Saudi Arabia calls for more Mideast war talks under Pakistan, Qatar mediation

Saudi Arabia condemned on Thursday overnight Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, and called for renewed negotiations under Pakistani and Qatari mediation to end the Middle East war.

In a statement, the Saudi foreign ministry called for "de-escalation and restraint, urging all parties to prioritise wisdom by returning to diplomatic efforts and resuming the constructive negotiations sponsored by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, along with the efforts of the State of Qatar".

Such a move “spares the region and its people the consequences of the return of war and contributes to the restoration of security and stability in the region and the world,” the statement added.

Earlier, Qatari negotiators have departed Tehran following discussions on the Middle East war, a diplomat told AFP on Thursday, as the US and Iran traded strikes once more.

"The Qatari delegation departed from Tehran this morning following talks with Iranian officials... that lasted into the early hours of this morning," the diplomat said on condition of anonymity, adding the discussions were "conducted in coordination with the United States".

Turkey on Thursday called on the United States and Iran to halt their new round of attacks, saying it risked an "escalation" in the Middle East war.

"The reciprocal attacks that began two days ago raise fears of an escalation," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a press conference during a visit to Sofia. "We recommend that the parties halt their mutual attacks and resume negotiations."

China 'strongly urges' immediate halt

China on Thursday "strongly" urged an immediate halt to military operations in the Middle East, as the United States launched fresh attacks on Iran.

"China strongly urges the relevant parties to immediately cease military operations, return to dialogue and negotiation, respond to the mediation efforts of relevant countries, and achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular press conference in response to a question about the Middle East situation.

Kremlin calls on US, Iran to 'return to negotiating table'

The Kremlin called on the United States and Iran Thursday to restart peace talks and said the new strikes in their war would be bad for the world economy.

"We call on all parties in this conflict to exercise restraint and return to the negotiating table," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, when asked by AFP about fresh attacks. He added that the escalation risks more "negative consequences for the situation in the region and the global economy."

Iran says Hormuz completely closed

Iran's new body overseeing the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday confirmed a complete closure order for the strategic waterway until further notice, after the Revolutionary Guards announced the move overnight.

"Due to the tensions caused by the aggression of the American forces in the region and the announcement made last night by the Iranian armed forces, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice," the Persian Gulf Strait Authority said in a post on X.

"Applicants who have been granted a transit permit are asked to be patient and wait for instructions from the PGSA."

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