- Qatar's foreign minister met with Iran's parliament speaker in Tehran to push for resuming diplomacy with the US.
- Both sides emphasized the need for a diplomatic track to de-escalate tensions and address regional issues.
- Mediation efforts continue amid ongoing US-Iran tensions.
Diplomatic Push in Tehran
Qatar's foreign minister held talks in Tehran on Thursday with Iran's top negotiator, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, according to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The meeting comes as part of ongoing Qatari mediation efforts to restart dialogue between Tehran and Washington, which have been strained by years of tension and regional conflicts.
During the meeting, both officials underscored the urgency of returning to the diplomatic track, calling it the only viable path to de-escalation. They stressed the need to engage on a broad framework that includes ceasefire arrangements and regional stability, with Qatar facilitating discussions, according to people familiar with the matter.
"We believe that dialogue is the key to resolving differences," a senior Iranian official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The region cannot afford further instability."
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is also in Tehran as part of the push, reiterated the importance of diplomacy in separate remarks, noting that Iran remains committed to finding a peaceful solution.
Efforts to revive talks have gained momentum in recent weeks, with Qatari mediators shuttling between Washington and Tehran. However, without a breakthrough, the risk of further escalation remains high.
Reached for comment, a State Department spokesperson said the US is "always open to diplomacy" but declined to elaborate on the specifics of the ongoing mediation.
This story is developing. We'll update as more information becomes available.