Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, has called for a de-escalation of hostilities across the Middle East and urged Iran and the United States to return to the negotiating table for a mediated solution. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, he stated that Iran's attacks on its neighbors bring "benefit for no one."

Al-Khulaifi noted that Iran has responded to a nearly two-week-long bombardment campaign from the US and Israel by firing missiles and drones at neighboring countries in the Gulf region and beyond, causing casualties, damaging critical infrastructure, and severely disrupting the region's energy-driven economy. Qatar remains "extremely worried" about the wider range of attacks, including those targeting civilian infrastructure.

The minister said, "It's unfortunate where we are standing right now. We also believe that there is no pathway to a sustainable and long-lasting solution other than returning to the negotiation table." He condemned in the "strongest terms, the unjustified and outrageous attacks on the state of Qatar that directly impact its own sovereignty," adding that Doha will continue to take "every possible and legal measure to defend and practise its exercise of self-defence against this aggression."

Al-Khulaifi emphasized that the conflict demands a "global solution" to ensure that the Gulf's energy supply chain keeps moving through the Strait of Hormuz, where global traffic has been severely disrupted by the conflict. Ensuring freedom of movement through the waterway is "very critical," he noted. He pointed out that it is notable Iran has targeted countries such as Qatar and Oman, which had previously served as regional mediators and tried to "build bridges between Iran and the West."

He stated, "We will not be able to fulfil that role under attack, and that's something the Iranians need to understand." Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani tried to convey these points during a phone call with Tehran several days ago, urging Iran to cease attacks on its neighbors. Al-Khulaifi added, "The regional countries are not an enemy of Iran, and the Iranians are not understanding that idea."

Doha also remains in contact with officials in the US and has encouraged President Donald Trump to cease hostilities. Al-Khulaifi said, "Our line of communication is always open with our colleagues in the United States, and we keep encouraging and supporting the pathway of peace and resolving conflicts through peaceful means. We really hope that the parties can find that pathway, end military operations, and return to the negotiation table."

Source: www.aljazeera.com