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Observer
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Observer
Qatar-Iran ties scarred but should recover after missile salvo
DOHA: Qatar's prime minister said on Tuesday relations with Iran have been scarred by an Iranian missile volley at a US air base in the Gulf Arab state, but that he hoped ties would eventually "come back to normal". Iran responded to US participation in Israel's air war against Iran by firing missiles on Monday at the Al Udeid Air Base, but no one was hurt after Tehran gave advance warning, and a ceasefire was announced hours later by Washington. Qatar, situated just across the Gulf from Iran, has often acted as a mediator in regional conflicts, including between Iran and the United States and between Israel and Hamas in the continuing Gaza war. "What happened will definitely have its scar on the relationship (with Iran), but I hope by the time everyone learns the lesson that this kind of neighbourhood relationship should not be violated and should not be undermined," Qatar's prime minister, Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani, told a press conference with his Lebanese counterpart in Doha. "The partnership between Qatar and the US is just growing stronger... and I hope the good relationship with Iran comes back to normal as soon as possible," he said. Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani holds a press conference in Doha. — AFP Al Thani added that Qatar had liaised with Iran at Washington's request to help facilitate the ceasefire. "We hope the ceasefire will continue as agreed upon, and we urge both the US and Iran to return to the negotiating table with the aim of reaching a comprehensive diplomatic solution, something that Qatar has consistently sought," he said. He added that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed regret in a phone call with Qatar's ruling Emir Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani that Tehran's target in retaliating for US air strikes was a military base in Qatar. Operations at two of the world's busiest airports in Doha and Dubai slowed to a crawl on Tuesday as thousands of travellers queued for hours, facing long delays and flight cancellations after the temporary closure of airspace a day earlier. Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait shut their airspace late on Monday after Iran's strike on a US military base in Qatar's capital Doha, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute hundreds of flights and creating a backlog of stranded passengers. Lines were so long that arguments broke out as some passengers jumped queues, according to a witness. Around 250 flights were cancelled at Hamad airport, while another 238 were delayed, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24. Qatar Airways said it was "making progress in restoring its schedule" with possible disruptions until June 26. Air India said on Tuesday it would resume those flights as soon as airspaces reopen, while other carriers such as flydubai warned that delays would persist due to airspace congestion. — Reuters
Muscat Daily
13-04-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Gulf nations commend Oman's diplomatic role in hosting Iran-US talks
Muscat – The Sultanate of Oman's role as host for high-level talks between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran has drawn widespread praise from several Gulf nations, reaffirming Oman's long-standing reputation as a trusted mediator in regional diplomacy. The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomed the hosting of the discussions, expressing its appreciation for Oman's diplomatic efforts and affirming its support for initiatives aimed at resolving disputes through peaceful dialogue. Bahrain noted that such efforts would contribute to enhancing security, stability, and peace both regionally and internationally. In a telephone conversation, Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al Busaidi and His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani, reviewed regional developments, including the ongoing talks in Muscat. The Qatari Foreign Minister praised Oman's positive and constructive role in fostering dialogue, and reaffirmed Qatar's support for efforts that promote security and stability in the region. The State of Kuwait also issued a statement welcoming the Sultanate's hosting of the talks and commending the constructive role Oman has played in this context. It further highlighted the positive spirit that prevailed during the discussions and the encouraging tone of the statements issued by both the United States and Iran. Similarly, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed the initiative, affirming its support for the efforts and expressing hope that the outcome of the talks would pave the way for enhanced joint action to promote security, stability, and peace in the region and globally. The talks in Muscat come at a critical time for regional diplomacy, as stakeholders seek to ease tensions and open new pathways for cooperation amid complex geopolitical challenges. Oman's balanced and discreet diplomacy continues to be widely acknowledged as a key stabilising force in the Gulf and beyond.
