Qatar supports extension of US-Iran ceasefire if negotiations fail

Istanbul (ANTARA) - Qatar on Tuesday expressed its support for extending the ongoing ceasefire between the United States and Iran if talks mediated by Pakistan fail to produce an agreement between the two parties.

“We support the extension of the ceasefire until a peaceful solution is achieved,” said spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, Majed al-Ansari, during a press conference in Doha.

“Returning to a state of hostility benefits no one and would choke the global economy,” he warned.

The spokesperson also conveyed Qatar’s support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts, noting that Qatar is in communication with various parties and closely monitoring the situation.

He denied that Gulf countries are being sidelined from current regional developments.

“The ongoing situation in the Strait of Hormuz has turned this crisis into a global one,” said Ansari.

“We are working with all partners to return the strait to its previous condition,” he added.

Ansari also urged Tehran to engage in communication for a peaceful resolution and called for a return to the negotiating table.

On 2 March, Tehran announced restrictions on navigation in the strait, which is vital for oil and gas exports, a few days after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on 28 February.

Pakistan hosted talks between the US and Iran on 11–12 April after mediating a 14-day ceasefire on 8 April, which is scheduled to end on Wednesday night Washington time.

Efforts for the next round of negotiations are still underway, although uncertainty remains.

US President Donald Trump said it is “highly unlikely” he will extend the ceasefire, adding that the Strait of Hormuz will remain blocked until an agreement is reached.

Source: Anadolu