Trump discusses Middle East de-escalation with Qatar’s emir

President Donald Trump discussed efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East during a telephone call Friday with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, according to the Qatari ruler's media office. The conversation focused on Qatar's mediation efforts aimed at reaching what the statement called "a comprehensive agreement that ends the crisis and achieves security and stability in the region." Qatar has been mediating between the United States and Iran, and Gulf Arab allies have been anxious to avoid a new escalation that could leave them vulnerable to attacks.

During the call, Sheikh Tamim "stressed the importance of continuing dialogue and adopting diplomatic means to resolve disputes, sparing the region further escalation, and ensuring freedom of maritime navigation and the security of energy supplies," the Qatari statement said. The call came as the region remained on edge over the possibility of renewed U.S. military action against Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi continued telephone diplomacy with regional counterparts. He spoke Friday with his Iraqi and Tunisian counterparts, outlining diplomatic progress aimed at easing tensions. In his call with Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Araghchi outlined Iran's vision to resume negotiations with the U.S., including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, setting a timetable for talks, and addressing issues related to Iran's nuclear program, according to Iraq's state media.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the need to prioritize diplomatic solutions during a Thursday call with Araghchi, urging all sides to display flexibility and compromise to reach a political solution and avoid further escalation.

In Yemen, airstrikes hit a popular market in al-Waziyah in Taiz province Friday, killing at least 30 people and wounding eight others, according to a Houthi health ministry spokesperson. The Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces traded accusations over responsibility for the attack, which if confirmed would be one of the deadliest since fighting resumed. The Associated Press could not independently verify the claims.

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal