Regional Mediators Strive to Defuse Latest US-Iran Tensions

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Regional mediators are working to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran whilst calling for further negotiations on a nuclear agreement, Axios reported on Thursday.

Sources from mediating countries and US officials told Axios that governments in the region have been attempting to ease tensions between the two countries in conflict.

The sources said officials from Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia made several telephone calls with US and Iranian officials on Wednesday in an effort to reduce tensions.

“There are extensive diplomatic efforts to first agree on de-escalation with both sides and then set a date for the next round of negotiations between the technical teams,” said a regional source involved in the mediation.

Meanwhile, a source from one of the mediating countries said the mediators believe Iran’s recent attack in the Strait of Hormuz was carried out by elements within the Iranian regime who oppose the memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran and are seeking to derail it.

Iran and the US exchanged attacks over the past two days amid an escalation following Iran’s attack on three merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran then launched a series of strikes on Thursday against US military infrastructure in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Jordan in retaliation for US attacks that took place on the second day.