Trump calls Qatar emir on Middle East peace as Yemen market strike kills 30
Diplomats in the region pushed for dialogue on Friday while airstrikes in Taiz province left at least 30 people dead and Italians were detained in the West Bank.
By Sanjay Caldwell ·
At least 30 people died in airstrikes on a busy market in al-Waziyah, Yemen, on Friday, according to the Houthi health ministry. The attack in Taiz province also wounded eight others. Officials described it as one of the deadliest strikes since the Houthis and Saudi-backed government forces resumed fighting. Both sides blamed each other for the bombing, though the Associated Press could not independently verify the claims. The province is largely under Houthi control, with the rebels maintaining a siege on the provincial capital where the government forces are based.
In Washington, President Donald Trump spoke by telephone with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani on Friday. The Qatari ruler’s media office said the conversation focused on international efforts to end regional tensions. They specifically discussed Qatar’s mediation work aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement that ends the crisis and secures stability. Sheikh Tamim emphasized the need for continued dialogue and diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation. He also stressed the importance of keeping maritime navigation free and energy supplies secure.
Qatar has been mediating between the United States and Iran to stop the war. The Gulf state and other U.S. allies in the region came under heavy fire from Iran earlier in the conflict. They have remained anxious about a new escalation that could leave them vulnerable to attacks again. The region stayed on edge Friday amid the possibility of renewed U.S. military action against Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate phone calls with his Iraqi and Tunisian counterparts on Friday to outline diplomatic progress. In his call with Iraq’s Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, Araghchi shared Iran’s vision for resuming negotiations with the U.S. He said this plan was presented to the U.S. before the midterm elections. It includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, setting a timetable for talks, and addressing issues related to Iran’s nuclear program. Earlier in the week, Araghchi also spoke with Turkish and Gulf leaders about securing freedom of maritime navigation. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had urged Araghchi on Thursday to prioritize diplomatic solutions and show flexibility to avoid further escalation.
In the occupied West Bank, Italy’s Foreign Ministry said Friday it was seeking the release of several Italians detained by Israeli authorities. The group was assisting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest when they were taken into custody. The ministry said the group may include four Italian activists and two Italian journalists, though officials were still verifying the exact number and identities. Italy’s embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate in Jerusalem asked Israeli authorities for the detainees’ immediate release and consular access.
The detainees are currently held at a police station in the Israeli settlement of Modi’in Illit. They are expected to be transferred to a holding facility at Ben Gurion Airport. From there, they are scheduled to be deported on the first available flights.
