Iran
Trump delays Iran attack to pursue deal
President Donald Trump said late on Saturday the U.S. would hold off on a fresh attack on Iran as long as a deal could be reached quickly to halt Iran's nuclear ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar's Emir to visit Turkey on Thursday, Turkish minister says
1 min Mena Today
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will visit Turkey on Thursday for high-level meetings, Turkey's trade minister said on Wednesday, after Doha said at the weekend it stalled its Gaza mediation efforts for now.
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Reuters
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will visit Turkey on Thursday for high-level meetings, Turkey's trade minister said on Wednesday, after Doha said at the weekend it stalled its Gaza mediation efforts for now.
Some analysts believe Turkey, despite strained ties with Israel, could play some role in mediation since it does not deem the Palestinian militant group Hamas a terrorist group, and some of its political officials regularly visit Turkey.
At the weekend, Qatar said it had told Hamas and Israel it will stall efforts to mediate a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal until they show willingness and seriousness.
"The Qatar Emir will be in Ankara tomorrow (Thursday) anyway. Important talks, a meeting of the high-level strategic council will be held," Trade Minister Omer Bolat told broadcaster tv100 in comments focused on bilateral trade.
Bolat did not mention Qatar's decision nor Hamas in his comments. "We are waiting for a comprehensive trade agreement with Qatar to come into effect...anytime," he added.
Reporting by Ezgi Erkoyun
Related
Israel
US warns citizens across Middle East as strikes on Iran loom
US embassies in Jerusalem, Baghdad and Amman issued security alerts Saturday urging American citizens to exercise "heightened vigilance," as tensions flare between Iran and the United States. Americans were also told to "consider departing, or be prepared to depart should there be escalation."
Oman
UKMTO warns of two tanker incidents in Omani waters
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Saturday it had received reports of two maritime incidents off Oman, including one in which a tanker was struck by an unknown projectile.
Subscribe to our newsletter
