Pakistan, Qatar discuss regional peace efforts

A commercial cargo vessel in Qatar’s territorial waters northeast of Mesaieed Port was targeted by a drone on Sunday morning, causing a limited fire but no injuries, Qatar’s defense ministry said.

The ministry said the vessel, which was coming from Abu Dhabi, continued toward Mesaieed Port after the fire was brought under control.

It said necessary measures had been taken in coordination with relevant authorities.

Kuwait’s armed forces detected several hostile drones in Kuwaiti airspace at dawn and dealt with them under approved procedures, the defense ministry spokesman said on Sunday.

Colonel Saud Abdulaziz Al-Atwan said the armed forces were fully ready to protect the country’s security and the safety of citizens and residents.

Iranian deputy parliament speaker said on Sunday that Tehran’s policy was confrontation with the United States.

“Our policy is neither compromise nor surrender; it is battle with America,” Hamidreza Haji-Babai said.

He added that Washington had sought to pressure Iran by blocking oil movement, but Tehran had countered the move by opening borders across 16 provinces.

The MP said the world knew a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz would cause a major oil crisis and sharp price increases in Europe and the United States within less than a month.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani urged all parties to respond to mediation efforts in the meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Miami, Qatar’s foreign ministry said on Sunday.

The ministry said the talks covered regional developments and Pakistani mediation aimed at reducing escalation amid the Iran war.

The meeting also discussed Qatar-US cooperation, particularly in defense and energy, the ministry said.

Iran’s internet blackout entered its 72nd day on Sunday, with connectivity flatlining after 1,704 hours, internet monitor NetBlocks said.

“The unprecedented measure is well into its third month with no indication of a wider restoration as authorities bar the general public from international access,” it added in a post on X.