'No better way' to end US-Iran war than diplomacy: Martin Griffiths

As the conflict between the US and Iran escalates, diplomatic efforts are continuing, with regional mediators trying to revive negotiations. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday that mediators are actively engaged after the latest round of escalation began on July 8. The violence followed the collapse of an interim deal and memorandum of understanding after accusations that Iran attacked commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Martin Griffiths, director of Mediation Group International and former UN humanitarian chief, told Al Jazeera that recent events have made diplomacy more difficult but insisted there is "no better way to resolve a war than through diplomacy." He said both sides need to reach a "mutually hurting stalemate" before serious negotiations can begin. Griffiths identified Qatar and Saudi Arabia as potential mediators, praising Qatar's role and saying Saudi Arabia has the regional reach and leverage to bring both sides to the table. He outlined three key elements for any ceasefire deal: safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a phased release of frozen assets, and a reconstruction process. He warned that the future of mediation itself is "on trial" and called for a process focused on building trust and offering a long-term vision for the people of both countries. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://X.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook:   / aljazeera   Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page:   / aljazeeraenglish   Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile #Iran #Trump #IranWar #USIranWar #USIranEscalations #StraitOfHormuz #StraitOfHormuzAttacks #Qatar #SaudiArabia #Diplomacy #IranRetaliationAttacks #USAttacksIran #IRGC #AlJazeeraEnglish