Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani advocates for a diplomatic agreement between the US and Iran, emphasizing the avoidance of military actions. He discusses Qatar’s humanitarian role in Gaza ceasefire negotiations and highlights recent advancements in GCC-Iran relations despite differences over foreign policy. The ceasefire agreement has significantly reduced casualties, showcasing Qatar’s impact on regional stability.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has underscored the necessity of a resolution between the United States and Iran, asserting the importance of diplomacy over military action. “There is no way that Qatar would support any kind of military step in that region. We will not give up until we see a diplomatic solution between the US and Iran,” Al-Thani stated, as reported by Al Jazeera. His call for diplomacy aligns with US President Trump’s recent remarks about pursuing a peace agreement with Iran.
In a televised discussion, Al-Thani expressed concerns shared by other Middle Eastern nations regarding possible military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cordial relations with Iran. He noted, “Iran is our next-door neighbor, and we have to maintain a good relation with all our neighbors… it is in the interest of the region to have a better relation with Iran.”
Highlighting advancements within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), he affirmed that despite differing views on Iran’s foreign policy, significant progress has been made in bilateral relations. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi reiterated that negotiations with the US would not commence unless the US policies of maximum pressure ceased, indicating an impasse in discussions.
Additionally, regarding Qatar’s involvement in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, Al-Thani quoted Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, stating, “if we are able to save a single life, it is worth everything.” He reflected on the significant challenges Qatar faced in the 15-month Gaza conflict and the joy of achieving the ceasefire, noting celebrations in both Gaza and Israel. He emphasized that the ceasefire was a collaborative achievement, stating, “We worked tirelessly for achieving this deal” and commending the US envoy Steve Witkoff for his contributions to the negotiations.
The ongoing ceasefire and the prisoner exchange agreement have markedly diminished violence in Gaza since January 19. This follows grave casualties, with over 48,400 Palestinians reported killed during the conflict, prompting international scrutiny and action against Israel’s military conduct in Gaza, including arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for war crimes committed by Israeli officials.
In conclusion, Qatar calls for diplomatic resolutions between the United States and Iran, advocating for dialogue over military interventions. Prime Minister Al-Thani’s emphasis on maintaining peace and strengthening regional relationships underscores Qatar’s pivotal role in international diplomacy. Additionally, the successful negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire illustrate Qatar’s commitment to humanitarian efforts amidst ongoing conflict. Overall, these developments reflect the complexity of Middle Eastern relations and the potential for diplomatic progress.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
