Qatar pushes Iran on nuclear terms

Diplomatic friction between Washington and Tehran remains sharp, with Iran reviewing new proposals from Qatar aimed at bridging gaps over the nuclear program. Two Middle East government officials said on Friday that the Qatari mediation package addresses core disagreements, though one official noted that Tehran remains hesitant to negotiate until the United States accepts specific conditions. Those conditions are part of a broader demand for a ceasefire agreement that has stalled for over eight months.

President Donald Trump spoke by phone with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani on Friday. The Qatari ruler’s media office stated that the conversation focused on regional de-escalation. Sheikh Tamim emphasized the need for dialogue to secure maritime navigation and energy supplies. Qatar has mediated between the two sides since the conflict began, a role that has become critical after Iranian attacks earlier in the war targeted Qatari soil and other Gulf allies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi continued his diplomatic outreach on Friday. He held calls with counterparts in Iraq and Tunisia. During the call with Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Araghchi outlined Tehran’s plan to resume talks. According to the Iraqi News Agency, that plan includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and setting a schedule for negotiations. Araghchi said the U.S. received this vision before its midterm elections.

Violence in Yemen produced a new casualty count on Friday. Airstrikes hit a market in al-Waziyah, Taiz province, killing at least 30 people. Anees Alsabahi, a spokesperson for the Houthi-run health ministry, said on X that eight others were wounded. Taiz is largely under Houthi control. The Saudi-backed government and the rebels blamed each other for the strike. The Associated Press could not independently verify those claims.

Italy sought the release of several citizens detained in the West Bank on Friday. The foreign ministry said the group may include four activists and two journalists who were assisting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest. The detainees are held at a police station in the settlement of Modi’in Illit. Italy’s embassy and consulate asked Israeli authorities for immediate release and consular access. The detainees face transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for deportation.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke with Araghchi on Thursday. Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nader Zaki reported that Abdelatty urged flexibility and compromise to prevent further escalation. This diplomatic activity coincides with Araghchi’s earlier calls with Turkish and Gulf leaders this week.