Gulf states have urged US President Donald Trump to pursue dialogue with Iran instead of expanding military action, as regional mediators attempt to secure a diplomatic path amid escalating tensions, according to sources familiar with the matter who spoke to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

Trump postponed a planned strike on Iran after Gulf officials pressed Washington to avoid further escalation and pursue negotiations with Tehran.

The move followed Trump’s announcement that he had called off the strikes, temporarily easing tensions between Washington and Tehran after weeks of military confrontation.

The US president has repeatedly shifted between threatening further attacks against Iran and signaling that a diplomatic agreement could still be reached.

WSJ reports that Qatari mediators presented Tehran with a proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which includes new arrangements for maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, which remains central to the wider confrontation due to its importance for global energy shipments.

Tehran, however, stated that the US-backed Qatari proposal to reopen the strategic waterway is false. 

"There is no agreement regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz", Iran said according to a Fars News Agency report on Sunday, rejecting circulating claims that it asked for a deal and agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. 

Source:Websites