Cairo: Following the recent military escalation between the US and Iran, efforts have intensified to bring the two countries back to the negotiating table. According to regional officials, mediating countries have launched initiatives to narrow differences between the two sides and restore a temporary ceasefire.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran has offered talks. He said that the talks between the two countries are progressing in a positive direction and he hopes a conclusion can be reached. However, Iran has stated that no direct talks are currently taking place between the two countries.
Qatar and Pakistan are mediating
According to regional officials familiar with the matter, mediators led by Qatar and Pakistan are trying to resolve the ongoing differences between the US and Iran. Their aim is to restore the temporary ceasefire that broke down after the recent conflict. However, tensions have not yet fully subsided due to the activities of armed groups active in the region.
Claims of attack on Saudi Arabian oil installations
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has claimed to have thwarted drone attacks targeting oil refineries by Iran-backed militias. Yemen’s Houthi rebels have also claimed to have attacked Saudi oil installations. However, it is not yet clear whether the Houthi rebels’ claim is related to that attack or to a different action. Despite efforts to de-escalate tensions between the US and Iran, the world remains closely watching the situation in West Asia.