The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed, on Tuesday, the continuation of mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, noting that progress has been achieved in the negotiations and that positive signals have been received from both parties regarding the chances of reaching a diplomatic solution. But it declined to specify a possible date for concluding an agreement, while warning of the economic and humanitarian repercussions of the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz as winter approaches.
Ibrahim Al-Hashimi, Director of the Media and Communications Department at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said during the weekly press briefing that the mediation efforts led by Doha in coordination with its regional and international partners have gained “remarkable momentum” over the past weeks and days. Pointing out that the moves included a visit by Qatari officials to Tehran, followed by consultations with countries in the region and international partners, leading to discussions held by the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in the White House.
Al-Hashemi said: “Qatari efforts have continued over the past weeks and days, and have gained noticeable momentum in coordination with regional and international partners and concerned parties,” adding: “There was a visit by Qatari officials to Tehran, followed by discussions with the countries of the region, countries of the region, and relevant partners. In conclusion, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs visited the United States of America and the discussions that were held in the White House.
He explained that the White House discussions were positive and focused on making progress in the negotiations and bringing views closer between Washington and Tehran.
He added: “There has been talk in the media over the past few days about an imminent strike, but, praise be to God, we see that mediation efforts are still continuing, and there is positive talk from both sides about a diplomatic solution.”
The Qatari official stressed that Doha continues its efforts to support the negotiating path, paving the way for reaching a comprehensive agreement on Iran, which contributes to achieving security and stability in the region.
He said: “Mediation is not only a political and technical process; Rather, in essence, it is raising the banner of hope and deep belief in a peaceful solution, no matter how complex the circumstances are and no matter how great the challenges are.”
In response to a question about an Iranian proposal that includes a two-day deadline, and whether it was originally proposed by the Qatari mediator, Al-Hashemi refrained from going into the details of the proposal or confirming that an agreement was close to being reached, stressing the continuation of diplomatic efforts.
He said: “What we can confirm is that as long as diplomacy continues, there is a glimmer of hope and the possibility of reaching a diplomatic solution,” adding that this is the goal that mediators and regional and international partners are working on.
He stressed that Doha seeks to invest all available opportunities to make the negotiations successful, saying that “the mediator focuses on the glimmer of hope, and is focused on not leaving any window for a solution without trying to open it.”
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Al-Hashemi warned of the worsening economic and humanitarian repercussions of its continued closure. Especially with the approaching winter and rising global energy needs.
He said: “The approach of winter, with the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, doubles the cost of its closure on all countries of the world and on vulnerable peoples in particular.”
He added: “There is an energy crisis that countries around the world are going through, and the continued closure of the strait doubles this crisis,” stressing the need to intensify efforts to end the crisis and restore freedom of navigation in the strait as soon as possible.
He pointed out that the ongoing diplomatic movements aim to reach a settlement that contributes to alleviating regional tensions and reopening the shipping lane to ship traffic.
In a related context, Qatar renewed its solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the face of the threats it is exposed to, stressing support for the measures it is taking to protect its security.
Al Hashemi said: “We affirm the State of Qatar’s full solidarity with it in the measures it takes, and we stress the necessity of a peaceful solution to this crisis.”
On another level, the Qatari Foreign Ministry reported that the Qatari Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza provided urgent assistance to those affected by the rains in more than 19 camps, as part of efforts aimed at alleviating the humanitarian conditions in the Strip.
The defense ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries approved, in their meeting on Tuesday, the launch of an advanced command for the unified military command in Kuwait, and the allocation of appropriate forces to it, as part of decisions taken at the 23rd session of the Joint Defense Council in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in Manama, headed by Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defense Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain - Chairman of the current session -, and with the participation of the Defense Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
During the meeting, ways to enhance the process of joint Gulf defense action were discussed. In a way that contributes to supporting the security and stability of the Council countries and the region, discussing a number of issues of common interest, and adopting a number of decisions and recommendations included on the meeting’s agenda.
The Saudi Minister of Defense delivered a speech in which he praised the constructive outcomes and decisions that resulted from the meeting that strengthen the Gulf defense integration process and contribute to raising the level of coordination and readiness to confront various risks and challenges. In order to ensure the security and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
At the conclusion of his speech, Prince Khalid bin Salman expressed his welcome to the defense ministers of the GCC countries in their second country, Saudi Arabia, during its hosting of joint Gulf military action meetings at all levels in the next session.
In a post on his account on “X”, the Saudi Defense Minister said that the meeting of the 23rd session of the Joint Defense Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, held in Bahrain, confirms “our common aspiration to continue coordination, cooperation and integration between our countries, which contributes to strengthening our military and defense capabilities to confront all challenges and threats to preserve our security and stability.”
Prince Khalid bin Salman, Saudi Minister of Defense, began an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, to head the Kingdom’s delegation participating in the 23rd session of the Joint Defense Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
An official reception ceremony was held for the Minister of Defense upon his arrival at Bahrain International Airport, where he was welcomed by the Minister of Defense Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi. Immediately upon the arrival of Prince Khalid bin Salman, the two sides discussed the depth of brotherly relations and the ongoing defense coordination between the two brotherly countries within the framework of the joint Gulf action system.
In the same context, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, said that the decision to launch an advanced command for the unified military command comes within the framework of strengthening joint Gulf military action, and in implementation of the directives of the leaders of the GCC states during their extraordinary meeting in Jeddah last April, aiming to unify efforts and raise readiness to confront common threats and challenges, and to preserve the security, sovereignty and stability of the GCC states.
Al-Budaiwi pointed out that the Joint Defense Council meeting approved a number of decisions aimed at strengthening Gulf military integration, and stressed that the leaders of the Council countries give joint military action a priority, based on the responsibility of the armed forces to protect the security and independence of the Gulf states, and the necessity of developing their capabilities to face current and future challenges.
The Secretary-General of the Council, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, praised the efficiency and sacrifices of the Gulf armed forces in confronting the Iranian attacks.
He also condemned in the strongest terms the Iranian attacks and the treacherous Houthi militia that targeted civilian objects and holy sites in Saudi Arabia, stressing that the GCC countries stand united and in full solidarity with the Kingdom to protect its security and stability based on the unity of the Gulf destiny.
