Iran, Qatar FMs Discuss Reducing Escalation in Gaza

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian discussed with his Qatari counterpart, Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, in Doha (Iranian Foreign Ministry)

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian discussed on Wednesday the recent developments in the Gaza Strip and ways to reduce the escalation with his Qatari counterpart, Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani.
In a brief statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry reported that Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed met on Wednesday with Iran’s Foreign Minister, who is visiting the country.
During the meeting, they discussed the latest developments in the occupied Palestinian territories and ways of de-escalating the situation and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
In turn, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a detailed statement that the two ministers discussed bilateral and regional issues, stressing the importance of the developments in Palestine and Gaza.
They reiterated the need to stop Israel’s ongoing military attacks on Gazans, pointing out the importance of sending humanitarian aid and increasing international and regional pressure to reach a political solution.
The top officials also called for maintaining joint efforts toward achieving the agreed-upon goals based on the demands and needs of the Palestinian people.
Amirabdollahian said that “time is not on the side of the US and the Zionist entity,” adding that Israel’s insistence on continuing the war, with Washington’s support, will only increase the scope of the military and political defeat.
The Iranian statement described the “joint efforts” to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and support the sending of humanitarian aid as “positive and influential.”
It added that the talks between the two FMs addressed the joint efforts to advance a political solution and stop the Israeli war machine against Gaza, and the foreign ministers agreed to pursue new ideas.
The two sides agreed to increase cooperation in various areas, and the Qatari PM presented “a positive assessment of the bilateral ties”, the Iranian statement indicated.
It noted that Sheikh Mohammed expressed Doha’s determination to implement agreements concluded by the two countries' leaders to develop trade and economic relations.
Amirabdollahian described the political relations between the two countries as “constructive and distinguished,” stressing the need to boost joint efforts in trade and economic ties in parallel with political connections.
Iran’s FM began his third visit within 75 days to Doha, with discussions with Hamas politburo chief Ismail Haniyeh.
Amirabdollahian condemned what he described as “comprehensive and unrestricted US support” to Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza, adding that Washington is making efforts and sending political messages to get out of the current impasse and military strategic defeat.
The US realization that war is not the solution is a significant development, said Amirabdollahian, adding that Washington must stop supporting the “crazy military strategy of the occupation regime as soon as possible.”
The White House is seeking a political solution for an “honorable exit from the war and saving Israel from strategic defeat”, he stated.
Haniyeh had addressed the latest efforts aimed at ending the Israeli attacks on Gaza and the West Bank to reach a sustainable ceasefire, lift the siege, and send humanitarian aid.
State-owned ISNA news agency added that Haniyeh praised Iran’s political, diplomatic, and media support and the resistance movement.