Seven diplomats, eight dead, one ship: Middle East faces multiple crises

Iran’s foreign minister stated that diplomatic consultations are currently underway with mediators to prevent a resumption of full-scale war.

Abbas Araghchi told followers on his Telegram channel that Iran expects the United States to select diplomacy over other options. He said the nation is prepared for both defense and negotiation, contingent on Washington demonstrating rationality. On Saturday, Araghchi reported that Iranian negotiators are in Qatar discussing a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if U.S. conditions are met. He clarified that no direct talks are occurring between the two countries at this time.

In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of eight people on Sunday. Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis reported receiving five bodies following a strike in the southern city. Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported three casualties from a separate strike, including a four-year-old boy and a seriously wounded woman. The Israeli military announced it targeted several militants in Khan Younis and one Hamas fighter in northern Gaza.

A ceasefire agreement reached in October 2025 has largely stopped major combat operations, though near-daily strikes persist. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 1,570 Palestinians have died since the truce began. This raises the total death toll for the war to more than 74,500. The ministry, which operates under the Hamas-run government, does not separate civilians from militants in its counts. Israel maintains its strikes target militant groups and alleges Hamas uses civilians as shields.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels reported two airstrikes on the medical school at the University of Hodeida. Al-Masirah TV, a Houthi-run channel, attributed the attacks to Saudi Arabia. The Saudi-led coalition described the action as a precision operation but did not immediately confirm casualty figures. The port city of Hodeida has faced repeated attacks since fighting intensified between the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces.

Qatar’s state-owned liquefied natural gas shipping company, Nakilat, announced that its vessel Al Mayeda was hit by unidentified objects in the Persian Gulf on Friday night. The company stated that no crew members were injured and the ship remained operational with no environmental impact. Nakilat did not identify the shooter, though Iran has previously claimed responsibility for attacks on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz without permission. Qatar’s foreign ministry condemned the incident and launched an investigation.

The United Nations requested an inquiry into the death of a human rights office employee held by the Houthis. Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said Mohammad el Shami was detained in June 2024 and that the rebels failed to provide proof of life despite repeated requests. This is the second U.N. staff member to die in Houthi custody, following a World Food Program worker who died in February 2025.

Iran designated the British navy and air force as terrorist organizations. State-run agency IRNA reported that the Iranian Foreign Ministry also declared MI6 a hostile entity. The ministry accused the United Kingdom of supporting U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran by providing military bases and logistical support. The new designation allows Iran to prosecute individuals accused of working with MI6 under its laws.