Indirect US-Iran talks make ‘some positive progress’: PM

Doha, Qatar: Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, has stated that indirect talks between the United States and Iran, held alongside the UN General Assembly, have shown "some positive progress". In an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, the Prime Minister expressed hope that diplomacy could eventually resolve the conflict.

Sheikh Mohammed revealed that Qatar had been working for weeks to re-establish US-Iran diplomacy after their memorandum of understanding failed. He said the indirect talks yesterday indicated that both parties desired positive outcomes, though the details could not yet be disclosed. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a low profile in such matters until the situation matured.

The Prime Minister highlighted that the conflict's impact extends beyond Iran, affecting the entire world. He described the situation in the Strait of Hormuz as "unacceptable" due to navigation restrictions that make it difficult for Qatar to move ships. The Prime Minister called on the international community to address this issue and rejected any blockade or blackmail attempts by any country or party.

When asked how the war could ultimately be ended, Sheikh Mohammed reiterated that an agreement remained the only viable path. He stressed that a military victory was impossible, as the conflict is not about military superiority but the suffering of the people in both nations. He warned that further escalation would not only affect the region but also have global economic consequences. Sheikh Mohammed preferred diplomacy as the sole solution to the crisis.