by Israeli authorities while assisting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest. Officials believe the group may include four activists and two journalists, though they are still verifying the exact number and identities.

The Italian embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate in Jerusalem have asked Israeli authorities for immediate release and consular access. The detainees are currently held at a police station in the settlement of Modi’in Illit. They are expected to be transferred to a holding facility at Ben Gurion Airport to await deportation on the first available flights.