Iran's top diplomat urges US rationality as Mideast tensions rise

Iran's top diplomat said Sunday that diplomatic efforts to prevent all-out war depend on U.S. responses to Iranian questions, expressing hope Washington chooses "rationality" and diplomacy over other paths. Abbas Araghchi stated Iran is ready for both defense and diplomacy, with negotiators in Qatar discussing a proposal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if U.S. conditions are met. No direct talks with Washington are underway. Separately, Israeli strikes killed eight people in Gaza, including a young boy, while Qatar's Nakilat reported one of its vessels was struck in the Persian Gulf. The U.N. also called for an investigation after a second staffer died in Houthi custody in Yemen.