DOHA: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday held crucial talks with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, in Doha amid rising tensions in the Middle East, following Israel’s warning of retaliation against Iran for a missile attack last week.
Qatar, which has played a key role in negotiating ceasefires in Gaza, has been actively calling for a truce in Lebanon, where Israel has intensified airstrikes against Hezbollah.
According to Esmail Baghaei, a spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry, the talks between the two top diplomats focused on the “important consultations” regarding both conflicts.
In a statement on social media platform X, Baghaei emphasized the urgency for regional cooperation. “It is only responsible for all states to maximize their efforts to shield our region against an imposed catastrophe by stopping genocide in Gaza and aggression on Lebanon,” he said.
Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed that the two foreign ministers discussed recent developments in Gaza and Lebanon.
Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as Qatar’s prime minister, affirmed the country’s “full readiness to do everything possible to enhance security and stability at the regional and international levels.”
Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, vowed on Wednesday that Israel’s retaliation against Iran for last week’s missile attack would be “deadly, precise, and surprising.” The attack has raised fears of a broader conflict in the region.
In a call between U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, both leaders agreed to maintain “close contact” as Israel finalizes its strategy.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also traveled to Qatar last week, where he stated that Tehran does not seek war with Israel but would respond strongly if Israel retaliates for the missile strike.
