Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani advocated for a diplomatic agreement between the US and Iran while rejecting military solutions. He also addressed Qatar’s efforts in negotiating a Gaza ceasefire, emphasizing collaboration and the importance of saving lives.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, underscored the urgency of reaching an agreement between the United States and Iran. He emphatically stated, “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. This needs to reach an agreement,” as reported by Al Jazeera. Al-Thani’s statements followed a comment from President Donald Trump expressing hope for a peace agreement with Iran.
During a televised conversation with journalist Tucker Carlson, Al-Thani articulated that all Middle Eastern nations are apprehensive about potential military actions targeting Iranian nuclear sites. He reiterated the importance of maintaining positive relations, stating, “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.”
Additionally, Al-Thani acknowledged notable progress in diplomatic relations between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations and Iran in recent years. He mentioned that while there are differing views on Iran’s foreign policies, these differences have not hindered the bilateral ties with Gulf states. Conversely, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi remarked that negotiations would not occur as long as the US maintained its policy of maximum pressure.
In discussing Qatar’s involvement in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, Al-Thani indicated Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani’s commitment to the cause, stating, “if we are able to save a single life, it is worth everything.” He acknowledged the extensive challenges Qatar has faced during the 15-month-long Gaza conflict, dealing with significant adversities while striving for a ceasefire.
“We worked tirelessly for achieving this deal,” Al-Thani remarked, celebrating the moments of peace that followed the announcement of the ceasefire. Importantly, he highlighted that the agreement was the result of collaborative efforts rather than the actions of Qatar or the United States alone. Al-Thani credited Steven Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, for his contributions to the negotiations, reaffirming the cooperative nature of their success. The ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, effective since January 19, has been crucial in ending violence that resulted in significant loss of life in Gaza and allegations of war crimes.
In summary, the Prime Minister of Qatar emphasized the vital need for a diplomatic resolution between the United States and Iran, rejecting military options. He also highlighted Qatar’s significant role in facilitating a ceasefire in Gaza, showcasing the importance of collaboration in international diplomacy. Al-Thani’s comments reflect ongoing regional concerns regarding military actions and the importance of maintaining constructive relations with neighboring countries.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
