Qatar Prime Minister: Creating suitable conditions for dialogue

Tehran – Agencies: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian affirmed that war is not always the solution, emphasizing the need to rely on wisdom and prudence in addressing crises. Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, in Tehran, discussed de-escalation and creating suitable conditions for resuming dialogue, along with freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. (See page 12).

Pezeshkian, in a speech delivered on Wednesday evening defending the policy of negotiation, stated: “The people have proven that, if necessity demands, they can fight and will not retreat. However, war is not always the solution. A knot that can be untied by hand should not be bitten with teeth.” He added: “It is true that we do not trust the enemy, and this is natural, but we will strive with wisdom to emerge from this crisis.”

Pezeshkian cited a message from Imam Ali (peace be upon him) to Malik al-Ashtar regarding peace, saying: “Do not reject a peace offer from the enemy if it brings God’s pleasure, for peace provides comfort for soldiers, security for people, and stability for markets.”

For his part, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf responded to hardliner Hossein Shariatmadari, editor-in-chief of Kayhan newspaper and representative of the Supreme Leader, who had called on the negotiation team to reject dialogue with US officials. In a lengthy message, Qalibaf stated that negotiations, in his view, are not a value in themselves nor are they forbidden, adding that engaging with the world differs from subservience and surrender.

Meanwhile, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said that the Qatari Prime Minister met with several officials in Tehran to discuss ways to de-escalate tensions and create suitable conditions for dialogue. Al-Ansari added that the visit stems from Qatar’s firm position that the diplomatic track is the best means to resolve disputes and enhance security and stability in the region. He clarified that the Qatari Prime Minister’s talks in Tehran also addressed freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the necessity of restoring it to its pre-war status before the US military strikes on Iran began on February 28.