Qatari negotiators have departed Tehran following discussions on the Middle East war, a diplomat said 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”.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the latest US strikes on the country, saying the attacks rendered the nearly two-month ceasefire “practically meaningless”.
In a statement, the ministry said, “the illegal and criminal attacks perpetrated by the United States in recent hours not only constitute a flagrant violation… but also render the ceasefire practically meaningless”.
It added that the “responsibility for the extremely serious consequences of this criminal act lies with the leaders of the United States”.
Likewise, China “strongly” urged an immediate halt to military operations in the Middle East.
“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. (AFP)
