Qatar confirms US request to mediate Iran-'Israel' ceasefire
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Qatar pledges support for Lebanon, stresses ceasefire implementation, and warns against regional instability fueled by Israeli aggression.
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Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, right, speaks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during their meeting in Tehran, Iran, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. (AP)
During a joint press conference in Doha on Tuesday, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani revealed that the United States had formally requested Qatar to engage with Iran to help broker a ceasefire.
Al Thani stated that Doha had “carried out the necessary communications to make that happen.”
He also condemned the conduct of the Israeli entity, calling its actions “a source of regional instability.” Reaffirming Qatar’s diplomatic priorities, Al Thani emphasized, “Qatar consistently favors diplomacy and wisdom above all else.”
On his part, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, speaking alongside Al Thani, confirmed that Beirut had asked Qatar to “apply pressure toward ending the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanese territories.” He stressed Lebanon’s ongoing efforts to “mobilize Arab and international support to end Israeli presence and violations.”
Al Thani, who had visited Lebanon in February, reiterated Qatar’s enduring support for Lebanese institutions and the Lebanese Armed Forces. He also highlighted the importance of fully implementing the ceasefire agreement and ensuring the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, affirming that Qatar stands ready to play a leading role in the country's reconstruction.
In April, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited Doha, where he met with Al Thani, who again reaffirmed Qatar’s unwavering commitment to Lebanon.
Iran clarifies strike on US base in Qatar was not hostile toward Doha
In a related development, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian assured Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in a phone call that Iran’s missile strike on the US Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar was not directed at Doha, but rather served as a direct response to Washington’s role in Israeli attacks on Iranian territory.
Pezeshkian stated that the targeting of Al-Udeid was retaliation for the United States’ active participation in aggression against Iran. He emphasized that Tehran will not engage in negotiations under military pressure and that Iran’s response was proportional to the Israeli aggression.
He also highlighted the resilience of the Iranian people in defending their rights and noted that the Israeli entity and its backers now realize they cannot achieve their goals through force.
Foreign Minister: Iran rejects regional division
In a separate conversation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani that Iran firmly opposes any attempt to sow discord between Iran and its neighbors.
He clarified that the missile strike on Al-Udeid should in no way be interpreted as an act against Qatar. Araghchi reiterated that the strike was a lawful act of self-defense under international law, citing the recent US attacks on Iranian nuclear sites and violations of sovereignty.
Araghchi expressed appreciation for Qatar’s condemnation of the aggression and praised its constructive role in de-escalating tensions.
Iran briefs UAE on its position
In another diplomatic exchange, Araghchi spoke with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, reiterating that the Israeli-American strikes were violations of the UN Charter and posed a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
He warned against allowing external actors to create divisions within the region and emphasized the importance of cooperation among regional states to preserve long-term stability.
It is worth noting that Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Monday evening that it had targeted the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar with a “powerful and destructive" missile strike in response to the US aggression that struck three peaceful nuclear facilities in Iran.
