Doha, November 04, 2026 : Qatar is continuing its diplomatic efforts to narrow differences between the United States and Iran by facilitating the exchange of proposals, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Ministry's weekly media briefing, Al Ansari said both sides had shown commitment to the negotiation process and were reviewing proposals despite the ongoing regional escalation.
He confirmed that a Qatari delegation visiting Tehran on Monday held a meeting with Iranian counterparts lasting approximately three hours. The discussions involved exchanging views on proposals under consideration to bridge differences between the two sides. The delegation returned to Doha later that evening.
Al Ansari said communication between the parties and mediators remains ongoing, with proposals being exchanged continuously as both sides assess the ideas presented. He described the continuation of negotiations and the parties' willingness to consider proposals as a "glimmer of hope" for reaching an agreement, while cautioning that it was too early to speak of a specific breakthrough.
He stressed that Qatar's mediation efforts are being conducted in close coordination with regional partners, particularly Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. He said there is broad regional agreement on the need to prevent further escalation and protect the region's peoples from additional tensions.
The spokesperson reaffirmed that Qatari-Pakistani mediation remains a priority, warning that further escalation would serve no party's interests. He added that Qatar continues to coordinate with regional officials and international partners to pursue diplomatic solutions.
On maritime security and regional developments
Addressing the targeting of the Qatari gas carrier Al Mayeda, Al Ansari reiterated Qatar's condemnation of the incident and stressed that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf is non-negotiable.
He said Qatar rejects threats to maritime navigation, whether targeting Qatari vessels or any other ships operating in Gulf waters. He warned that military attacks and the targeting of vessels threaten the entire region and its people, while also affecting ongoing negotiations.
Al Ansari said efforts are underway to contain the escalation and reach a diplomatic agreement to resolve the crisis.
He also highlighted the high level of regional coordination, noting that leaders and officials across the region maintain regular communication as part of a collective effort to support mediation and prevent further tensions. Qatar, he added, welcomes initiatives by regional partners and supports the establishment of a regional security framework capable of ensuring lasting stability.
Qatar's position on Yemen
Turning to Yemen, Al Ansari reiterated Qatar's support for the legitimate Yemeni government and the Yemeni people in overcoming the crisis and achieving their aspirations.
He recalled Qatar's condemnation of attacks carried out by the Houthi group against Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Doha's support for the Kingdom and its commitment to implementing agreements reached under the GCC framework.
Qatar-Russia relations and diplomatic engagement with Iran
Commenting on HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to Russia, Al Ansari highlighted the wide-ranging cooperation between Doha and Moscow, particularly in the energy sector.
He said the Amir's participation in the eighth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) reflected Qatar's commitment to coordination in the global energy market and efforts to support energy security.
Al Ansari also noted Russia's influence in international affairs and its position as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. He said discussions between the Amir and the Russian President addressed the regional crisis and Moscow's potential role, alongside other international partners and Security Council members, in supporting efforts to resolve it.
Regarding the Amir's meeting with the Iranian President, Al Ansari said it formed part of ongoing bilateral engagement between Qatar and Iran. He reiterated Qatar's commitment to dialogue and welcomed Iran's positive engagement in negotiations and mediation efforts.
He added that Qatari officials continue to engage with their Iranian counterparts at the highest levels to pursue solutions that strengthen regional security, stability and prosperity.
Qatar rejects allegations of interference in Israeli elections
In a separate part of the briefing, Al Ansari rejected Israeli allegations that Qatar had interfered in the country's elections or sought to influence their outcome.
Referring to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement issued the previous week, he described the claims as "absurd and baseless" and said Qatar would not accept being used as a "scapegoat" amid Israel's internal political divisions.
He urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address domestic political challenges rather than shift them onto other countries.
Al Ansari stressed that such allegations would not deter Qatar from continuing its mediation efforts concerning Gaza and Iran or from pursuing its role as a mediator for peace internationally.
Source: QNA
