Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, in an interview with CNN, called for coordinated efforts by regional countries to gradually reduce tensions and prevent the spread of military conflict. He said keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and reducing economic pressures on people in the region are immediate priorities.

At the same time, Pete Hegseth, the U.S. defense secretary, warned that if the Islamic Republic targets American ships, Washington will destroy Iran’s oil tankers.

An interview with Kambiz Tavaana, a member of the Iran International editorial board