Iran's top diplomat hopes US shows 'rationality,' and other Mideast 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 sideIran’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