‘If there were no hope, there would be no negotiations’: Majed Al Ansari

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson says Iran and the U.S. remain committed to diplomatic efforts as mediators exchange proposals, despite regional tensions. Qatar remains hopeful that Iran and the United States can reach a deal, with both sides showing commitment to diplomacy, Advisor to Qatar’s Prime Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said on Tuesday.Speaking at the MoFA’s press briefing, Al Ansari said a Qatari delegation had returned from Tehran on Monday evening after meeting Iranian officials for more than three hours.The meeting, which had initially been scheduled to last one hour, involved discussions aimed at bringing the U.S. and Iran closer to an agreement. Al Ansari described the ongoing mediation efforts as a positive indication of both sides’ willingness to engage. “Both sides have shown commitment to the diplomatic path through engaging with us and others in the region,” he said. He confirmed that Washington and Tehran were reviewing proposals presented through Qatar’s mediation efforts, with Doha continuing to exchange ideas and suggestions between the parties. While Al Ansari did not disclose details of the proposals or identify any obstacles, he maintained that the ongoing engagement offered grounds for optimism. “If there were no hope, there would be no negotiations,” Al Ansari said.He stressed that Qatar does not take sides in the negotiations, reiterating that its priority remains securing a peaceful resolution. “We remain hopeful that there is still a chance for a deal to take place,” he said. U.S. strikes on Iran raise concerns over diplomatic efforts Responding to questions about the recent U.S. attack on Iran’s Qeshm Island, Al Ansari warned that further escalation could threaten regional security and complicate ongoing diplomatic negotiations. “Any escalation that has taken place in the region represents a threat for the whole region,” he said.While Al Ansari did not directly comment on the impact of the U.S. strike on ongoing diplomatic efforts, he reiterated that Qatar remained focused on preventing further tensions and securing a diplomatic agreement. Qatar condemns attack on Al Mayeda LNG carrierAl Ansari reiterated Qatar’s condemnation of the attack on the Al Mayeda LNG carrier, stressing that threats to maritime navigation in Gulf waters were unacceptable. “We do not accept any threat to the freedom of navigation, whether against the Qatari carrier or any other carrier in the Gulf,” Al Ansari said.He warned that the attacks on vessels and other forms of military escalation could further complicate ongoing negotiations.Qatar reaffirms regional coordination Al Ansari also highlighted Qatar’s close coordination with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other regional partners, describing diplomatic engagement as continuous, while reaffirming Qatar’s continued mediation efforts alongside Pakistan. “We are working very closely with our neighbours here in the region and our partners internationally almost on an hourly basis to exchange ideas and every country is playing its role to reach a positive end to this crisis,” he said.Addressing questions about Yemen, Al Ansari reiterated Qatar’s support for the country’s internationally recognised government and condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia.