Qatar says new US sanctions on Iran ‘unilateral’

Qatar said Tuesday that the new US sanctions on Iran are “unilateral,” stressing that Doha continues its mediation efforts to resolve the conflict between Tehran and Washington through negotiations, Anadolu reports.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari told a weekly news briefing that Qatar remains supportive of mediation efforts to resolve the conflict and bring the US and Iran back to the negotiating table.

He said Qatar’s contacts with the parties have continued in recent weeks, but there have been no new developments in the mediation process.

Ansari stressed that all Gulf countries support reaching a peaceful solution to the US-Iran conflict, saying there is full coordination among Gulf states to deal with different scenarios arising from any escalation.

He warned that further escalation would have wider repercussions for both the region and the world.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Ansari said restoring normal navigation through the strategic waterway remains one of Qatar’s priorities.

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He said the situation in the strait should return to what it was before the conflict, stressing the need to ensure freedom of navigation.

Ansari accused Iran of closing Hormuz in violation of freedom of navigation under international law.

He also rejected Iran’s attempts to involve countries in the region whenever Tehran comes under attack by a third party.

Ansari stressed that Qatar does not support one side against another, saying the priority is to reach an agreement among the parties.

The US on Monday launched what it called “Operation Economic Outcast,” a sweeping sanctions campaign aimed at isolating Iran from the global financial system.

On Gaza, Ansari called for pressure on Israel to accelerate implementation of the ceasefire agreement under US President Donald Trump’s plan.

​​​​​​​“If Israel wants to become part of the region, it must fulfill its obligations,” he added.

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