Qatar continues efforts for resumptions of US-Iran talks

Doha, Qatar: Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, the Prime Minister's advisor and official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that Qatar's ongoing efforts and regional contacts are aimed at restarting US-Iran talks. The country's economy remains robust, with a continued focus on citizen well-being and national development projects. Dr. Al Ansari emphasized that Qatar's economy is experiencing temporary, precautionary economic measures rather than structural changes.

One of Qatar's priorities is restoring normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while maintaining coordination among Gulf states to address potential threats or escalations. Since the start of the crisis, Qatar has warned of the wide-ranging repercussions of any escalation, both regionally and globally. The country stressed the importance of diplomacy and reducing tension early on.

When asked about new US economic sanctions on Iran, Dr. Al Ansari noted that Qatar and other regional countries have been warning against the economic consequences of war and escalation from the beginning. He clarified that the sanctions in question are not UN sanctions and are not directly affecting Qatar. Qatar adheres to international sanctions frameworks and interacts positively with adopted measures, while focusing on supporting diplomatic solutions and consensual outcomes.

Dr. Al Ansari rejected statements by some Iranian officials about targeting countries in the region, asserting that Qatar rejects any attempts to drag regional countries into conflicts. He affirmed Qatar's readiness to defend its security and sovereignty against any aggression, while emphasizing the high level of coordination among Gulf states in addressing potential threats.

Regarding inaccurate reports on budget reductions and foreign aid funding cuts, Dr. Al Ansari dismissed the figures as taken out of context. He stressed that media outlets should refer to official sources for verified information. Dr. Al Ansari explained that these budget adjustments are precautionary measures during a regional crisis and are limited to operational expenses, without impacting salaries or capital projects.

These measures are not permanent and reflect the strength of the Qatari economy in dealing with current developments. Lastly, he reiterated Qatar's support for the proposed Gaza ceasefire plan and urged Israel to accept it, stating that current developments in Gaza and the West Bank do not align with ongoing efforts.