Qatar says US-Iran mediation continues to prevent regional escalation

Qatar's Prime Minister said Saturday that its mediation between the US and Iran continues to prevent regional escalation, as reports emerged of missile strikes on an Iranian island and potential post-election US military action looms. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani told Al Jazeera that significant progress had been made and expressed confidence a settlement could be reached, noting Washington remained willing to find a solution after the midterm elections. Iran sent a nuclear proposal to the US via Qatar, according to a senior Iranian official. Initial reports indicated two missiles struck Qeshm Island, though no official damage information was released and the US has not announced an attack. Iran has proposed a seven-day plan, rejected by President Trump, that would lift port blockades and unfreeze assets in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.