Doha, Qatar: The visit of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Doha is part of meetings with mediators in Qatar to discuss various regional issues, including negotiations with Iran, the Lebanese file, and other matters, said Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari yesterday.
“The two US envoys are in Doha to meet with the mediators and will discuss all regional issues which are of concern, including the negotiations with Iran and of situations in Lebanon,” Dr Al Ansari said.
He further added: “As we have made clear in the past that the high-level meetings, between the US and Iran, will only happen if the technical meetings are producing results for them to take place. And the technical meetings are ongoing between the parties, whether they are direct or indirect. The channel of communication that has been established is in operation.”
Dr Al Ansari said that the $6bn in frozen Iranian assets have not yet been transferred to Tehran, adding that the issue is linked directly to the progress of negotiations between Tehran and Washington.
Speaking on the Strait of Hormuz, in a weekly media briefing held yesterday, he said that a hotline dedicated to de-escalation was used to contain last week’s exchanges of fire between the US and Iran. He added that Qatar is coordinating with Oman regarding the safe passage of ships through the Strait, and it considers freedom of navigation through the strait and clearing of mines as a top priority.
“Our position has always been very clear, which is that there should be no impediment to freedom of navigation through the Strait and out and that it’s an international Strait that we should all use openly and without any hindrance,” Dr Al Ansari said.
Al Ansari clarified that there are currently no high-level meetings between the US and Iranian sides. “The technical meetings between the US and Iran parties have continued since the negotiations held in Lucerne, Switzerland till today, both directly and indirectly, through communication with the various parties.”
To a question about frozen Iranian funds, Al Ansari explained that these funds stem from a 2023 agreement between the United States and Iran establishing a humanitarian channel in Qatar. “Under the agreement, the funds are to be used for humanitarian purchases destined for Iran.
Qatar does not own these funds... it serves as the financial intermediary managing these accounts under the agreement.”
He noted that any transfer of the funds depends on consensus between the two parties and the progress of negotiations, “which has not yet occurred.”
On the Strait of Hormuz, he said that Qatar’s position is clear and based on respect for international maritime law, which guarantees freedom of navigation through the strait. “This position is shared by Qatar, the countries of the region, the Gulf states, and the wider international community.”
He noted that Qatar rejects any unilateral or other attempt to alter the existing status of the Strait of Hormuz. “We are in full coordination with countries across the region, including our brothers in the Sultanate of Oman, and maintain daily contacts to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the strait.”
Regarding ongoing technical level talks between the US and Iran, Al Anasri stated that the technical delegations remain engaged in discussions through meetings which are taking place in different contexts and with the participation of mediators to ensure their continuity, whether in Doha or elsewhere.
To another question about recent escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, he said taht Qatar worked tirelessly to contain the current situation. “Escalation only serves to widen the gap between the parties,” he said, adding that the Strait of Hormuz is one of the key issues addressed in the negotiations, alongside other matters included in the memorandum of understanding, such as Iran’s nuclear programme and the broader regional situation.
He said that Qatar’s priority is ending the war, restoring normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and protecting citizens, residents, and the peoples of the region from the consequences of conflict.
To a question, he said that clearing the Strait of Hormuz of mines is a complex process and that Qatar welcomes any international technical assistance that could contribute to this effort, while emphasising that decisions on how such operations should be carried out rest with the countries of the region.
He stressed that the immediate priority is ensuring the safety of personnel aboard ships and cargo vessels, noting that while some vessels have passed safely, others have come under attack.
In this context, he expressed Qatar’s appreciation for the role played by the Sultanate of Oman, reaffirming Qatar’s solidarity with Oman against any violation of its sovereignty, whether through attacks or incursions into Omani waters.
He said that returning the region to its previous state requires serious consideration, as there are many factors that must be addressed. “For us in Qatar, there is no alternative to dialogue, placing our differences on the table, and pursuing regional solutions that take into account the reservations and security concerns of all parties.”
