Qatar urges Gulf coordination on US-Iran settlement

Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, has urged Gulf states to collaborate on restoring regional stability and securing a settlement between the United States and Iran, following the ongoing conflict in the region. Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum in New York, the Qatari leader emphasized that the war should serve as a wake-up call for the entire region, prompting a reevaluation of security organization across the Gulf.

Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as foreign minister, stressed the necessity of a regional security framework that includes Iran, based on principles of sovereignty, mutual restraint, and assurance that no state poses a threat to another.

Iran holds a significant position in the Gulf, and dismissing Tehran from any security arrangement would undermine regional stability, according to Sheikh Mohammed. The conflict has exposed vulnerabilities across the region, highlighting the urgent need for collective responsibility rather than isolated national responses. Qatar has maintained channels with both the United States and Iran, acting as an intermediary to reduce tensions during the conflict.

The Qatari leader's remarks come as Gulf leaders prepare to engage in talks with US President Donald Trump, who has expressed openness to meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The US-Iran conflict, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and broader regional security are expected to be central topics in these discussions. Iran's demands for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened to energy exports have been a focal point, with Tehran insisting on the fulfillment of its conditions before normal traffic resumes.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route, and its disruption has already affected energy markets, shipping, and investment decisions in the Gulf. Qatar itself has faced economic challenges due to the conflict, and QatarEnergy chief Saad Al-Kaabi reported that logistical difficulties in moving equipment through the region could delay some expansion projects, although the company continues its North Field development program.

Sheikh Mohammed acknowledged that the crisis has tested Qatar's security arrangements and supply chains, describing the upheaval as an "earthquake" for the region. While Qatar's institutions have proven resilient, he stressed that sustained regional instability would require collective resilience beyond national efforts. The Qatari prime minister's call for coordinated action among Gulf states reflects a broader push for arrangements that mitigate the risk of direct confrontation with Iran while preserving close security ties with Washington.

Divergent approaches exist among Gulf states, but the conflict has intensified the demand for coordinated diplomacy on missile threats, maritime security, and the protection of energy infrastructure. Discussions in New York are further complicated by the United States' ongoing pressure on Iran through sanctions, coupled with indications that diplomacy remains a viable option if Tehran agrees to terms addressing the conflict and maritime access.

However, Sheikh Mohammed did not outline a specific negotiating framework but reiterated Qatar's preference for a collective regional security structure, emphasizing that Gulf states should engage collectively rather than through bilateral dealings between Iran and individual neighbors.