Qatar Continues Diplomatic Efforts to End U.S.-Iran War

Qatar has confirmed that it is continuing diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war between the United States and Iran, saying Doha is relaying messages between the two countries and working to narrow their differences.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, said at a press conference in Doha that Qatar’s mediation efforts were ongoing and that it was currently facilitating the exchange of messages between the American and Iranian sides. He said Qatar’s objective was to find common ground between the positions of the two sides and help reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict.  Asked about the possibility of a large-scale U.S. military attack on Iran, Al Ansari said Qatar was concerned about any escalation of tensions in the region and was working to find a peaceful solution.  According to Qatari officials, the United States and Iran have held several meetings and exchanged messages over the past few days. Some contacts also took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly session in New York, while Qatar continues to facilitate further contacts and meetings between the two sides.

The diplomatic efforts are taking place amid continued disagreements between the United States and Iran over the war and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Key issues in Qatar’s mediation efforts also include restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, regional security, and arrangements to prevent further escalation in the future. The Qatari spokesperson said obstacles remain to reaching a possible agreement. However, he said the purpose of the mediation was to overcome difficulties, narrow the gap between the two sides, and seek solutions that could help restore peace and normal conditions in the region. Qatar has also stressed the need for a regional security framework based on dialogue, coexistence, and principles of non-aggression to protect countries in the region from further war and escalation.