Doha, 04 August 2026

Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, reaffirmed that Qatar, alongside the Sultanate of Oman and Pakistan, continues to facilitate engagement between Iran and the United States in an effort to bridge differences and support regional stability.

Speaking during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' weekly press briefing, Dr Al Ansari said coordination remains ongoing among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and regional partners to promote de-escalation and encourage a lasting diplomatic solution. He stressed that the immediate priority is to contain tensions and return all parties to the negotiating table, describing dialogue as the most effective path to resolving the current crisis.

Dr Al Ansari noted that regional and international mediation efforts remain active, with countries across the region working collectively to prevent further escalation and create conditions conducive to the resumption of direct negotiations. Drawing on Qatar's extensive experience in international mediation, he said the country does not impose timelines on negotiations, as successful agreements depend on the willingness of all parties to engage constructively. He added that Qatar continues discussions with relevant stakeholders at multiple leadership levels, although no final agreement has yet been reached.

Addressing security in the Strait of Hormuz, Dr Al Ansari reiterated Qatar's firm support for freedom of navigation in accordance with international law. He emphasised that the Strait should never be used as a tool for political pressure or unilateral interests, adding that any future arrangements governing navigation should be agreed upon collectively by all affected littoral states. Ensuring the uninterrupted flow of global trade and maritime transit, he said, remains a shared international priority.

On Gaza, Dr Al Ansari said mediators' recent statement aimed to hold Israel accountable for implementing the ceasefire agreement. He confirmed that Qatar continues to work closely with the United States, Egypt and Türkiye to advance the second phase of the agreement and support its swift implementation.

He stated that the international community increasingly recognises the obstacles to implementing the agreement, while maintaining that Hamas has fulfilled its obligations under the deal. He criticised continued Israeli delays in implementing agreed terms and cited recent military actions in Gaza, including attacks that reportedly killed more than 30 civilians, as developments that risk undermining negotiations and prospects for peace.

Dr Al Ansari also reiterated Qatar's position calling for Israel's withdrawal from all occupied territories in accordance with international law. He urged the international community to intensify efforts to ensure implementation of the agreement, facilitate Gaza's reconstruction and improve humanitarian conditions for its population.

Commenting on the recent telephone conversation between Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Dr Al Ansari said Qatar remains committed to consulting regional and international partners as the situation evolves. He added that ongoing dialogue with Russia focuses on regional developments and diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing negotiations and supporting peaceful solutions.