Foreign Ministry: Qatari Mediation Efforts Continue to Bridge Views Between Washington, Tehran

Ibrahim bin Sultan Al-Hashmi, Director of the Media and Communication Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed the continuation of Qatar's mediation efforts to bridge the views of the United States of America and Iran. He noted that these efforts had gained significant momentum over recent weeks and days in coordination with regional and international partners and the parties concerned.

During the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' weekly media briefing, Al-Hashmi explained that HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met in Washington yesterday, Monday, with HE Vice President of the United States of America JD Vance. His Excellency then held a closed-door meeting with HE President of the United States of America Donald Trump at the White House. The two meetings addressed regional developments and ways to achieve progress in the US-Iranian negotiations, with the White House meeting described as "positive" and focused on bridging the two sides' views.

The Director of the Media and Communication Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added: "There is progress in the negotiations and a continuous, diligent effort by the mediator to bridge the views of the parties." He noted that details would be left until the agreement's form and features had been finalised.

He explained that the Qatari efforts included visits by Qatari officials to Tehran, followed by discussions with countries in the region and relevant partners, and concluded with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs' visit to the United States of America. He noted that the mediator "focuses on the glimmer of hope and on not leaving any window for a solution without attempting to open it."

Al-Hashmi said: "Mediation is not merely a political and technical process. At its core, it raises the banner of hope and reflects a profound belief in a peaceful solution, regardless of how complex the circumstances or how great the challenges become."

He indicated that despite the negativity in the media over recent days, mediation efforts were continuing, while both sides had spoken positively about a diplomatic solution. He noted that this was what the State of Qatar was focusing on and seeking to achieve through the ongoing negotiations.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the Director of the Media and Communication Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "The approach of winter, together with the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, compounds the cost of the closure for all countries and particularly for vulnerable peoples, especially amid the energy crisis affecting countries around the world." He stressed the need to make every possible effort to end the crisis and restore freedom of navigation through the strait as soon as possible.

Regarding media reports about the terms of a potential agreement, he said the State of Qatar had denied these leaks, adding: "There is a state of uncertainty and anticipation in the region that must end as soon as possible."

He said: "The mediator is working tirelessly to end the state of uncertainty and the state of neither war nor peace, and to restore stability and prosperity to the region." He explained that this was the current focus of the mediation and consultations between the American and Iranian sides, commending their positive engagement in the current negotiating process.

He reiterated the State of Qatar's full solidarity with the fraternal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the measures it takes to safeguard its security and territorial integrity.

In a separate context, Al-Hashmi addressed remarks made by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs during his interview with journalist Piers Morgan concerning certain undisciplined media practices connected to the mediation process. He also referred to the subsequent removal of a statement by His Excellency from its context, its falsification and its widespread circulation last Friday.

He explained that the circulation of the fabricated statement showed the world the deliberate distortion and misinformation confronting the mediator, which could affect the mediation process. He said: "There are responsibilities that must be observed in this regard. The first responsibility, which falls on the mediator and the state engaged in negotiations, is to remain open to the media and keep it informed about the course of the negotiations. The second responsibility falls on the media, which has the right to legitimate competition, provided this does not involve taking matters out of context or come at the expense of peoples affected by crises."

He added that the third responsibility fell on everyone and related to what he described as a "battle of awareness," amid the recent spread of artificial fabrication, digital noise and electronic trolls, as well as attempts to shape public consciousness.

Ibrahim bin Sultan Al-Hashmi, Director of the Media and Communication Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressed the need to verify the sources, context and evidence of information, as well as the entities behind it. He warned that failing to do so meant surrendering oneself to misinformation and falsehoods.

Source: QNA

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