Qatar seeks to revive Iran-U.S. diplomacy

Qatar’s prime minister visited Tehran in an effort to restart diplomacy after tensions rose again between Iran and the United States over Washington’s plan to increase economic pressure on Tehran. The visit highlighted Qatar’s role as a mediator, as the Persian Gulf state has long maintained ties with both sides and has previously helped secure temporary calm through back-channel talks and direct engagement.

The meeting came at a time when the conflict remains unresolved. Fighting has mostly slowed, but there is still no diplomatic breakthrough, and both sides continue to clash over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil shipments.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country demands full recognition of its legal rights under international law and will not surrender to pressure or bullying. He described Iran and Qatar as friendly and brotherly nations, and said recent conflict has delayed agreements that could have expanded cooperation between the two countries. He also accused the United States and Israel of working to block peace and stability in the region.

Pezeshkian said Iran does not want war and warned that prolonging the conflict would be damaging not only for Iran, but also for the wider region and the world. He criticized what he called unlawful attacks and said American officials should ignore voices that oppose a return to peace.

The Qatari prime minister said Doha is working to restore stability and sees Iran’s efforts to engage neighboring countries as a positive step. He said the language of force and threats cannot solve the crisis and insisted that diplomacy, rationality and logic are needed to bring back calm.

The Qatari side said talks are already underway to implement existing understandings and deepen bilateral relations, with hopes that renewed diplomatic engagement will lead to practical solutions in the coming days.