Iran 'welcomes negotiations' after reported Qatari-mediated draft deal

Iran is expressing openness to negotiations following the presentation of a draft deal by Qatari mediators, according to an official statement on Wednesday. The draft agreement, introduced on Sunday, aims to resolve tensions with the US and addresses the concerns of both Tehran and Washington. The draft outlines a seven-day timeline for implementing daily confidence-building measures, with several countries serving as guarantors of the deal.

Iran has not yet officially commented on the draft, but an Iranian official stated that his country is "willing to entertain any efforts aimed at negotiations, talks or collective consultation."

The visit to Tehran by officials from the Makkah pact countries – Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey – highlighted the need for diplomatic engagement and a path towards resolving conflicts in the region. Led by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, the delegation made a push for diplomacy and discussed ways to bring an end to the ongoing hostilities. Iranian state media reported that the parties agreed to continue discussions following the meeting.

During the talks, representatives from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey urged Iran to pressure the Houthis to cease their attacks on Saudi Arabia. Iran, however, claimed it lacked leverage over its Yemeni allies to enforce the cessation of attacks. Instead, Iran proposed the idea of a two-week pause in hostilities, which would allow negotiations to resume and pave the way for the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Houthis called for the immediate evacuation of the airport in Aden, the city where the internationally recognized government is based.