Gulf states pursue diplomatic agreement to prevent US-Iran conflict

Qatari diplomats are in Tehran this week, working to prevent a new military conflict between the United States and Iran. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Britain, sent foreign ministers to Istanbul to support the talks.

The proposed agreement has several parts. Iran would allow UN weapons inspectors back into the country. Houthi fighters would pull back from parts of Yemen. Iran would also reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, within four days of sanctions being lifted.

Iran wants guarantees that sanctions will actually end before it agrees to anything. The US is pushing for the weapons inspection agreement as part of the deal. Negotiators from Qatar have been coordinating between Washington and Tehran.