02 June,2026 10:04 AM IST | Doha | mid-day online correspondent
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. Pic/AFP
Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region, including mediation initiatives between the United States and Iran and the evolving situation in Lebanon.
According to a statement issued by Qatar's Foreign Ministry, the two leaders reviewed recent regional developments and exchanged views on efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting stability across West Asia.
The discussion comes at a time when concerns over regional security, maritime trade routes and the conflict involving Israel, Lebanon and Iran continue to draw international attention.
During the conversation, Al-Thani reaffirmed Qatar's support for efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive agreement to address the ongoing crisis and reduce tensions in the region.
He called on all parties involved to engage constructively with mediation initiatives and pursue dialogue as a means of reaching a sustainable and peaceful resolution.
The Qatari prime minister emphasised the importance of diplomacy in addressing complex regional challenges and preventing further escalation that could have wider consequences for regional security.
Qatar has frequently positioned itself as a mediator in regional disputes and has played a role in facilitating dialogue between various countries and political actors in the Middle East.
A key issue discussed during the call was maritime security and the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically significant waterways.
Al-Thani stressed that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle that should not be undermined under any circumstances.
He warned that any attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz or use it as a political pressure tool could worsen the crisis and adversely affect the interests of countries across the region.
The waterway serves as a critical route for global energy exports, and any disruption could have significant implications for international oil and gas markets.
The conversation also focused on ongoing mediation efforts aimed at bridging differences between the United States and Iran.
Regional and international actors have continued to explore diplomatic channels in an effort to reduce tensions and revive dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
The latest exchange between the Qatari and Iranian leaders comes amid growing efforts to prevent further instability in the Gulf and preserve regional security.
Separately, Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters issued a warning to Israel against launching attacks on Beirut and its southern suburb of Dahieh.
According to Iranian state media reports, the military command said any further attacks could lead to broader consequences and urged residents in northern Israel and military settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories to evacuate if hostilities continue.
The statement also accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of escalating tensions in the region through threats of military action against Lebanon.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also voiced concerns over the situation in Lebanon during a telephone conversation with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
According to Iranian media reports, Pezeshkian criticised what he described as repeated violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon and expressed concern over the continued displacement of Lebanese civilians.
He also accused the United States of providing political and military backing to Israel and argued that such support was complicating diplomatic efforts in the region.
The Iranian president maintained that Tehran remains committed to resolving disputes through diplomacy and dialogue despite ongoing tensions.
The developments came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israeli military had been instructed to carry out strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs.
In a joint statement, the Israeli leaders said the action was taken in response to what they described as repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement by Hezbollah, including attacks targeting northern Israeli cities.
Meanwhile, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Tehran had suspended discussions and exchanges of draft proposals with the United States through mediators, citing Israel's actions in Lebanon.
(With inputs from IANS)
