Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, has characterized recent negotiations held in Switzerland as a crucial step toward achieving a final agreement between the United States and Iran. Speaking from Switzerland, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the memorandum signed during the talks aims to establish the appropriate framework for further negotiations designed to halt ongoing hostilities and mitigate their consequences.
The memorandum, he noted, creates a foundation intended to promote regional security and stabilize the global economy, reflecting the comprehensive efforts of international and regional partners, including Pakistan. According to Sheikh Mohammed, the agreement includes specific provisions such as a hotline mechanism to facilitate dispute resolution, as well as a commitment from Iran to guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz within a 60-day timeframe. He reiterated Qatar’s firm stance against any alteration to the pre-conflict status of the strait.
While the Prime Minister described Iran’s behavior toward Qatar and other Gulf states during the conflict as unacceptable, he underscored the broader regional implications of a potential Iran-US deal. He stressed that the outcome of these negotiations would have a significant impact on the entire Gulf region.
Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted ongoing preparations for forthcoming Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meetings, expressing optimism about the emergence of a unified Gulf position on issues of regional security. He pointed to an increasing consensus among GCC members favoring dialogue with Iran as a means to resolve remaining disputes and foster mutual trust.
The Swiss talks represent a transition from laying foundational groundwork to pursuing a final comprehensive agreement aimed at ending the conflict and establishing a resilient negotiation process. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of institutionalizing the negotiation framework to withstand external pressures that could impede progress.
