Qatari diplomacy, in close coordination with several international and regional parties, succeeded in narrowing the gaps and bringing the viewpoints closer between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, leading to the formulation of initial understandings, culminating in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two sides regarding the outstanding issues, including freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, in light of a negotiation process characterized by highly sensitive political and security complexities in the Middle East region.
The framework MoU between Washington and Tehran is consistent with the pillars and priorities of the State of Qatar’s foreign policy in terms of adopting political solutions to end disputes and conflicts, instead of wars and military confrontations, which drain material and human resources and hinder development, progress and construction efforts, while always calling for the resolution of disputes through peaceful means and through negotiation and a comprehensive political settlement.
The framework MoU between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran confirms the vitality and centrality of the great diplomatic work carried out by the State of Qatar in regional and international efforts to calm tensions, through an active political movement that combines high-level contacts, consultations and continuous meetings with various relevant parties.
The commendable efforts and numerous intensive contacts made by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani with the two parties to the crisis, the US President Donald Trump and the Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, along with leaders of fraternal Arab and Islamic countries and foreign countries, are not hidden from anyone. In addition, there was a series of meetings, encounters and foreign visits by His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, which reflected an active Qatari presence in managing the complex files of the region, in addition to visits by a number of leaders, ministers and officials and meetings in Doha.
The past few weeks have witnessed intense diplomatic activity, including direct contacts between Doha, Washington, Tehran, and Islamabad, the main mediator in the crisis, along with a number of influential capitals. During these contacts, developments in the Middle East region were discussed, along with ways to reduce escalation, support dialogue, and discuss understandings related to reducing and ending tensions and enhancing regional stability, with a focus on ensuring maritime security and the continuity of global supply and energy chains.
As efforts to end the crisis between Washington and Tehran accelerated, HH the Amir made a phone call on June 11 to HE US President Trump, during which they reviewed the results of consultations and understandings between the US and Iran, which led to progress in the initial understandings between them.
The US President confirmed that these understandings have been approved by the concerned parties, with the participation and support of a number of fraternal countries, including the State of Qatar, while work continues to complete the final procedures in preparation for announcing the arrangements for the aforementioned framework agreement.
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also held a phone call on Saturday with the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, during which they reviewed the relations of cooperation between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them. They also discussed the latest developments in the region, and Pakistani mediation efforts aimed at reducing escalation in a way that contributes to enhancing security and stability.
His Excellency expressed the State of Qatar’s great satisfaction with the progress made in the negotiations and the announcement by the Pakistani mediation of reaching the final text of the peace agreement, reiterating Qatar’s full support for the Pakistani mediation efforts aimed at ending the crisis through peaceful means.
Qatar’s intensive diplomatic efforts since the beginning of the crisis have included a series of contacts with many leaders and officials of fraternal and friendly countries and regional and international leaders, in addition to group, trilateral and bilateral meetings on the sidelines of regional and international conferences, all of which demonstrated extensive Qatari coordination to support the path of de-escalation, and to promote dialogue as a strategic option for resolving the conflict between the US and Iran, and addressing the crises of the region in general, with the continuous emphasis on the need to prioritize political and diplomatic solutions and avoid escalation.
Qatar’s role in resolving the current crisis between the American and Iranian sides was not limited to traditional mediation, as it evolved into an integrated diplomatic path based on building trust between the parties, facilitating indirect and direct communication channels, and supporting regional mediation efforts, especially those led by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, which contributed to providing a more flexible and open negotiating environment for political solutions.
In a special statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Qatari political analyst Dr. Abdullah Al Otaibi emphasized the very important role of the State of Qatar in supporting efforts to reach a framework MoU for peace between the US and Iran, which was led by Pakistan.Dr. Al Otaibi stressed that the State of Qatar's foreign policy is based on mediation in resolving conflicts through peaceful diplomatic means and methods, and has remained keen to support this approach throughout the world and not just in the region, for the benefit of all.
He noted that Qatar, with its previous cumulative experience in the field of mediation, successfully helped facilitate peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran, pointing to the great confidence that Qatar enjoys from the international community, given its previous achievements in various negotiation tracks, gaining the trust of the conflicting parties, and its cooperation and partnerships with other sisterly and friendly parties.
Dr. Al Otaibi explained that the MoU agreement between Washington and Tehran is an understanding and a step in the right direction, and that what is required is to adhere to its terms in order to end the war, move forward to a sustainable peace, and prioritize reason over escalation, which will greatly help the parties to reach a final peace agreement between them.
Qatar's commendable efforts and its good offices to resolve the conflict and disputes between Washington and Tehran have been widely praised and welcomed by the United Nations and several countries, organizations, and regional and international bodies concerned with peace, security, and conflict resolution worldwide.
These ongoing diplomatic efforts in mediation and dispute settlement come as an extension of Qatar's pivotal role, under the guidance of its wise leadership, as a trusted peace broker regionally and globally, a role reflected in historic initiatives and agreements in various parts of the world.
The world is also witnessing a growing role by the State of Qatar in mediation and good offices across several areas, including ceasefire agreements, restoration of diplomatic relations, release of hostages, prisoner exchanges, support for national dialogues, resolution of border disputes, and the strengthening of humanitarian efforts at both regional and international levels.
Examples of this include, but are not limited to, the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, Qatar's efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, among other agreements that have led to family reunification and the exchange of the release of prisoners, detainees, and journalists in various parts of the world. This has made Qatar's policy and efforts a unique approach and model of mediation, through its multifaceted strategy and inclusive approach.
Since the beginning of the current crisis, the State of Qatar has repeatedly affirmed its full support for all diplomatic avenues aimed at de-escalation and ending the war through diplomatic means. This has strengthened its global standing as a neutral and reliable mediator and contributed to the success of its efforts in building bridges and bringing viewpoints closer between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, leading to the formulation of initial understandings.
Following the signing of the framework agreement between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the commencement of technical talks on its implementation, the international community must work together to ensure its success, so that it may evolve into a final agreement and a sustainable peace plan that guarantees not only regional stability but also global peace.