Iranian diplomat urges US rationality as Gulf tensions escalate

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Sunday that Tehran hopes Washington will demonstrate rationality as diplomatic efforts seek to prevent a return to full-scale war. In an interview posted on his Telegram channel, Araghchi said Iran prefers diplomacy to other paths but remains prepared for defense. He noted that the outcome depends on answers provided by the United States to specific Iranian questions.

Araghchi reported on Saturday that Iranian negotiators are currently in Qatar discussing a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days. This move is contingent on the United States meeting several conditions. The minister clarified that no direct talks are taking place between Iran and the U.S. at this time.

The diplomatic push comes amid continued violence in the region. In Gaza, Israeli strikes killed eight people on Sunday. Five died in a strike on the southern city of Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital. Three others died in a separate strike in Gaza City, including a four-year-old boy, according to Shifa Hospital. A woman was also seriously wounded in that attack.

The Israeli military said it targeted several militants in Khan Younis and one Hamas fighter in northern Gaza. A ceasefire established in October 2025 has halted major fighting, but near-daily strikes persist. Gaza’s Health Ministry said more than 1,570 Palestinians have died since the truce began. The total death toll for the war has exceeded 74,500, according to the ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and militants.

In Yemen, Houthi rebels blamed Saudi Arabia for two airstrikes on the University of Hodeida’s medical school. The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV channel reported the attacks, though no immediate casualty figures were released. The Saudi-led coalition said it conducted a precision operation. Hodeida has faced repeated attacks as fighting reignites between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces.

Qatari shipping company Nakilat reported that one of its vessels was struck by unidentified objects in the Persian Gulf on Friday night. The company, officially known as Qatar Gas Transport Co., said the Al Mayeda sustained damage but remained operational. No crew members were injured, and the vessel caused no environmental impact. The statement did not identify who fired the objects.

Iran has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on ships in the region. It has warned against vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz without permission. Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the strike and said authorities are investigating. The ministry warned that such attacks risk damaging the environment and marine life.

The United Nations called for an investigation into the death of Mohammad el Shami, a staffer with its human rights office. He is the second U.N. employee to die in Houthi custody. U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said el Shami was held from June 2024 until his death. The Houthis did not provide proof of life or information on his well-being despite repeated requests. A World Food Program worker died in Houthi custody in February 2025.

Iran designated the British navy and air force as terrorist organizations. It also declared the MI6 foreign intelligence service a hostile entity, according to state-run news agency IRNA. The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused the United Kingdom of supporting U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran by providing military bases and logistical support. The designation allows Iran to prosecute individuals accused of working with MI6 under its laws.