Qatari PM urges caution, says ‘external circumstances’ may affect US-Iran talks

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani called Monday for caution amid the ongoing talks between the United States and Iran, warning that “external circumstances” could still affect negotiations despite the “will” on both sides.

“We must be cautious, because despite the will, there are external circumstances that may affect the negotiations,” Sheikh Mohammed told Al Jazeera television.

He said the recently signed memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran helped bring about a halt to the war and laid the foundation for negotiations.

“The memorandum was reached after significant efforts with Qatar’s partners in Pakistan and with regional support,” he added.

He said the main objective of the memorandum was to stop the war and establish a framework for negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The memorandum created an “institutional framework for the negotiating process” and required both sides to “meet regularly” to resolve outstanding issues, he added.

The Qatari premier said the framework presented during Sunday’s talks in Switzerland was “positive” and that technical discussions were continuing.

“The outcome of any agreement between Iran and the US would affect not only the two parties, but the region,” he added.

He said the sides agreed to establish a “hotline” to defuse disputes. Under the memorandum of understanding, Iran is committed to ensuring “safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz” within 60 days, he added.

“Our vision for the Strait of Hormuz is that it remains open and that navigation through it remains free,” the premier said, reiterating Qatar’s opposition to any change in the waterway’s status.

Sheikh Mohammed also said there was a Gulf “consensus” on pursuing dialogue with Iran, expressing hope that the current diplomatic momentum would also benefit Palestinians “through the achievement of a Palestinian state.”

On Lebanon, he said Israel’s continued occupation of Lebanese territory “must end” and that Lebanon’s sovereignty “must be respected.”

He also criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying it was “not the first time” he had fuelled escalation in the region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said early Monday that negotiations with the US in Switzerland facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar had produced “significant progress” toward ending the war in Lebanon and easing pressure on Iran’s economy.

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The first round of quadrilateral talks involving conflicting nations Iran and the US, alongside mediators Pakistan and Qatar, concluded in Switzerland. It is the first formal follow-up engagement since the electronic signing of the agreement this week.

The US and Iran have agreed to a roadmap towards a final deal on ending their war in 60 ‌days. According to a joint statement by mediators Pakistan and Qatar, the two sides had agreed to a mechanism to end fighting between US ally Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and opened a communications line to help ensure safe passage for commercial ships through the strait, a vital global supply route for oil and liquefied natural gas.

Technical talks will continue for the rest of the week in the Qatari-owned Swiss mountain resort ​of Buergenstock, while a communication channel will be established during the negotiations to prevent incidents and miscommunication.

It also announced the creation of a Pakistan-Qatar facilitated “de-confliction cell” involving Lebanon to oversee compliance with commitments related to the cessation of military operations in the country.

The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the “successful conclusion” of the first high-level committee meeting held under the framework of the Islamabad MoU in Bürgenstock, saying the talks had produced “encouraging progress” and a roadmap toward a final agreement within two months.

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In a post on X, PM Shehbaz said, “Alhamdulillah, the First High-Level Committee Meeting… has concluded successfully in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.”

He added that the discussions were held in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and “yielded encouraging progress,” including “agreement on a roadmap toward a final deal within 60 days,” the establishment of a “High-Level Committee to provide political oversight,” and the start of further technical negotiations.

The prime minister said he “commends the leadership of both the US as well as Iran for their continued commitment to constructive engagement,” adding that he appreciated their “continued commitment to dialogue and diplomacy.”