Qatar PM Warns Against Politicising Sea Lanes, Discusses Iran With Egypt

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has stressed that freedom of navigation is a fundamental guarantee that should not be compromised by political pressure. Speaking at a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in El Alamein, he asserted that the status of maritime routes must not be held hostage to what he termed political blackmail.

Al Thani indicated that Qatar is actively consulting with partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council and the wider region to pursue diplomatic avenues with Iran. The goal, he said, is to restore navigation to its normal course, describing such efforts as a potential positive step toward fully defusing the current crisis.

The talks between the two ministers also covered the situation in Gaza. Abdelatty stated that the focus must now shift to implementing the roadmap, adding that the ball is in Israel's court to meet its obligations under the plan put forward by President Donald Trump. He urged Israel to fulfil its commitments, withdraw its troops, and begin the recovery process for Gaza.

Abdelatty highlighted the coordinated efforts of the three mediators—Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey—in engaging with Palestinian factions. He said these efforts have been instrumental in convincing the factions to respond to demands regarding the inventory and collection of weapons.