Trump, Qatar’s Emir Discuss Middle East De-escalation as Iran Diplomacy Continues/ NEWSLOOKS/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ President Donald Trump discussed Middle East de-escalation with Qatar’s emir as regional governments sought to prevent renewed fighting with Iran. Iran’s foreign minister continued diplomatic calls with officials from Egypt, Iraq and Tunisia. In Yemen, Houthi authorities reported at least 20 deaths in a market attack, but rival accounts disputed who was responsible and whether airstrikes occurred.
Quick Look
- Trump-Qatar call: Discussions focused on mediation and a comprehensive agreement to resolve the regional crisis.
- Diplomatic appeal: Qatar’s emir urged dialogue, secure maritime navigation and protection of energy supplies.
- Gulf concerns: Countries previously attacked by Iran fear another escalation.
- Egyptian involvement: Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for flexibility and compromise.
- Iranian outreach: Abbas Araghchi spoke with Iraqi and Tunisian counterparts Friday.
- Yemen casualties: Houthi officials reported at least 20 people killed and 15 wounded at a market.
- Responsibility disputed: Houthis blamed Saudi-led airstrikes; local authorities blamed the Houthis and denied airstrikes occurred.
Deep Look
Trump and Qatar’s Emir Discuss Regional De-escalation
President Donald Trump spoke with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani about efforts to ease Middle East tensions, the Qatari ruler’s office said Friday, as concerns persisted over possible renewed U.S. military action against Iran.
The discussion focused on international diplomacy and Qatar’s mediation efforts toward “a comprehensive agreement that ends the crisis and achieves security and stability in the region.”
Qatar has been working to help the United States and Iran reach an agreement to end the war.
The emir emphasized dialogue and diplomatic solutions, according to the statement from his media office.
He “stressed the importance of continuing dialogue and adopting diplomatic means to resolve disputes, sparing the region further escalation, and ensuring freedom of maritime navigation and the security of energy supplies.”
Gulf States Seek to Avoid Renewed Attacks
Qatar and other Gulf Arab countries allied with Washington came under heavy Iranian fire earlier in the conflict.
Those governments remain concerned that renewed hostilities could expose them to further attacks and disrupt shipping and energy supplies.
The call underscored Qatar’s continuing role in negotiations, but the statement did not announce a new agreement.
Egypt Urges Flexibility in Talks With Iran
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for diplomatic solutions during a Thursday telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Abdelatty urged the parties to show flexibility and compromise to reach a political settlement and prevent escalation, Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nader Zaki said.
Araghchi continued his outreach Friday with calls to his Iraqi and Tunisian counterparts, outlining diplomatic progress aimed at reducing regional tensions.
Earlier in the week, he discussed regional developments and freedom of maritime navigation with Turkish and Gulf officials.
Yemen Market Attack Prompts Conflicting Accounts
Separately, an attack on a crowded market in southwestern Yemen killed and wounded civilians Friday, according to accounts from both Houthi officials and local authorities, who disputed responsibility.
Houthi health ministry spokesperson Anees Alsabahi said at least 20 people were killed and 15 wounded in three airstrikes on the market in al-Waziyah, in Taiz province.
Speaking to Houthi-run Al Masirah television, he blamed the Saudi-led coalition and said the death toll could rise.
If confirmed, the reported toll would make it one of the deadliest attacks since renewed fighting between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces.
Local Authorities Deny Airstrikes Occurred
Authorities in government-controlled Taiz acknowledged that people had been killed and injured at the market but did not provide a casualty total.
They blamed the Houthis and said no airstrikes had taken place in the area.
The Associated Press could not immediately independently verify the competing claims of responsibility. Saudi Arabia’s information ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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