Trump talks to Qatar leader as Yemen strike kills 30
Diplomats in Iran and Iraq work to restart talks while Italian activists face deportation from the West Bank.
By Julia Novak ·
Donald Trump spoke by phone with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani on Friday to discuss ways to lower tensions in the Middle East. The Qatari ruler’s media office confirmed the call took place while the region remained wary of new U.S. military moves against Iran.
The leaders focused on Qatar’s role in mediating between Washington and Tehran. Their goal is to reach an agreement that ends the current crisis and stabilizes the area. Gulf states, including Qatar, have faced heavy Iranian fire during the war and want to avoid further escalation that could threaten their security.
Tamim told Trump that dialogue and diplomacy are key to resolving disputes. He emphasized the need to keep maritime routes open and secure energy supplies. He said these steps would prevent the region from sliding into deeper conflict.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi continued his own diplomatic efforts on the same day. He held separate phone calls with his counterparts in Iraq and Tunisia. In a call with Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Araghchi outlined Iran’s plan to resume negotiations with the United States.
Iraq’s state media reported that Araghchi presented a vision to the U.S. before the midterm elections. This plan includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and setting a schedule for talks. It also adds issues related to Iran’s nuclear program to the agenda.
Araghchi recently spoke with leaders in Turkey and the Gulf about regional developments. He discussed the importance of keeping shipping lanes free of obstruction. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also called Araghchi on Thursday. Egyptian spokesman Nader Zaki said Abdelatty urged all sides to show flexibility and compromise.
Deadly airstrikes hit a popular market in al-Waziyah, Taiz, on Friday. A Houthi health ministry spokesperson, Anees Alsabahi, said at least 30 people died in the attack. He said eight others were wounded. If confirmed, this would be one of the deadliest strikes since fighting resumed between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces.
Both the Saudi-backed military and the Houthi rebels blamed each other for the strike. The Associated Press could not independently verify their claims. Taiz is mostly under Houthi control. The rebels have besieged the provincial capital where the government and its forces are based.
Italy’s Foreign Ministry announced that several Italians were detained by Israeli authorities in the West Bank. The group was assisting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest. The ministry said the group may include four activists and two journalists, though officials were still verifying identities.
Israeli authorities are holding the detainees at a police station in Modi’in Illit. They are expected to be moved to Ben Gurion Airport. Italy’s embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate in Jerusalem asked for their immediate release and consular access. The detainees are expected to be deported on the first available flights.
Qatar’s mediation efforts continue as a central focus for regional leaders. The Gulf state hopes its diplomatic work will lead to a lasting peace deal. Iran and the U.S. remain in a state of tense negotiation while military threats linger. The situation in Yemen and the West Bank adds to the complex web of conflicts in the area.
