Regional powers seek off-ramp from Iran war, and other Middle East developments

Qatar and other regional powers sought diplomatic solutions to an ongoing Iran war Thursday as another tanker attack occurred in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran dismissed new Trump administration sanctions. Pakistan continued mediation efforts between Iran and the U.S., while the conflict, which has extended well beyond Trump's initial timeline, contributed to economic shortages and reshaping of midterm elections. Israel simultaneously continued military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, drawing criticism from U.S. diplomats overseeing ceasefire negotiations in the territory.