Iranian Diplomat Seeks US Rationality Amid Mideast Tensions

Diplomatic talks in Qatar are attempting to prevent a return to full-scale war in the Middle East, according to Iranian officials.

Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, stated on Saturday that his country hopes the United States will choose "diplomacy over other paths." He emphasized that Iran is prepared for both defense and diplomacy, contingent on Washington’s "rationality." Araghchi noted that negotiators are currently in Qatar discussing a proposal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if the U.S. meets specific conditions. He clarified that no direct talks are taking place with the United States at this time.

In Gaza, Israeli military operations continued on Sunday despite the October 2025 ceasefire. A strike on Khan Younis killed five people, according to Nasser Hospital. A separate strike in Gaza City killed three people, including a four-year-old boy, and seriously wounded a woman, Shifa Hospital reported. The Israeli military said it targeted several militants in Khan Younis and one Hamas fighter in northern Gaza. More than 1,570 Palestinians have died since the truce began, bringing the total war death toll to over 74,500, per Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Tensions also escalated in the Persian Gulf, where Qatar’s state-owned liquefied natural gas carrier, the Al Mayeda, was struck by "unidentified objects" on Friday night. Nakilat, the operating company, confirmed the vessel sustained damage but remained operational with no crew injuries or environmental impact. Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the incident, while Iran, which has previously warned against unauthorized passage through the Strait of Hormuz, did not immediately claim responsibility.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi rebels attributed two airstrikes on the University of Hodeida’s medical school to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition described the action as a "precision operation" but did not provide immediate casualty figures. Additionally, the United Nations called for an investigation into the death of Mohammad el Shami, a human rights staffer held by the Houthis since June 2024. He is the second U.N. employee to die in Houthi custody, following a World Food Program worker in February 2025.

In a separate move, Iran designated the British navy and air force as terrorist organizations and labeled MI6 a hostile entity. State-run news agency IRNA reported that the Iranian Foreign Ministry accused the United Kingdom of supporting U.S. and Israeli attacks by providing military bases and logistical support. This designation allows for the prosecution of individuals working with MI6 under Iranian law.

These developments occurred on Sunday, as mediators continue their efforts to stabilize the region through diplomatic channels.