Qatar Urges Restraint After Iranian Strikes

Qatar has condemned Iran's recent military strikes and called for de-escalation through dialogue. Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held separate phone calls on Sunday with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Oman to discuss the situation. During the calls, the minister expressed Qatar's strong disapproval of the attacks, which have heightened tensions in the Middle East. He urged all parties involved to prioritize diplomacy and avoid further conflict. The move reflects Qatar's longstanding role as a regional mediator. The Iranian strikes, which targeted Israel with drones and missiles, have drawn international condemnation. Iran said the action was retaliation for an attack on its embassy compound in Damascus earlier this month. Israel has vowed to respond, raising fears of a wider war. Qatar, which maintains ties with both Iran and the United States, has often acted as a go-between in regional disputes. The country also hosts the largest U.S. military base in the region. By coordinating with key allies like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Oman, Doha aims to prevent the conflict from spiraling. Analysts say Qatar's diplomatic push underscores the urgency of containing the crisis. The Gulf state has previously mediated ceasefires in Gaza and helped facilitate talks between the U.S. and Iran. Now, it is leveraging its relationships to urge restraint. The United Nations and other world powers have similarly called for calm. However, the risk of a broader confrontation remains high. Qatar's message is clear: dialogue must replace retaliation.