Doha, 19 May 2026 (QNA)

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of State of Qatar, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari affirmed that the State of Qatar continues its full support for mediation efforts led by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to prevent renewed escalation in the region, stressing that it remains too early to predict the outcome of ongoing diplomatic contacts.

Speaking during the Ministry’s weekly media briefing, Dr. Al Ansari said the Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and senior Qatari officials are maintaining intensive consultations with regional and international counterparts to preserve the ceasefire, prevent further escalation, and secure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

He explained that recent diplomatic contacts have focused on two priorities: ensuring the continuation of the ceasefire and preventing the region from sliding back into conflict. Dr. Al Ansari stressed that no party wishes to witness a repeat of the recent escalation and underscored the importance of coordinated regional action in support of Pakistani mediation, which currently serves as the official communication channel between the parties.

Commenting on remarks by US President Donald Trump, Dr. Al Ansari said regional leaders have consistently called for calm and for giving diplomacy every opportunity to succeed. He noted that Qatar has long warned that continued escalation without a sustainable peace framework could lead to a broader conflict affecting both the region and the international community. He added that the US President’s statement reflected ongoing contacts between Gulf leaders and international partners aimed at supporting diplomatic efforts and avoiding renewed tensions.

Regarding the postponement of a potential US strike on Iran, Dr. Al Ansari reiterated that Qatar’s position is based on cooperation with its partners, particularly the United States, and on protecting the peoples of the region from the consequences of war. He noted that Gulf leaders have unanimously supported mediation efforts, the ceasefire, and diplomatic engagement.

Addressing the Strait of Hormuz, Dr. Al Ansari stressed that international law guarantees freedom of navigation through international straits and that any attempt to obstruct or suspend transit passage would constitute a violation of international law. He reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to maintaining unrestricted navigation through the strait and rejected any arrangements aimed at changing the current legal status of the waterway.

He stated that Qatar’s supply chains for essential goods continue to operate normally due to contingency planning, although the closure of the strait has significantly affected energy exports and global energy security. He revealed that the Qatari gas tankers Al Khairitiyat and Mahzam recently crossed the strait toward Pakistan through regional coordination, while more than ten fully loaded tankers remain stranded awaiting safe passage.

Dr. Al Ansari also reiterated Qatar’s firm rejection of attacks launched by Iran against the State of Qatar, emphasizing that Qatar has taken all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and ensure the safety of all residents. While affirming Qatar’s positive relations with the Iranian people and its commitment to good neighborly ties, he said Iran’s actions during the conflict have negatively affected bilateral relations.

He concluded by stressing that Qatar will continue supporting diplomatic efforts and intensifying regional and international coordination in the hope of reaching a peaceful resolution to the crisis.