Tension in Middle East: Qatar-Switzerland will play the role of mediator in US-Iran talks

New Delhi: Amid the growing crisis in the Middle East, Qatar and Switzerland are trying to get talks between America and Iran back on track. Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman bin Jassim Al Thani spoke on the phone with Switzerland’s Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. According to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, the two countries discussed enhancing diplomatic coordination to reduce tensions and aid the ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington.

Devastation caused by Israeli attacks in Lebanon   

According to media reports, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said that 3,433 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since fighting started again on March 2. More than 10,395 people have been injured. These figures show that despite all efforts for a permanent ceasefire, the violence is not stopping. Human losses continue to increase across the country.

Oil prices rise due to US-Iran clash   

Crude oil prices have increased in the international market due to the renewed conflict between America and Iran. Concern has increased regarding the fragile ceasefire. Brent crude became costlier by 4.7%. There was a slight decline in the American stock market. The S&P 500 lost 0.1% and the Dow Jones fell 166 points.

Treasury yields also saw a rise. Technology stocks, however, remained stable. Meanwhile, there was a big rise in the shares of Science Applications International Corp. The company had reported better-than-expected quarterly profits.

America softens stance in nuclear talks   

Iran says that America has softened its stance in nuclear talks. Saeed Azorloo, a media staff member of the Iranian negotiating team, told Fars News Agency that Washington is no longer insisting on sending Iran’s nuclear material abroad. America’s focus is now on determining the status of these materials.

Azorlu said that Iran has already rejected the US proposals which talked about sending the nuclear stockpile to America or any third country. He also said that issues related to the Strait of Hormuz have also been included in the new draft. The situation is changing rapidly in West Asia. Despite diplomatic efforts, conflicts on the ground and market fluctuations continue.