Iran’s top diplomat hopes US shows ‘rationality,’ and other Mideast news

THE HILL-Nov 1st2026

BY AP News

Iran’s top diplomat says he hopes there is “rationality” on the U.S. side as diplomatic efforts seek to avert a return to all-out war.

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes on Gaza killed eight people, including a young boy. And Qatar’s national gas company said one of its vessels was struck in the Persian Gulf.

Here is the latest news from the Middle East on Sunday. Read our full coverage here.

Iran’s top diplomat hopes for ‘rationality’ on US side

Iran’s top diplomat said consultations with mediators are ongoing as diplomatic efforts try to avoid a return to all-out war, and the final outcome depends on answers provided by the United States to the “Iranian questions.”

In an interview shared on his Telegram channel, Abbas Araghchi said Iran hoped the U.S. would choose “diplomacy over other paths.” He said Iran was ready for both defense and diplomacy, depending on Washington’s “rationality.”

Araghchi on Saturday said Iranian negotiators are in Qatar for talks on a proposal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if the U.S. meets several conditions. He said no direct talks are being held with the U.S.

Israeli strikes in Gaza kill 8, including 4-year-old boy

A strike in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis killed five people, according to Nasser Hospital, where the bodies were taken. Another strike in Gaza City killed three people, including the boy, and seriously wounded a woman, according to Shifa Hospital, which received the casualties.

Israel’s military said it struck several militants in Khan Younis as well as one Hamas militant in northern Gaza.

A ceasefire in October 2025 has largely halted major fighting, but near-daily Israeli strikes have continued. More than 1,570 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, bringing the war’s overall death toll to more than 74,500.

The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, doesn’t distinguish between civilians and militants. Israel says the strikes are aimed at militant targets and accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields.

Houthis blame Saudi Arabia for airstrikes on medical school

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen reported two airstrikes on the University of Hodeida’s medical school. according to the Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV channel.

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