Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to mediating between the United States and Iran despite significant challenges, as regional tensions continue to rise. Speaking at a press briefing, HE Dr. Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and adviser to the Prime Minister, emphasized ongoing efforts to facilitate dialogue aimed at resolving differences peacefully.
Dr. al-Ansari noted that several meetings and exchanges of messages have taken place recently, including contacts during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Qatar has also supported mediation efforts by Pakistan and remains engaged in diplomatic talks aimed at overcoming obstacles to an agreement.
Addressing the broader regional escalation, Qatar condemned attacks on infrastructure, including energy facilities and maritime vessels, describing such actions as harmful to the region’s populations and contrary to international law and principles of good-neighborly relations. He underscored that regional infrastructure must be protected amid any conflict, warning that these attacks threaten the stability and security of all states involved.
Referring to the possibility of non-aggression agreements between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Iran, al-Ansari highlighted that the regional states have not chosen to be involved in the ongoing war and hold no direct conflict with Iran. He pointed out that Iranian strikes on neighboring countries are a consequence of the wider conflict involving Israel, the United States, and Iran. Qatar has urged Iranian officials to distance both their country and the broader region from the fighting, calling such attacks acts of aggression against sovereign states.
Qatar—despite itself being targeted in an Iranian missile attack—remains committed to dialogue as the sole pathway toward peaceful coexistence. Al-Ansari called for the establishment of a regional security framework grounded in coexistence, non-aggression, and respect among neighbors. He identified reopening freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and addressing security concerns as immediate priorities.
On the situation in Gaza, Qatar continues to play an active role in diplomatic efforts. Al-Ansari referenced a recent meeting of eight Arab and Islamic states in New York, along with numerous ministerial-level discussions focused on Gaza and the Palestinian territories. He noted that while progress toward ceasefire agreements has been made, momentum has repeatedly been hindered. He criticized the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for undermining ceasefire attempts, linking escalations on the ground to setbacks in negotiations.
Al-Ansari also expressed concern over developments in the West Bank, warning against attempts to alter the region’s status quo contrary to international consensus, particularly changes that contravene the Oslo Accords. He praised international measures addressing Israeli settlement activity and called for intensified global efforts to prevent further violations, especially those affecting East Jerusalem.
Highlighting the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, al-Ansari described the situation as worsening daily and stressed Qatar’s continued advocacy for a political solution. This includes support for US President Donald Trump’s plan for Gaza, in cooperation with regional and international partners.
Finally, al-Ansari cautioned that the impact of the regional conflict extends beyond energy markets. The countries involved are critical suppliers of goods essential to global food security as well as key industrial sectors, including petrochemicals and metals, elevating the stakes of ongoing instability in the Middle East.