WASHINGTON — Diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider confrontation between the United States and Iran intensified on Saturday as regional and international mediators urged both sides to return to negotiations following renewed military exchanges that threatened a fragile understanding reached earlier this year.
Officials from several governments, including Qatar and other regional intermediaries involved in previous talks, continued contacts with Washington and Tehran aimed at restoring dialogue after recent hostilities raised concerns over regional security and maritime navigation, according to official statements and diplomatic briefings.
The latest push for de-escalation comes after a sharp deterioration in the security situation, with both the United States and Iran reporting military action following attacks linked to commercial shipping and strategic sites in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The two governments have offered differing accounts of recent events, while each has defended its actions as necessary responses to security threats.
The United Nations has called on both countries to exercise maximum restraint, warning that recent fighting underscores the fragility of efforts to reduce tensions. Addressing the UN Security Council, Assistant Secretary-General Elizabeth Spehar said the international community should seize the opportunity for diplomacy despite renewed confrontations, noting that mediation efforts remained under way.
The United Kingdom also urged both parties to keep diplomatic channels open, telling the Security Council that recent developments highlighted the need to preserve negotiations and expressing support for reports that talks could resume.
European governments have likewise reiterated support for diplomacy. In earlier joint statements, they welcomed the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding reached in June and called for its full implementation, emphasizing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, continued engagement on Iran's nuclear program, and broader regional stability.
The status of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained disputed on Saturday. Iranian authorities maintained restrictions were in place, while U.S. Central Command said commercial traffic continued through available routes. The differing claims could not be independently verified.
Despite the renewed violence, diplomats involved in mediation efforts have continued urging both governments to avoid further escalation and return to negotiations. No announcement of a new formal negotiating session had been confirmed by either Washington or Tehran as of Saturday, and officials from multiple governments said diplomatic contacts were continuing.
