Qatar says Washington, Tehran exchanging messages as mediation continues

Qatar said Tuesday that Washington and Tehran are exchanging messages as mediation efforts and diplomatic contacts continue in an attempt to achieve progress amid months of stalled negotiations about ending the war.

Ibrahim al-Hashimi, director of media and communications at the Foreign Ministry, made the remarks at a news conference in response to a question about Iranian Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni’s visit to Doha.

“Contacts and visits are continuing with the aim of reaching progress that can be built upon between Washington and Tehran,” al-Hashimi said.

He stressed that mediation efforts between the two sides “are continuing and have not stopped.”

The efforts are aimed at achieving progress “that can be built upon and that includes all issues of concern to both parties,” according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

“Talks are continuing, there is an exchange of messages between Washington and Tehran, and Qatar is a mediator between the parties,” said al-Hashimi.

He added that a resolution requires the “best efforts” through negotiated solutions that take into consideration the concerns of all parties.

Qatar, alongside Pakistan, has been mediating between Washington and Tehran to end the war that began in late February. An initial agreement in June failed to halt the fighting.

Iranian pilots

Asked about the case of Iranian pilots who were shot down, al-Hashimi said Qatar had “been clear from the beginning that this issue has been dealt with” and that Iran had been informed of the latest developments.

He said Doha is open to a visit by Iran to review measures taken in the case.

Iran’s official IRNA news agency reported Tuesday that Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni is visiting Doha for talks.

Momeni said discussions were held about the pilots and another technical delegation will be sent to continue work on the issue.

He said regional developments were also discussed and described the meeting as “productive and constructive,” saying it offered promising prospects for future cooperation, according to IRNA.

Iran’s General Staff said Aug. 15 that Qatar is holding three of four Iranian pilots who had been aboard two fighter jets that went down during the war with the US and Israel, and had been held in Qatar for six months. Doha denied the claim.

Qatar said March 2 that it had shot down two Iranian Su-24 aircraft approaching from Iran. Tehran said its fighter jets had been targeted during attacks on a US base in Qatar.

Iran later said the body of Majid Kazemi had been returned and buried, while the fate of the other three pilots remained unclear, according to Iranian officials.

Mecca Alliance

On regional developments, al-Hashimi said Qatar supports initiatives taken by countries in the region to safeguard their security, sovereignty and territorial integrity, including the Mecca Defense Alliance between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

He said the alliance strengthens regional cooperation aimed at preserving countries’ capabilities and stability.

Qatar supports any initiative that contributes to regional security and stability, he said, adding that it is “too early to talk about Qatar joining the Mecca Alliance.”

Al-Hashimi reiterated Doha’s support for Saudi Arabia in measures it takes to safeguard its security and territorial integrity.

“We condemn the irresponsible approach adopted by the Houthi group in targeting the Kingdom, Islamic holy sites and civilian objects, and we support the Kingdom in all measures it takes to preserve its security and territorial integrity,” he said.

He added that additional details regarding the Iranian minister’s visit will be announced by the Interior Ministry.