Qatar sees hope in US-Iran talks despite regional escalation

Qatar is continuing mediation between the United States and Iran, with both sides reviewing proposals for a diplomatic agreement despite escalating regional tensions, Foreign Ministry spokesman Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said.

Speaking at the ministry’s weekly briefing on Tuesday, Al Ansari said continued engagement offered a “glimmer of hope”, although he could not announce a specific development.

“Both parties have demonstrated commitment to the negotiating process and are reviewing the proposals put forward, despite the escalation witnessed in the region.”

Al Ansari, who is also adviser to the prime minister, said Qatar was seeking an agreement to end the crisis through diplomacy and prevent further escalation.

“The Qatari delegation held an extensive meeting in Tehran to exchange proposals and bridge differences between the two sides... any escalation in the region threatens the security of the entire region and adds further complications to the negotiations... we are working to halt the escalation and reach a diplomatic agreement,” he said.

Three-hour meeting in Tehran

Al Ansari said a Qatari delegation travelled to the Iranian capital on Monday to discuss proposals intended to narrow the differences between Washington and Tehran.

“The Qatari delegation that travelled to Tehran on Monday arrived without any difficulties and held an extensive meeting with its Iranian counterparts that lasted around three hours. During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on various proposals currently under consideration to bridge the differences between the parties.”

He said the continuation of negotiations and the willingness of both parties to consider proposals gave mediators reason to remain hopeful.

“A mediator cannot lose hope. There are developments in communication between the parties, but it is not possible to speak about any particular development at this stage,” he said.

Gulf states coordinate diplomatic efforts

Qatar’s mediation is being conducted in coordination with regional partners, particularly members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Al Ansari said. He added that Qatari-Pakistani mediation remained a priority for Doha.

“There is a broader agreement among GCC countries on the need to prevent further escalation in the region and work towards de-escalation to protect their peoples from any further tensions.”

He described regional cooperation as being at a “very high” level, with efforts focused on supporting mediation and resolving the crisis diplomatically.

“There is continuous daily coordination among Their Highnesses and Excellencies in the countries of the region, with each country playing its role in coordination with the other parties, as part of a joint regional effort to spare the region the consequences of escalation,” he said.

Tanker attack threatens negotiations

Addressing the targeting of the Qatari liquefied natural gas tanker Al Maayda, Al Ansari said Qatar had condemned the attack. Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf was non-negotiable, he said.

“Qatar rejects any threat to freedom of navigation, whether directed against a Qatari vessel or any other ship in Gulf waters... any escalation in the region, whether through military attacks or the targeting of vessels in Gulf waters, poses a threat to the entire region and endangers its peoples. It also affects the negotiations.”

Asked about Yemen and the Houthis, Al Ansari said Qatar supported the legitimate Yemeni government and the Yemeni people in pursuing their aspirations and overcoming the crisis.

“Qatar has clearly condemned the attacks carried out by the Houthis against Saudi Arabia... we reaffirm our continued support for the Kingdom and the implementation of agreements reached under the umbrella of the GCC.”