Qatar says mediation between US and Iran ongoing, urges dialogue to resolve crisis

Ibrahim bin Sultan Al-Hashimi, Director of Media and Communication at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed that contacts, visits, and message exchanges are ongoing as part of Qatar’s mediation efforts between Washington and Tehran. He stressed that dialogue remains the only way to reach an immediate and sustainable solution to the crisis, as Doha called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to attacks threatening maritime security, navigation, and the marine environment.

Speaking at the ministry’s weekly media briefing on Tuesday, Al-Hashimi said that a swift resolution would spare the region, the world, the global economy, and energy supplies from the costs of escalation, emphasizing that a military solution is not an option.

He added: “Efforts have not stopped. As mediators, we must remain optimistic, taking into account all the factors affecting the region, with the aim of reaching a solution that ends the crisis, reopens the Strait of Hormuz, and de-escalates tensions.”

Regarding threats to internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz, the Qatari official warned that the consequences of such actions would affect all the region’s peoples, including Iranians. He questioned who would be most harmed if mines exploded in the strait, if oil leaked from ships, or if internet cables were cut.

He noted that the United States is geographically distant from the strait, while Israel does not benefit from Gulf waters, stressing that regional countries, including Iran, would be the most affected by these risks.

Al-Hashimi emphasized that water security in the Strait of Hormuz is directly linked to the security of the region and its people, stating: “The security of water in the Strait of Hormuz is an integral part of the region’s and its peoples’ water security.”

He explained that regional countries rely on the strait’s waters for desalination and navigation, as well as for the security of fisheries and aquatic resources. He held Iran responsible for maintaining water security and refraining from targeting it, urging compliance with international laws on freedom of navigation and marine environmental protection.

The Qatari official reiterated the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt what he described as irresponsible attacks, warning that their impact would primarily harm the region’s people and resources before affecting any other parties.

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