Qatar confirms continuation of mediation efforts and support for all initiatives to de-escalate tensions

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during a telephone call, the bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them, as well as the latest regional developments, particularly the diplomatic efforts undertaken and joint coordination to de-escalate tensions and enhance security and stability in the region.

Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported that the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister emphasized the necessity for all parties to commit to dialogue and diplomacy, and to implement what was agreed upon within the framework of the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, including ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, to preserve regional security, safeguard achieved gains, and enhance regional stability. He reiterated Qatar’s full support for all efforts aimed at defusing tensions and reaching a comprehensive agreement that achieves sustainable peace in the region.

Meanwhile, Dr. Majid Al-Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that efforts to find a diplomatic solution and de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran are ongoing. He clarified that no agreement has been reached yet, and that the priority is to return to the diplomatic track. “To achieve this, it is necessary to ensure a ceasefire and open the Strait of Hormuz.” Emphasizing that “there are currently no plans for direct negotiations between Iran and the US,” Al-Ansari confirmed that “communication between Iran and the US is currently conducted only through intermediaries.”

Speaking at his press conference yesterday, the spokesperson said, “We can confirm that efforts are still ongoing with all parties,” adding that negotiations are focused on “a short-term solution that helps revive negotiations and fully return to mediation efforts.” Al-Ansari noted that Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman had discussed with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov via phone the efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, and reiterated Qatar’s support for endeavors to reach a comprehensive agreement that achieves peace in the region.

He pointed out that the Prime Minister had held contacts in recent days with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, as well as Jordan, Egypt, Germany, and Canada, to discuss coordinating efforts aimed at reducing tensions, enhancing freedom of navigation, and supporting political solutions in the region. He added that these communications come within the context of informing regional and international partners about the latest developments of the crisis and rallying support for the diplomatic track, emphasizing that countries in the region are working collectively to avoid any escalation and to bring parties back to the negotiating table.

Qatar, alongside Pakistan, is leading mediation efforts aimed at concluding a final agreement that puts an end to the war. Doha’s and Islamabad’s initiatives resulted in a memorandum of understanding and prevented further escalation of the conflict in recent days.

Al-Ansari also addressed the US peace plan aimed at ending the war in the Gaza Strip. He stated, “It is clear before the international community who is obstructing the implementation of the agreement,” adding that “full responsibility lies with the Israeli side.” He indicated that the intensification of Israeli strikes in recent days constitutes an attempt by Israel to “sabotage peaceful solutions regarding the conflict.”