Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has emphasized the urgent need for a diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran, reaffirming that Qatar would not support any military escalation in the region. "There is no way that Qatar would support any kind of military step in that region. We will not give up until we see a diplomatic solution between the US and Iran. This needs to reach an agreement," Al-Thani said, as quoted by Al Jazeera. His remarks came shortly after US President Donald Trump hinted on Friday at the possibility of a "peace agreement" with Iran. In a televised interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, Al-Thani underscored regional concerns over potential military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, stressing that Iran is "our next-door neighbor, and we have to maintain good relations with all our neighbors... It is in the interest of the region to have a better relationship with Iran." He also highlighted "huge progress" in relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Iran in recent years. While acknowledging policy differences with Tehran, he asserted that these had not negatively impacted diplomatic ties with Gulf states. Trump, speaking on Friday, stated that "interesting days" lay ahead in US-Iran relations as he sought either to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Tehran or consider "the other option," an apparent reference to military action. In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi dismissed direct negotiations with Washington, stating that "as long as the US policy of maximum pressure and threats continues, we will not enter into direct negotiations with the US." Discussing Qatar's involvement in mediating the Gaza ceasefire, Al-Thani noted that Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani had consistently prioritized humanitarian efforts, stating, "If we are able to save a single life, it is worth everything." He acknowledged that Qatar had faced significant criticism throughout the 15-month conflict in Gaza. "We've been under significant attacks for 15 months during this war on Gaza, something unbelievable, no one would handle such an attack," he said. Despite the challenges, he emphasized Qatar's tireless efforts in brokering a ceasefire, stating that seeing celebrations in both Gaza and Israel upon announcing the deal had made the hardships worthwhile. Al-Thani credited the successful agreement to joint efforts by Qatar, the US, and other partners, singling out US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for playing a key role in pushing negotiations forward. A ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement has been in effect in Gaza since Jan. 19, halting Israel's military campaign, which has killed over 48,400 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and left the enclave devastated. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its military actions. — Agencies
