Qatar says mediation with US, Iran continues to avert escalation

Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, expressed optimism regarding ongoing mediation efforts between the US and Iran. The aim is to avert a potential escalation in the region, according to Al Jazeera TV. Despite the midterm elections, the US administration is still willing to find a resolution, signaling that Washington's interest in reaching an agreement has not diminished, Al-Thani stated.

Significant progress has been made, and Al-Thani expressed confidence that a settlement could be reached. He emphasized that reaching a perfect agreement is desirable, but a good agreement is also acceptable. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday that initial indications showed two missiles had struck Qeshm Island.

However, there was no official information on potential damage. The US has yet to announce any attacks on targets within Iran. In the region, there had been anticipation that US President Donald Trump, who refrained from strikes on Iran until after the midterm elections, might resume attacks following the voting. Iran has repeatedly threatened to retaliate against new attacks by striking US and Israeli targets in neighboring countries.

Iran has proposed its own seven-day plan since September, which has been rejected by Trump. The plan calls for lifting a blockade of Iranian ports, unfreezing assets, and approving an Iranian-backed route through the Strait of Hormuz. Once implemented, the contested waterway would be reopened.