Qatar says US and Iran reviewing mediation proposals amid regional tension
Qatar reported that the United States and Iran are reviewing proposals to reduce tensions and have agreed to avoid escalation in the Gulf, while U.S. strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island were described as limited.
Qatar announced on Tuesday that the United States and Iran are reviewing proposals aimed at narrowing their differences and are committed to a mediation process. The Gulf state said the parties have reached an agreement to avoid further escalation in the region and the Gulf.
The development comes as analysts warn the conflict could flare up again following the November 3 U.S. midterm elections. President Donald Trump has stated that the United States will not launch new attacks on Iran before the vote and described recent talks with Tehran as productive, while leaving open the possibility of future military action.
"The United States will not launch new attacks on Iran before the vote, and talks with Tehran have been productive," President Donald Trump said.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that U.S. forces carried out strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The official described the strikes as limited and not a resumption of major combat operations.
"The strikes appeared to be limited and were not a resumption of major combat operations," the unnamed U.S. official said.
The strikes followed a claim by Iran's Revolutionary Guards that they had downed a U.S. MQ-9 drone over the eastern Strait of Hormuz.