Yemen Market Strike Kills 30 as Qatar Mediates US-Iran Nuclear Terms

At least 30 people died in airstrikes that struck a popular market in al-Waziyah, Yemen, on Friday, according to the health ministry controlled by Houthi rebels. Houthi spokesperson Anees Alsabahi said on X that eight additional people were wounded in the attack. The strike occurred in the province of Taiz, a region mostly controlled by the Houthis who have besieged the provincial capital held by Saudi-backed government forces. If confirmed, this would be one of the deadliest attacks since fighting resumed between the two sides. Both the Saudi-backed military and Houthi rebels exchanged accusations over responsibility for the strike, a claim the Associated Press could not independently verify.

While violence intensified in Yemen, diplomatic efforts focused on de-escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump spoke by telephone with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani about ending regional tensions. The Qatari leader’s media office stated that the two discussed Qatar’s mediation efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement for security and stability. Sheikh Tamim emphasized the need for continued dialogue, diplomatic resolution, and the protection of maritime navigation and energy supplies.

Qatar is currently mediating between Washington and Tehran. Two Middle East government officials said Iran is reviewing proposals presented by the Gulf state regarding its nuclear program. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that this development raises hopes for indirect talks. However, one official stressed that Iran remains unwilling to negotiate its atomic activities until the U.S. agrees to several core conditions for a ceasefire. President Trump has stated that resolving the nuclear issue is necessary for any deal ending the war, which has lasted more than eight months.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engaged in separate telephone diplomacy on Friday. He spoke with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Tunisian counterparts to outline progress in easing regional tensions. According to Iraq’s state media, Araghchi presented Iran’s vision for resuming negotiations with the U.S. This vision includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, setting a timetable for talks, and addressing the nuclear program. Araghchi said this framework was presented to the U.S. before the midterm elections.

Earlier in the week, Araghchi discussed regional developments with Turkish and Gulf leaders. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty spoke with Araghchi on Thursday, urging all sides to show flexibility and compromise to reach a political solution. Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nader Zaki said Abdelatty stressed the priority of diplomatic solutions to avoid further escalation.

In a separate development, Italy’s Foreign Ministry reported that several Italians were detained by Israeli authorities in the occupied West Bank. The detainees were assisting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest. The ministry said the group may include four Italian activists and two Italian journalists, though officials were still verifying identities. The Italian embassy in Tel Aviv and consulate in Jerusalem requested immediate release and consular access. The detainees are currently held at a police station in the settlement of Modi’in Illit and are expected to be transferred to a holding facility at Ben Gurion Airport for deportation on the first available flights.