Svmuu News: A source familiar with the discussions said that following this week’s sharp escalation of hostilities between the United States and Iran, U.S. Vice President Vance and U.S. Special Envoys Witkov and Kushner have been in contact with Qatari officials throughout the week. It remains unclear how much progress was made on Friday, as mediators from Qatar, Pakistan, and other countries are working to ease tensions sparked by Iran’s attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week.
The U.S. responded with intensive strikes on at least 170 targets over two days, which in turn prompted new Iranian attacks against U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf. Iran has also confirmed that it is engaged in discussions with mediators, but there are no signs of any new direct contact between U.S. and Iranian officials. (Jin Shi)