Qatar made a diplomatic call to reduce tensions between the US and Iran and strengthen regional stability. Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held separate phone calls with the foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.
During the talks, Al Thani stressed that all sides must adhere to dialogue and diplomacy. He urged the implementation of the points agreed upon under the US-Iran agreement, especially steps to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said the move aims to protect the region’s security, preserve the gains achieved and strengthen regional stability. Al Thani reiterated his country’s full support for all initiatives aimed at de-escalation and reaching a comprehensive peace agreement.
Tensions between the US and Iran escalated when the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, after which Tehran announced more than 3,000 deaths and launched retaliatory attacks. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 and began negotiations for a final ceasefire agreement, but a dispute arose over navigation safety in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Between July 8 and 24, the US again launched attacks on Iran, while Iran announced it had targeted US military facilities in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the ongoing negotiations with Iran were its 'last chance' for a good deal. On Sunday, Trump said Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had requested time for a deal that would ensure the immediate, full and comprehensive reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat, and that he had canceled an attack on the condition of a swift deal.
On Friday, Trump had said Washington would deal 'very heavy blows' to Iran. Meanwhile, Iranian media reported on Sunday that reports of a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz were not true.
