Yemen market strike kills 30 as US and Iran review new proposals
President Trump spoke with Qatar's emir about de-escalation, while diplomats worked to bridge gaps over Tehran's nuclear program.
By Victoria Hayes ·
At least 30 people died in airstrikes on a busy market in al-Waziyah, Yemen, on Friday. The Houthi health ministry reported the casualties, making it one of the deadliest attacks since fighting resumed between the rebels and Saudi-backed forces. Eight other people were wounded in the strikes.
The Saudi-backed military and the Houthis blamed each other for the attack. Neither side provided immediate confirmation of who fired the missiles. The AP could not independently verify the claims from either faction.
In Washington, President Donald Trump discussed regional stability by phone with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani. The Qatari media office said the two leaders talked about ending the crisis and ensuring security in the Middle East. Sheikh Tamim emphasized the need for continued dialogue to protect maritime navigation and energy supplies.
Qatar is currently mediating between the United States and Iran. Two Middle East government officials said Iran is reviewing proposals from Doha regarding its nuclear program. The officials, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to comment publicly, said the moves could lead to indirect talks.
However, the same officials noted that Iran is not ready to negotiate directly with the Trump administration. Tehran wants the United States to meet several core conditions first. These conditions are tied to a ceasefire agreement for the war that has lasted more than eight months.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also engaged in diplomatic calls on Friday. He spoke with his Iraqi and Tunisian counterparts about easing regional tensions. Araghchi told Iraq's Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein that Iran's vision includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and setting a timetable for negotiations. He said this plan was presented to the U.S. before the midterm elections.
Separately, Italy's Foreign Ministry said it was working to release several Italian citizens detained in the West Bank. The group reportedly includes four activists and two journalists who were helping Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest. Israeli authorities held them at a police station in Modi'in Illit and are planning to transfer them to Ben Gurion Airport for deportation.
