Qatari premier, Iran FM discuss regional tensions amid US conflict

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held telephone talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday to review regional security efforts amid the ongoing conflict between Tehran and Washington. The Qatari premier emphasized Doha's commitment to peaceful resolution through mediation during the call, the Foreign Ministry said.

Mediation support

Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as Qatar's foreign minister, expressed Doha's "full support for mediation efforts aimed at resolving the crisis" between Iran and the United States through peaceful means. He stressed the need for all parties "to respond positively to these efforts in order to create suitable conditions for progress in negotiations and reduce the chances of renewed escalation," according to the ministry's statement on X.

Freedom of navigation

The Qatari premier told Araghchi that freedom of navigation represents a "fundamental principle that is not open to compromise." He warned that "closing the Strait of Hormuz or using it as a pressure tool would only deepen the crisis and expose the vital interests of regional countries to danger," the ministry noted.

Conflict background

Sheikh Mohammed called for "adhering to international law and the United Nations Charter" while prioritizing the interests of the region and its people to strengthen security and support de-escalation. Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint for global energy shipments. A ceasefire took effect April 8 through Pakistani mediation, though subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement before US President Donald Trump extended the truce without setting a deadline.