Emir of Qatar and US President Discuss Ways to Reach a "Sustainable Settlement" of the Crisis

Doha (Agencies): US President Donald Trump and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Tuesday efforts to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States and to bridge differences in order to enhance the prospects of reaching a sustainable diplomatic settlement to the crisis. A statement from the Qatari Diwan Al Diwaniyya said that the Emir of Qatar emphasized during a phone call with Trump the importance of “continuing dialogue and adopting diplomatic means to address contentious issues, and the necessity for all parties to adhere to what was agreed upon under the memorandum of understanding between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.” He also highlighted the importance of supporting international initiatives aimed at containing tensions, thereby contributing to consolidating peace and security at both the regional and international levels.

Earlier on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that there had been “progress” in negotiations between the United States and Iran, but noted that a “final agreement” had not yet been reached regarding a free passage deal through the Strait of Hormuz. Rubio expressed hope that such an agreement would be reached “very soon.”

Meanwhile, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majid Al-Ansari stated on Tuesday that efforts to resolve the dispute between the United States and Iran “are showing notable progress,” adding that draft agreements were “currently being circulated” among the parties. The spokesperson clarified that regional countries “are cooperating to resolve this issue,” adding that Qatar was coordinating “closely” with the Sultanate of Oman “to facilitate talks between the two sides and exchange ideas and drafts.”