Diplomatic efforts are intensifying to revive talks between the United States and Iran, as Egypt and Qatar call on both sides to return to negotiations and ease rising tensions in the Gulf.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani made the appeal during a phone conversation, urging the parties to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy.
Both countries also called for the implementation of a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran as a step towards reaching a final agreement and restoring regional stability.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said Sheikh Mohammed stressed the need for all sides to honour commitments under the agreement, including maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, a Qatari delegation has travelled to Iran as Doha seeks to strengthen its mediation role and help reduce tensions between the two sides.
The diplomatic push comes as US President Donald Trump said Iran had requested that talks with the United States continue.
“We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the cease fire is over”, Trump said.
The two countries have exchanged attacks in recent days, with Iran targeting commercial vessels, while the United States carried out strikes in response and Tehran launched attacks against US assets in the Middle East.
Iran’s top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, said Tehran was prepared for what he called “all-out defence” if Washington breached the memorandum of understanding. He maintained that Iran would not surrender, while accusing the United States of being an untrustworthy negotiating partner.
