United States is in contact with Qatar, but there is no indication of any new direct contact between US and Iranian officials

Odaily Planet Daily News A source familiar with the discussions said that following this week’s sharp escalation of attacks between the United States and Iran, US Vice President Vance and US envoys Witkoff and Kushner have been in contact with Qatari officials this week. It remains unclear how much progress was made on Friday, as mediators from Qatar, Pakistan, and other countries work to de-escalate tensions triggered by Iran’s attack on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week.

The United States responded with intensive strikes on at least 170 targets within two days, which in turn provoked new Iranian attacks on US allies in the Persian Gulf. Iran has also confirmed it is in discussions with mediators, but there is no indication of any new direct contact between US and Iranian officials. (Jin Shi)