Media: Mediators launch new de-escalation talks between US, Iran

Representatives of Pakistan, Qatar and Egypt held a new round of mediation talks with the United States and Iran over the weekend in an effort to ease tensions between the two countries, Dawn reports, citing sources.

The report said the diplomatic efforts included a phone conversation between Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Dar urged the sides for “de-escalation” during a phone call on July 12.

“Dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to resolving disputes and achieving lasting peace,” Dar said.

According to the report, the mediators intend to continue efforts aimed at reducing tensions between the parties to the conflict.

Earlier overnight, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported a new wave of strikes on targets inside Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it had successfully destroyed American military facilities in Kuwait.

The United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28.

In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding providing for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon.

However, the United States resumed large-scale strikes on Iran on the night of July 8, accusing Tehran of violating the terms of the agreement related to the Strait of Hormuz.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov