Doha (TDI): Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, has called on Iran to realize that its Gulf neighbors are not its enemies, urging all sides to return to diplomacy.
Al-Khulaifi said that Iran’s attacks on its regional neighbors bring “benefit for no one,” and called for a full de-escalation of hostilities across the Middle East. He also urged Iran and the United States to return to the negotiating table for a mediated solution.
“The regional countries are not an enemy of Iran, and the Iranians are not understanding that idea,” he added. The Minister also said that Qatar remains “extremely worried” and condemns in the “strongest terms” the attacks on the country, describing them as unjustified and a direct violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.
Iran retaliated to the US-Israel joint attacks on February 28 by firing missiles and drones at its neighbors across the Gulf region, targeting military installments of the US, damaging infrastructure, and severely disrupting the region’s energy-driven economy.
Read More: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE Rocked by Blasts as Iran Retaliates
The remarks of FM al-Khulaifi carry particular weight given Qatar’s history as a mediator in the region. For years, Doha has served as a critical channel between Iran and the West, and it was Qatari diplomacy alongside Oman’s that actively worked to prevent the very conflict now engulfing the region.
Making matters worse, Qatar’s security services recently announced the arrest of ten suspects linked to two cells believed to be operating on behalf of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, some allegedly tasked with spying on military and vital facilities, others assigned to sabotage.
On the issue of global energy supply, the minister said the conflict calls for a “global solution” to keep energy moving through the Strait of Hormuz, where traffic has been severely disrupted. He described freedom of movement as “very critical.”
Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a phone call with Tehran in recent days, urging Iran to stop its attacks on neighboring countries. Qatar also remains in contact with US officials to pursue a ceasefire, reaffirming its commitment to resolving conflicts through peaceful means.
