{
  "id": 18795093,
  "title": "Mediation worth pursuing even if it takes a year: PM",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/mediation-worth-pursuing-even-if-it-takes-a-year-pm",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T13:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf Times",
    "slug": "gulf-times",
    "url": "https://www.gulf-times.com/article/737682/qatar/mediation-worth-pursuing-even-if-it-takes-a-year-pm"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, emphasized during a lecture at the Oxford Union in the United Kingdom that mediation remains a vital strategy for maintaining regional security, even if it necessitates a year-long process. He underscored that dialogue is the key to lasting security for all nations, especially small states with robust economic foundations who are directly impacted by global instability. Qatar's commitment to mediation stems from the belief that protecting human lives should be the primary concern. The prime minister highlighted that the Gulf's security hinges on dialogue between Gulf states and Iran, aiming to construct a framework that guarantees safety for all parties and addresses their individual concerns. Despite challenges and adversities, Qatar has consistently contributed to regional negotiations, investing substantial effort in the first round of talks that resulted in a memorandum of understanding, thus averting a broader conflict. The prime minister reiterated that despite the lack of progress in implementing the memorandum, Qatar's efforts persist, with continuous engagement with regional partners to stave off further escalation. He cautiously noted that while risks remain and security hasn't been attained, the memorandum signifies that progress is attainable through concerted talks. The memorandum's conclusion, he asserted, demonstrates that substantial advancements can be made even amidst complex negotiations, and a final settlement is within reach. He cautioned against resorting back to military operations, warning that they would only exacerbate the situation, given the region's already significant losses from past confrontations. The prime minister reiterated the importance of resolving the nuclear dossier and ensuring freedom of navigation and security in the Gulf. He stressed that the Gulf's security necessitates a dialogue between Gulf states and Iran to create a framework that safeguards everyone's safety and tackles their core security concerns concurrently. He also reiterated his communications with regional foreign ministers, reflecting a collective call for an immediate end to the conflict. In the context of Gaza, he reiterated that the Palestinian cause remains a focal point in the unresolved political issues. The region has endured instability since October 7, 2023, and mediation has faced continuous setbacks due to Israel's shifting government positions and escalating demands. Any agreement that disregards the withdrawal of Israeli forces, Palestinians' right to a normal life, and Palestinian statehood risks reigniting the conflict. He stressed that despite the ongoing ceasefire, blockade, killings, and targeting, only a hostage release deal has been achieved. A true ceasefire requires an end to hostilities, withdrawal of forces, and a long-term political outlook. In Lebanon, shelling continues despite a ceasefire agreement, occupation persists without a clear withdrawal timeline, and restrictions hinder the Lebanese Armed Forces' operations in the south. He emphasized that impunity and disregard for international law pose a threat to the entire region. He reaffirmed his belief in dialogue as the foundation of enduring regional security, referencing his predecessor's 2015 call for serious dialogue between Gulf Cooperation Council states and Iran on the root causes of their disputes. He emphasized that security arrangements cannot rest merely on promises but require concrete actions, guarantees against aggression or threats of force, and the building of trust through expanded common interests. He also highlighted the potential for economic cooperation between Gulf states and Iran once the nuclear dossier is resolved. A comprehensive regional vision must address the Palestinian question and establish a Palestinian state to prevent any party from posing a threat to another. He noted that alliances formed in response to threats should not become sources of polarization; shared interests and bold leadership can offer the region a brighter future. He reviewed Qatar's economic and diplomatic development, highlighting that its 1995 gas-sector investment laid the groundwork for its pivotal role in global energy supplies. Qatar's engagement has cultivated mediation skills and trust without seeking dominance over others. Over the years, Qatar has institutionalized this expertise with like-minded partners, participating in approximately 16 mediation files, including prisoner exchanges, ceasefires, and broader peace initiatives. He cited successful cooperation with Norway and Switzerland on the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, with Spain and Norway on Colombia, and Norwegian-Qatari collaboration in Afghanistan. He stressed that such diverse cooperation, despite varying political systems and economic models, yields tangible outcomes. Such collaboration can extend to investment and energy, fostering prosperity, enhancing regional stability, and ensuring the well-being of its people, while positively contributing to the global stage.",
  "summary": "Qatar will keep mediating with all parties to spare the region another round of escalation, His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}