British News Agency

Qatar is continuing its diplomatic initiatives aimed at restarting negotiations between the United States (US) and Iran and reducing tensions in the region.

Qatar’s Prime Minister’s Adviser and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, gave a comprehensive assessment of regional developments during the weekly press briefing held in Doha.

Al Ansari said Qatar has continued its regional contacts and diplomatic efforts with various parties since the beginning of the crisis to encourage the US and Iran to return to the path of negotiations. He said Qatar had warned from the outset that any escalation would negatively affect not only the region but also the global economy, adding that Doha would continue its efforts to support diplomatic solutions and reduce tensions.

Commenting on US statements regarding economic sanctions against Iran, Al Ansari said Qatar and other countries in the region had warned from the first day about the economic consequences of war and regional escalation.

Al Ansari said Qatar’s priorities are restoring normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, protecting global energy and food security, and securing supply chains, adding that these goals can only be achieved through a comprehensive diplomatic solution.

Stating that the sanctions in question do not directly affect Qatar, Al Ansari said Doha remains committed to the international sanctions framework and engages positively with measures taken within that framework. He noted that countries’ sovereign decisions depend on regional developments and efforts to find conciliatory solutions.

Al Ansari also emphasized that the sanctions in question are imposed by a specific party and are not United Nations sanctions. He said Qatar’s approach is not based on supporting one side against another, but on encouraging negotiations and diplomatic solutions, highlighting the importance of dialogue among all parties to end the crisis.

Addressing statements by some Iranian officials regarding the targeting of countries in the region, Al Ansari said Qatar categorically rejects such statements.

Al Ansari said attempts to draw regional countries into the existing conflicts would only lead to further escalation, adding that Qatar, with all its institutions and armed forces, is fully prepared to defend its security and sovereignty against any attack, regardless of its source or justification.

Reiterating that Qatar rejects any threat to the security and stability of regional countries, Al Ansari emphasized the importance of preventing further escalation of regional tensions.

Al Ansari said communication and consultations among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have continued since the beginning of the crisis, citing as an example the visit by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani to Riyadh last week.

Al Ansari said the Qatari Prime Minister’s meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al-Saud was also part of coordination among Gulf countries.

Al Ansari said there is high-level coordination among Gulf countries to address potential threats and monitor escalating developments, adding that all GCC countries support finding a peaceful solution to the crisis.

He also said Qatar’s direct communication with Iran is being conducted within the framework of mediation efforts and initiatives aimed at restarting negotiations.

Commenting on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, Al Ansari emphasized that freedom of navigation and maritime passage must be restored in accordance with international law.

He said the current crisis requires a political and diplomatic solution that guarantees regional stability and protects the common interests of all parties.

Al Ansari also commented on a Financial Times report claiming that budgets of government institutions in Qatar would be cut and funds allocated to foreign aid reduced.

Al Ansari said the figures in the Financial Times report were inaccurate and largely taken out of context, adding that media organizations should consult official sources to verify published figures and information.

He said economic indicators and growth figures to be announced in the coming period would demonstrate the strength of Qatar’s economy and its capacity to deal with current developments.

Al Ansari explained that discussions about reducing budgets by up to 30 percent were related to precautionary measures taken by the state at the beginning of the regional crisis, saying such measures could be implemented by countries facing extraordinary circumstances or increased regional tensions.

He emphasized that the percentage in question applies only to operating expenses and does not include salaries or capital projects.

Al Ansari said Qatar’s priority is to ensure that the daily lives of citizens and residents are not affected despite the regional crisis, stressing the importance of safeguarding product availability, supply chains, salaries and other aspects of daily life.

Al Ansari said Qatar continues its normal economic life despite regional challenges, adding that the second priority is ensuring the continuity of national development projects.

He said development projects would not be halted for any reason and were progressing in line with established plans, noting that the measures taken were merely precautionary steps implemented because of regional conditions.

Al Ansari emphasized that the economic measures are neither structural nor permanent, but rather situational measures taken in response to current regional tensions, and do not signify any change in the structure of Qatar’s economy or its strategic orientation.

Commenting on Israel’s position regarding moving to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, Al Ansari said Qatar had repeatedly stressed the need to pressure Israel to accept and implement the proposed plan.

Al Ansari said developments in Gaza and the West Bank do not present a positive picture of cooperation with the ongoing efforts, adding that mediators are continuing their work.

He said Qatar and the US in particular are working to ensure implementation of commitments agreed on the ground and completion of the stages of the ceasefire plan, with the aim of making progress toward reducing tensions.

Al Ansari also commented on the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Commenting on the statement issued following meetings hosted by Switzerland that addressed implementation of the roadmap and completion of negotiations on the remaining protocols, Al Ansari said they welcomed the progress made by the parties involved in the mediation efforts.

Al Ansari said Qatar would continue to support initiatives aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable peace in the DRC and expressed appreciation for the positive approach of the parties participating in the negotiation process.

Al Ansari said Doha would continue to support all international and regional initiatives and efforts supporting the peace process, reiterating the importance Qatar places on diplomatic solutions and mediation activities.