Iranian diplomat seeks US rationality as Gulf incidents escalate

Abbas Araghchi, Iran's foreign minister, said on Sunday that Tehran hopes Washington will display "rationality" as mediators work to prevent a renewed all-out war.

Araghchi told followers on his Telegram channel that consultations with mediators are continuing. He stated that the final outcome depends on how the United States answers specific questions from Iran. The diplomat added that Iran is prepared for both defense and diplomacy, contingent on Washington choosing "diplomacy over other paths."

Iranian negotiators are currently in Qatar discussing a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi said this could happen within two days if the U.S. meets several conditions. He clarified that no direct talks are taking place between Tehran and Washington at this time.

Violence continued in Gaza on Sunday, with eight people killed in separate strikes. Five died in Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital. Three others, including a four-year-old boy, were killed in Gaza City, Shifa Hospital reported. Israel's military said it targeted militants in both locations. More than 1,570 Palestinians have died since the October 2025 ceasefire began, bringing the war's total death toll to over 74,500, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

In Yemen, Houthi rebels blamed Saudi Arabia for two airstrikes on the University of Hodeida's medical school. The Saudi-led coalition described the action as a "precision operation" but did not provide casualty figures. Separately, the United Nations called for an investigation into the death of Mohammad el Shami, a human rights office staffer held by Houthis since June 2024. He is the second UN employee to die in their custody.

Shipping risks also increased in the Persian Gulf. Nakilat, Qatar's national gas company, said its vessel Al Mayeda was struck by "unidentified objects" Friday night. The company reported no crew injuries or environmental damage, and the ship remains operational. Qatar's foreign ministry condemned the incident. Meanwhile, Iran designated the British navy, air force, and MI6 as terrorist or hostile entities, accusing the UK of supporting U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

The U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric noted that Houthis had not provided proof of life for el Shami despite requests. A World Food Program worker died in Houthi custody in February 2025.