Qatari Foreign Ministry: Dialogue is the only way to reach a solution between Washington and Tehran - Sarmad

(KUNA) — Ibrahim Al-Hajiri, Director of the Media and Communications Department at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed on Tuesday that communications, visits, and the exchange of messages as part of mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran have not ceased, emphasizing that reaching a sustainable and immediate resolution to the crisis can only be achieved through dialogue, which is the sole means of settling it.

During the weekly press briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al-Hajiri stressed the need to expedite a solution that would spare the region, the world, the global economy, and energy supplies from the costs of the escalation currently witnessed in the region.

Regarding threats to target internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz, he clarified that the peoples of the region, including the Iranian people, would be the biggest victims of such actions, while questioning “which party would suffer more if a mine were detonated in the strait, an oil spill occurred from a ship, or internet cables were cut.”

He noted that the United States is separated from the strait by vast distances and that Israel does not benefit from the waters of the Gulf, emphasizing that the greatest harm would fall on the countries of the region, including Iran.

He stated that the security of waters in the Strait of Hormuz is an integral part of the security of the region’s waters and its peoples, pointing out that regional countries rely on these waters for desalination, navigation, and the security of fisheries and marine resources.

Al-Hajiri placed responsibility on the Iranian side to preserve the security of the waters, avoid targeting them, and comply with international laws concerning freedom of navigation and the protection of the marine environment. He stressed the necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and halting all irresponsible attacks within it, which primarily harm the peoples of the region and their assets before affecting any other party.

Regarding French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Qatar on Tuesday, he said the visit is a continuation of the deep relations between the two countries, aimed at developing and building upon them. He noted that France holds positions that are valued, both in this crisis and others, and has always been a friend and ally of Qatar.

He explained that the Qatari-French discussions to be held today and the strategic dialogue to be held between the two sides tomorrow (Wednesday) present an opportunity to build on these relations and develop them in various fields, including energy, economy, investment, and defense. He highlighted the distinguished historical relations and fruitful cooperation between the two countries.

On diversifying partnerships and building defensive capabilities, he said it is natural for Qatar to diversify its partnerships and continue building its defensive capabilities, which in no way conflicts with its role as a mediator, nor is it related solely to the current crisis. He added, “It is natural for every country in the region to be capable of deterrence and self-defense, and to build its capabilities and diversify its allies and strategic partnerships in the field of building defensive capabilities.”

In the context of negotiations between the United States and Iran, he reiterated that Qatar, the countries of the region, and the entire world hope to reach a solution as soon as possible, emphasizing the need for optimism and tireless effort to achieve a resolution.

He stressed that despair is rejected and unacceptable for a mediator, as is the belief that a military solution is a viable option, affirming that a peaceful solution is the only one that preserves the region and its stability.