Qatar: Our region has experienced what I can only describe as an earthquake
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, affirmed on Sunday that the Middle East has witnessed developments described as a “seismic shift” in recent times, emphasizing the necessity of addressing the sources of tension and enhancing trust among regional countries to consolidate security and stability.
He clarified that talks during the crisis typically began with security files before moving on to energy supply and shipping issues, amid ongoing uncertainty.
He stressed that Qatar does not underestimate the scale of uncertainty, but will not allow short-term disruptions to dictate its course, reaffirming its continued work through diplomacy to support regional stability.
He emphasized that lasting security cannot be built through recurring cycles of escalation and retaliation, or through arrangements that leave any country vulnerable to insecurity, calling for the building of trust and addressing the sources of tension.
He concluded by reiterating the region’s need for a framework that respects the sovereignty of states and prevents any country from posing a threat to others, noting that Qatar has worked with its regional and international partners to keep communication channels open and contribute to de-escalation.
He explained that his country continues mediation efforts between Iran and the United States to resume talks, pointing to the exchange of ideas and proposals between the concerned parties over the past two weeks.
He said the Qatari mediation team is working with Tehran and Washington to explore the possibility of returning to the negotiating table, noting that mediators are currently moving between various capitals in hopes of achieving progress in this track.
He added that Qatar has received assurances from US administration officials regarding Washington’s desire to reach an agreement, while simultaneously stressing the importance of reaching a regional solution that consolidates stability and an international understanding that ensures the protection of waterways, foremost among them the Strait of Hormuz.
