Qatar's minister of state for foreign affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, urged immediate de-escalation in the Middle East and called on Iran and the US to resume mediated talks. He warned that Iran's retaliatory strikes following nearly two weeks of US and Israeli bombardment have harmed civilians, infrastructure and the regional energy economy. Qatar condemned attacks on its sovereignty, vowed lawful self-defence, and said a global response is needed to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.
Qatar Urges De‑Escalation: 'Regional Countries Are Not Iran's Enemy'
Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh al-Khulaifi, Qatari minister of state for foreign affairs, attends the opening session of the Global Security Forum in Doha, on May 20, 2024 [Karim Jaafar/AFP]
Qatar's minister of state for foreign affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, has called for an urgent de-escalation across the Middle East and urged Iran and the United States to return to mediated talks aimed at a negotiated settlement.
In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, al-Khulaifi warned that Iran's strikes on neighbouring states 'benefit for no one' and stressed that continued attacks are inflicting civilian casualties, damaging critical infrastructure and disrupting the region's energy-driven economy.
He described Qatar as 'extremely worried' about the widening pattern of strikes, including those that have targeted civilian infrastructure. Qatar has condemned in the strongest terms the attacks that directly affect its sovereignty and said it will take every lawful measure to defend itself.
Qatar's Position And Immediate Concerns
Al-Khulaifi emphasised that there is no sustainable path forward other than returning to the negotiating table and pursuing diplomatic channels. He urged a broader, international response to ensure the Gulf's energy supply chain remains open — particularly movements through the Strait of Hormuz, where international maritime traffic has been severely disrupted.
'We will not be able to fulfil that role under attack, and that's something the Iranians need to understand,' al-Khulaifi said, referring to Qatar's and Oman's prior roles as regional mediators between Tehran and Western countries.
The Qatari prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, reportedly raised these concerns directly with Tehran in a recent phone call, urging Iran to cease attacks on neighbouring states.
Doha also says it remains in contact with US officials and has encouraged President Donald Trump to halt hostilities. 'Our line of communication is always open with our colleagues in the United States,' al-Khulaifi told Al Jazeera, adding that Qatar will continue to press for peaceful, negotiated solutions.
Al-Khulaifi concluded by expressing hope that all parties will find a diplomatic route, end military operations and return to the negotiation table to secure a lasting and stable outcome for the region.
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