Qatar: Dialogue with Iran essential for Middle East stability
Qatar’s Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has stressed that dialogue with Iran remains necessary to guarantee security and stability in the region. He made the remarks despite stating that recent developments involving Qatar and other Gulf nations were “unacceptable.”
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Doha desires a shared vision among Gulf states and a new regional security framework capable of ensuring stability and preventing future crises.
He further emphasised that comprehensive regional stability cannot be achieved without a just resolution to the Palestinian issue and an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people, along with the fulfilment of their right to an independent and sovereign state.
Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted the importance of guaranteeing freedom of navigation, eliminating threats to maritime safety, and activating direct communication channels and emergency mechanisms to manage potential future disputes.
According to the minister, Qatar is engaged in ongoing consultations with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and Oman, based on a common position that affirms the right of all Gulf littoral states to enjoy safe and free maritime passage, while preserving regional stability and the interests of their peoples.
“Iran is a neighbouring country, and dialogue with it remains necessary to ensure the security and stability of the region, even though what happened to Qatar and our brothers in the Gulf states is unacceptable,” he said.
He added that GCC countries are currently working in direct and continuous coordination, with a shared vision focused on resolving disputes through diplomatic and peaceful means, while building higher levels of trust and cooperation.
Prior to a US-Iran memorandum of understanding mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, the Middle East had been on high alert following a joint US-Israeli strike on Iran on 28 February. The attack reportedly killed more than 3,000 people, including Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In retaliation, Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Iraq, and several Gulf states hosting US military assets. Iran also temporarily restricted the movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.