Qatari Team Visits Tehran for Peace Talks
TEHRAN: A negotiating team from Qatar arrived in Tehran on Friday, working alongside the United States to help facilitate a resolution to the ongoing conflict with Iran. This initiative aims to address key issues and ultimately bring an end to the war, as reported by a knowledgeable source.
Qatar, which has previously acted as a mediator in various international disputes, had distanced itself from involvement in the Iran conflict after suffering missile and drone attacks from Iran during recent hostilities.
According to the source, this Qatari team traveled to Iran with U.S. coordination, focusing on reaching a comprehensive agreement to conclude the war and settle remaining disputes.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet provided a response to inquiries regarding the team’s visit.
Since the conflict erupted, Pakistan has been the primary mediator. However, Qatar’s renewed involvement highlights its role as a trusted ally of the U.S. in the region and a reliable communicator between Washington and Tehran.
A fragile ceasefire has been established since fighting began following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Yet, significant progress remains elusive, with a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz complicating the negotiation process.
An Iranian source indicated that while no agreement has been finalized, discussions have narrowed the gaps, particularly regarding Iran’s uranium enrichment and control of the strait.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged some positive developments on Thursday, stating, “There are some good signs. I don’t want to be overly optimistic, so we’ll see what unfolds in the coming days.”
When asked about the Qatari team’s presence in Iran, Rubio emphasized that Pakistan remains the main mediator in the talks, praising their efforts. He noted that while other countries, especially those in the Gulf region, have their own concerns, Pakistan continues to be the principal partner in this dialogue.
Despite facing intense attacks from Iran, including hundreds of missiles and drones that targeted Qatari infrastructure and its crucial liquefied natural gas (LNG) production facility, Qatar’s engagement aims to foster stability. The strikes notably disrupted approximately 17 percent of Qatar’s LNG export capacity, and LNG production was halted shortly after.
Before the conflict, around 20 percent of global LNG traded through the Strait of Hormuz, predominantly from Qatar. Iran’s actions have significantly restricted Qatar’s LNG export capabilities.
Qatar is a major non-NATO ally of the United States and is home to Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East.
