Qatar urges US, Iran to resume talks after flare-up

Doha, September 1 — Qatar's mediator has called upon the United States and Iran to resume dialogue following renewed hostilities. On Sunday, the US launched strikes against an Iranian island within the Strait of Hormuz, which was swiftly countered by Tehran's attack on US military installations across the Middle East. Six months into the conflict, both sides remain entrenched, with Iran enforcing a blockade of the crucial strait and the US maintaining a counter-blockade of Iranian ports.

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari emphasized that leaving the dispute unresolved and attempting to normalize the closure of the Strait would result in further escalation. "This is exactly what we have observed over the last two days," he remarked during a routine press conference. "We strongly encourage the parties to demonstrate restraint and return to the negotiating table. We remain committed to intensifying our mediation efforts alongside our partners to restore the path towards a resolution."

Earlier today, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed to "immediately" reciprocate any US relapse into the June deal designed to terminate their hostilities. "In Qatar, in the region, in the world today, we cannot accept the status quo," Al Ansari stressed. "Discussions with our mediation partners, whether in Pakistan or Oman, are currently underway."

Last week, Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Tehran as part of the mediation efforts. Following Iran and Oman's discussions, which involve the establishment of a temporary shipping lane and the removal of mines, Al Ansari underscored the urgency of returning to the negotiating table.