Qatar Calls for 'Regional Arrangements' to Ensure Everyone's Security
Washington – Agencies: Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani affirmed that diplomacy remains the only path to ending the war between the United States and Iran, noting positive progress in indirect communications between the two sides. He stressed that continuing the war imposes significant pressures on regional countries and the global economy. In an interview with CNN, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman stated that Qatar has facilitated indirect contacts between the United States and Iran, and that both sides have shown a willingness to achieve positive progress, expressing hope that diplomacy will ultimately prevail. He added that the entire region is under considerable pressure due to the war, pointing out that Qatar and Gulf states have been directly affected, particularly by ongoing risks to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He affirmed that the strait has become unsafe, and that the inability of ships to pass through and exit the area is unacceptable, emphasizing the rejection of using waterways to impose a blockade or restrict freedom of navigation. He called for the establishment of regional security arrangements that ensure all countries in the region, including Iran and Gulf states, feel secure. Sheikh Mohammed said that Qatar’s defense doctrine is primarily based on the country’s own capabilities, but described the defense partnership with Washington as one of Qatar’s most important partnerships, noting that the current exceptional circumstances require strengthening and developing this partnership. Responding to allegations regarding the financing of Hamas, Sheikh Mohammed denied that any Qatari funds entered Gaza without full coordination and approval from the United Nations and the Israeli government. He described the allegations as “baseless,” denying that Doha had paid money or infiltrated the Israeli government. He said it was the government of Benjamin Netanyahu that attacked Qatar, despite Doha’s efforts to de-escalate tensions and reach agreements on ceasefires and the release of hostages. The Qatari prime minister accused Israel of failing to honor commitments made under the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement.
