In light of recent military aggression between the nations, Qatar emerges as a vital intermediary in facilitating a cease-fire.
**Qatar’s Diplomatic Role in the Israel-Iran Cease-Fire**
**Qatar’s Diplomatic Role in the Israel-Iran Cease-Fire**
As tensions rise between Israel and Iran, Qatar's mediation efforts aim to restore peace.
Before midnight on Monday, Qatari officials held an urgent meeting with journalists to condemn a missile attack from Iran that targeted a U.S. military site located just outside Doha, Qatar's capital. Majed al-Ansari, the foreign ministry spokesman, stressed that Qatar has the right to defend itself while simultaneously advocating for de-escalation between Israel and Iran, emphasizing the need for cease-fire negotiations.
However, according to sources, Qatar had already been working discreetly behind the scenes to foster a truce between the two nations, engaging with both Israel’s American allies and Iranian officials. Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House, noted, “What happened shows Qatar can take a hit but be pragmatic.”
The conflict intensified when the United States intervened in support of Israel, launching airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. In retaliation, Iran targeted the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar. Fortunately, Qatari officials had anticipated the attack, resulting in the successful interception of nearly all incoming missiles, according to Maj. Gen. Shayeq Misfer al-Hajri, the Qatari deputy chief of staff for joint operations.
However, according to sources, Qatar had already been working discreetly behind the scenes to foster a truce between the two nations, engaging with both Israel’s American allies and Iranian officials. Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House, noted, “What happened shows Qatar can take a hit but be pragmatic.”
The conflict intensified when the United States intervened in support of Israel, launching airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. In retaliation, Iran targeted the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar. Fortunately, Qatari officials had anticipated the attack, resulting in the successful interception of nearly all incoming missiles, according to Maj. Gen. Shayeq Misfer al-Hajri, the Qatari deputy chief of staff for joint operations.
