Getting accustomed to the region’s current state of “no war and no peace” would not serve the region's or the world's interests, Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hashmi, director of the Media and Communication Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), stressed.
Speaking at the MoFA's weekly media briefing, he reiterated Qatar's view that such a situation represents an ongoing drain on people's resources and states' economic and development capacities.
He also noted that the repercussions have extended beyond the regional context, with negative effects reaching the global economy, supply chains, and international economic stability.
Accordingly, he stressed that Qatar has been working to overcome the current political deadlock, create suitable conditions for resuming diplomatic tracks, and facilitate dialogue among the parties concerned. However, both parties to the conflict need serious intent and resolve to settle the situation peacefully.
Al-Hashmi said that Qatar continues intensive and sustained coordination and cooperation with its regional and international partners to revive the negotiating process and advance political solutions.
He also pointed to the ongoing co-operation with China, coinciding with the visit by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani to Beijing.
He explained that the primary objective of these diplomatic moves and contacts is to resume the diplomatic process and put forward practical and balanced ideas that take into account the genuine concerns and apprehensions of all parties. Such efforts would help create an encouraging environment for dialogue and enhance the prospects of reaching sustainable solutions that address the root causes of crises and ensure long-term stability.
Further, he maintained that the success of any mediation efforts, initiatives, or ideas remains primarily linked to the extent of political will among the parties concerned. He emphasised that returning to the negotiating table and adopting peaceful means to address crises remain the only option capable of sparing the region further tension, escalation and depletion, while opening the way for approaches that are more stable and secure and serve the interests of all peoples of the region.
In the meantime, Al Hashmi said the immediate and unconditional reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as an international waterway, is a top priority for Qatar and all countries in the region. He emphasised the strait’s vital importance to global trade flows, energy supplies, and regional and international economies.
Regarding Iran’s citing of a Qatari document to argue that its strikes were limited to US military facilities, al-Hashmi revealed that Qatar has sent hundreds of official letters and communications to both the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly. These communications formally and in detail documented the reality of the Iranian attacks targeting Qatar and clearly confirmed that the attacks directly struck civilian and economic facilities inside the country. These communications constitute an official, documented record before the international community, reflecting Qatar’s position based on transparency and adherence to international law and relevant international institutions.
He added that such measures document the facts and prompt the international community to assume its responsibilities regarding these violations.
However, al-Hashmi stressed that Qatar continues to approach crises from a balanced and responsible diplomatic perspective, emphasising that this stage is not a time to exchange accusations or assign blame, but rather calls for continued dialogue and negotiations to consolidate security and stability in the region.
He said the current circumstances require prioritising reason, diplomacy, and joint action to reduce tensions and create the conditions necessary to achieve security and stability. Such efforts would serve the interests of the region’s peoples and spare them further crises and repercussions.
Regarding Israeli statements describing Qatar as an “aggressive state,” he said the genocide crimes committed by Israel, together with the realities on the ground arising from its conduct in the occupied Palestinian territories, completely undermine Israel’s repeated claims of being the “only democracy in the Middle East” or having what it describes as a “moral army.”
Al-Hashmi noted that over the past years, Qatar has faced systematic media and political campaigns aimed at distorting its image and targeting the country. Yet these campaigns have been refuted before the international community with facts and realities, with actual practices demonstrating that Qatar is a responsible and trustworthy partner, committed to international law and continuing to perform its humanitarian and mediation roles responsibly and effectively.
Accordingly, he affirmed that Israeli officials understand the nature of Qatar’s responsible role and Doha’s steadfast commitment to efforts to achieve peace and stability. He also stressed that Qatar will not be affected or intimidated by such statements, which he said are primarily intended for “domestic consumption,” as Qatar will continue to carry out its diplomatic and humanitarian role and its efforts to preserve peace, security and stability at both the regional and international levels.