Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Majed al-Ansari on Monday called on Iran to immediately cease attacks on Gulf countries, stating that this is essential to seek a diplomatic solution to a crisis that is undermining regional peace and security. The appeal was made during a news conference in the Qatari capital Doha, as tensions escalate following alleged Iranian strikes on residential areas, energy sites, and Hamad International Airport.
Al-Ansari emphasized: "Iran must stop the attacks immediately because we are outside the conflict." He referenced Qatar's envoy to the UN, who last week described the assaults as violations of international law and the UN Charter. The attacks, which reportedly began after the US and Israel started bombing Iran on February 28, have killed over 1,400 people and damaged critical infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.
In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei denied Tehran's involvement in some of the attacks and accused the US and Israeli regimes of carrying out strikes. He urged foreign governments to investigate, alleging that "these false accusations are meant to pave the way for a false-flag operation they intend to carry out." Baghaei also dismissed claims about Iranian drones' capabilities, asserting they cannot reach the US western coast.
Qatar's al-Ansari rejected Iran's offer for a joint investigation, stating: "Iran should stop its attacks on countries that did not target Iranian territory." He noted that there is currently no mediation between the US and Iran, but contacts with Gulf states are ongoing to ensure de-escalation. Al Jazeera correspondent Tohid Asadi reported from Tehran that Iran has issued a clear warning of a "crushing" response targeting all US military bases in the region if attacked.
The conflict has triggered a global energy crisis, with Iran also firing drones and missiles at Israel, resulting in at least 15 fatalities. The situation highlights deepening regional divisions and the challenges of diplomatic engagement, as Qatar and other Gulf states push for a cessation of hostilities while Iran maintains its defensive posture amid accusations from Western-aligned regimes.
Source: www.aljazeera.com