U.S. and Iran negotiate as Middle East tensions escalate

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The reported negotiations represent the most consequential immediate diplomatic effort to prevent a wider regional conflict. U.S. officials are divided over whether to prioritize diplomacy, while proposed talks could address ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, Houthi officials reported that airstrikes near Yemen’s capital killed at least 27 people, and more than 50 people were reportedly killed in Yemen over a 24-hour period.[6] The situation remains fluid, with the risk of further escalation affecting regional security, energy supplies and international diplomacy.

Sources: CNN, Just Security, Associated Press