Doha: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, affirmed on Tuesday that Qatar, alongside Oman and Pakistan, is actively facilitating engagement between Iran and the United States to bridge their differences. He emphasized that coordination is ongoing between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and regional partners to support efforts aimed at reaching a lasting solution to the crisis.
According to Qatar News Agency, during a weekly press briefing, Dr. Al Ansari stated that the immediate priority is to manage escalation and reopen diplomatic channels. He highlighted the importance of resuming negotiations as the best approach to resolving existing disputes. Dr. Al Ansari noted that regional and international efforts towards de-escalation and diplomatic solutions continue, stressing collaborative efforts among regional countries to prevent further escalation and promote dialogue.
Dr. Al Ansari highlighted the mediators' continuous work in creating favorable conditions for direct dialogue resumption, expressing hope for positive outcomes soon. Drawing from Qatar's expertise in international mediation, he noted that Qatar does not impose specific timelines for reaching agreements, stating that the success of any deal depends on the readiness of all parties involved.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Dr. Al Ansari reiterated Qatar's firm stance on ensuring freedom of navigation according to international law and preventing the Strait's use for political pressure or unilateral interests. He emphasized that any future arrangements concerning the Strait must be achieved through consensus among affected countries, underscoring the global priority of maintaining uninterrupted trade flow and passage freedom.
Addressing the situation in Gaza, Dr. Al Ansari condemned Israel's violations and called for accountability in the implementation of the ceasefire deal. He noted ongoing efforts with various parties, including the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye, to ensure swift enforcement of the agreement's second phase. Dr. Al Ansari pointed out Israeli procrastination in implementing the agreement, citing recent escalations and civilian casualties in Gaza as obstacles to peaceful conflict resolution.
Dr. Al Ansari also called for Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories, grounding Qatar's position in international law. He urged the international community to increase pressure for the agreement's implementation, leading to Gaza's reconstruction and improved humanitarian conditions for Gazans.
Regarding a conversation between Qatar's Prime Minister and Russia's Foreign Minister, Dr. Al Ansari affirmed Qatar's commitment to keeping regional and international partners informed about the evolving regional situation. He emphasized ongoing communications with Russia on various issues, highlighting recent discussions on regional developments and diplomatic efforts.
In conclusion, Dr. Al Ansari stressed the importance of briefing international partners on negotiation progress and efforts to advance diplomatic initiatives.