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Qatar and France call for diplomatic solutions on Iran and Gaza
Qatar and France called for a peaceful solution on Iran and the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or fees. The two countries called for the Gaza ceasefire to be implemented, Israeli forces to withdraw and the West Bank not to be annexed.
Qatar and France called for a diplomatic solution to the Iran issue and demanded that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz be restored without any restrictions or fees. The joint statement also called for the Gaza ceasefire to be implemented, Israeli forces to withdraw and the annexation of the West Bank to be opposed.
The statement was issued during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Doha on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Call for a diplomatic solution on Iran
In the joint statement, Qatar and France described Iran's military attacks against countries in the region as serious violations of international law. The two countries announced that they would provide long-term support for diplomatic efforts aimed at permanently addressing the threats posed by Iran.
It was stated that safeguards must be put in place to verify that Iran's nuclear program is exclusively for peaceful purposes. Qatar and France stressed that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be restored without restrictions or fees.
Ceasefire in Gaza and the West Bank
Qatar and France reiterated their support for a two-state solution providing for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state living alongside Israel in peace and security. The two countries said they opposed the annexation of the West Bank and called for an end to Israel's settlement policy and settler violence.
The statement said that the ceasefire that began in Gaza in October 2025 must be implemented and that Israeli forces must withdraw in accordance with the agreed arrangements. It also called for humanitarian aid to reach the people of the region rapidly, safely, without obstruction and unconditionally.
Lebanon and regional issues
The two countries reiterated their commitments to supporting Lebanon's stability and sovereignty. Qatar and France said they supported the full implementation by all parties of the trilateral framework agreement signed by Lebanon, Israel and the United States in June.
The joint statement said the agreement should pave the way for the Lebanese authorities to restore sovereignty throughout the country, for Hezbollah to be disarmed and for Israeli forces to withdraw completely from Lebanon. It said the expiration of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon at the end of the year should not create a security vacuum that would undermine the stability of Lebanon and the region.
Qatar and France announced that they would continue supporting stability in Libya, Syria, Sudan, the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes region and Yemen. The two countries also expressed support for United Nations-led political processes and efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
On Syria, Qatar and France said they were ready to support projects that would contribute to stability and economic recovery in close cooperation with the Syrian authorities.
France and Qatar to expand defense cooperation
Qatar and France agreed to expand the scope of their military partnership, including cooperation between their ground forces, and to strengthen their defense capabilities. The step was described as ushering in a new phase in the military partnership between the two countries.
A letter of intent was signed on the selection of KNDS France and John Cockerill Defence to modernize Qatar's ground forces. The parties announced that they aimed to complete the remaining negotiations shortly.
Qatar said it welcomed the deployment of air defense capabilities and wanted to continue cooperation in this field. It was stated that the Rafale aircraft used by Qatar and France would remain among the key elements of cooperation and interoperability between their air forces.
The two countries announced that cooperation would be further strengthened by developing the capabilities of Qatar's air force against growing threats. Contracts signed last year concerning radar systems and communications satellites were also cited among the advances in defense and security.
Macron's Gulf tour
The French presidency had announced that Macron would visit Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar from October 19 to 21. It said the visits would be conducted to hold talks with regional leaders on restoring stability and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron also arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. However, Riyadh was not included in the French presidency's statement on the tour schedule. The visit took place approximately eight months after the conflict began between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other.
Disruptions occurred in maritime transport in the Strait of Hormuz following the conflict that began on February 28. The United States and Iran had signed a memorandum of understanding in June. However, talks were later suspended because of disagreements over ensuring freedom and safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
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