Qatari FM Delivers US Message to Tehran

EghtesadOnline: Qatar’s foreign minister said he delivered messages from the United States to Tehran during his visit on Sunday.

News ID: ۷۵۲۲۱۲

30 January 2023

Qatar’s foreign minister said he delivered messages from the United States to Tehran during his visit on Sunday.

“[The message] is related to the [2015 nuclear] deal, although it may not be directly related,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said in a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, ISNA reported.

He said now is a good opportunity to address issues surrounding the deal and prepare the ground for the return of all sides to the deal, ensuring that their concerns are considered.

“Doha encourages all parties to return to this agreement,” he said.

The 2015 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, has been unravelling since the US pulled out in 2018 and reimposed tough sanctions that prompted Tehran to row back on its commitments.

Negotiations began in early 2021 to work out how both sides could resume compliance, but have been stalled for months.

During the press conference, Amir-Abdollahian appreciated Doha’s efforts to help finalize an agreement on JCPOA revival, confirming that messages were received from the other parties through the Qatari top diplomat.

The two foreign ministers also discussed subjects related to bilateral ties, as well as regional and international developments.

They exchanged views about the expansion of trade ties via state and private sectors and agreed to remove potential obstacles and expedite collaborations, according to Amir-Abdollahian.

He also said Iran welcomes Qatar’s view about the promotion of regional dialogue, saying it can play an effective role in clearing misunderstandings and settling problems and tensions in the region.

“Iran believes that negotiation and sense of responsibility are essential requisites for strong and lasting cooperation between all regional states,” he said.

Al Thani said they reviewed the need for enhancing regional security and reducing tensions, reiterating Qatar’s emphasis on non-intervention in other countries’ domestic affairs and good neighborliness.

The Ukraine crisis was another topic of discussion between the two ministers.

Kiev accuses Iran of supplying drones to Russia for its war, while Iran only confirms that a limited number of aerial vehicles had been delivered to Moscow months before the onset of the conflict.

The two countries held one round of talks in Oman last month to discuss the allegations.

“In response to Qatar’s efforts and initiatives, we welcome any measure toward holding a second round of Tehran-Kiev negotiations,” Amir-Abdollahian said.

He highlighted Iran’s longstanding ties with Russia which are based on mutual interests, saying such constructive relations should not be interpreted as confrontation with the other warring party.

“Relations between Iran and Ukraine should also not be taken as hostility with the other party,” he said, underlining Iran’s advocacy of political dialogue for settling this conflict.

The Qatari minister also called on both sides to clear misunderstandings through dialogue.