Trump, Qatari Emir Seek End to Middle East Tensions as Yemen Market Strike Kills 30
Diplomatic efforts to halt U.S.-Iran conflict continue while a deadly airstrike hits a market in Taiz province.
By Renata Mehta ·
Tensions across the Middle East remained high on Friday as U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani to discuss de-escalation. The call occurred against a backdrop of anxiety regarding potential renewed U.S. military action against Iran.
The Qatari media office stated that the two leaders focused on international efforts to end the conflict. They specifically discussed Qatar’s role in mediating between Washington and Tehran. The goal of these diplomatic channels is to reach a comprehensive agreement that ensures regional security and stability.
Gulf Arab nations aligned with the United States have faced heavy Iranian fire during the current war. These countries are eager to prevent a new escalation that would leave them vulnerable to further attacks. Sheikh Tamim emphasized the need for continued dialogue and diplomatic solutions to protect maritime navigation and energy supplies.
In Yemen, at least 30 people were killed in airstrikes on a popular market in al-Waziyah, located in Taiz province. The country’s Houthi-run health ministry reported that eight additional people were wounded in the strikes. This incident marks one of the deadliest attacks since fighting resumed between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces.
Anees Alsabahi, a spokesperson for the Houthi health ministry, confirmed the casualty count on the social media platform X. Taiz is largely controlled by the Houthis, who have besieged the provincial capital where Saudi-allied forces are based. Both sides blamed the other for the attack, though the Associated Press could not independently verify the claims.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engaged in his own diplomatic outreach on Friday. He held separate phone calls with his Iraqi and Tunisian counterparts. Araghchi outlined Iran’s vision for resuming negotiations with the United States to Iraqi officials.
According to Iraq’s state media, Iran’s proposal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and setting a timetable for talks. The plan also adds issues related to Iran’s nuclear program to the agenda. Araghchi noted that this vision was presented to the U.S. before the midterm elections. He also spoke with Turkish and Gulf leaders earlier in the week about securing maritime freedom.
Meanwhile, Italy’s Foreign Ministry said it was seeking the release of several Italians detained by Israeli authorities in the West Bank. The group, which may include four activists and two journalists, was assisting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest. The detainees are held in Modi’in Illit and are expected to be transferred to Ben Gurion Airport for deportation.
