Iranian diplomat urges US restraint as regional tensions flare

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told followers on Telegram that he hopes the United States demonstrates rationality. He said Tehran is prepared for either defense or diplomacy, depending on how Washington answers specific questions. Araghchi stated that Iranian negotiators are currently in Qatar discussing a proposal. This plan could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if the U.S. meets certain conditions. He clarified that no direct talks are currently occurring between the two countries.

Violence continued in Gaza on Sunday. Israeli airstrikes in the southern city of Khan Younis killed five people, according to Nasser Hospital. A separate strike in Gaza City killed three people, including a four-year-old boy. Shifa Hospital reported that 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 agreed in October 2025 has stopped major fighting but not the frequent strikes. Gaza's Health Ministry says 1,570 Palestinians have died since the truce began. The total death toll for the war now exceeds 74,500.

In the Persian Gulf, Qatar's state-owned shipping company Nakilat announced that one of its vessels took damage Friday night. The ship, named Al Mayeda, was struck by unidentified objects. The company said no crew members were injured and the vessel remains operational. Qatar's foreign ministry condemned the incident and opened an investigation. It noted that such attacks pose risks to the environment and marine life. Iran has previously claimed responsibility for ship attacks in the region and warned against passage through the Strait of Hormuz without its permission.

Yemen's Houthi rebels reported two airstrikes on the University of Hodeida's medical school. The Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV channel said Saudi Arabia was responsible for the strikes. The Saudi-led coalition responded by describing the action as a precision operation. No immediate casualty figures were released. Hodeida has come under repeated attack since fighting escalated between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces. This conflict has reignited Yemen's civil war.

The United Nations called for an investigation into the death of a staffer held by the Houthis. Mohammad el Shami worked for the U.N. human rights office. He had been detained since June 2024. U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said the Houthis never provided proof of life or information on his well-being despite requests. This is the second U.N. employee to die in Houthi custody. A World Food Program worker died in February 2025.

Iran has taken a harder line against the United Kingdom. State-run news agency IRNA reported that Iran designated the British navy and air force as terrorist organizations. It also declared the MI6 foreign intelligence service a hostile entity. The Iranian Foreign Ministry accused the U.K. of participating in U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran by providing military bases and logistical support. This designation could allow Iran to prosecute individuals accused of working with MI6 under its laws.