Wednesday, 24/06/2026   
   Beirut 12:32

Qatari PM Says ‘Israel’ Acting “Disproportionately Instead of Pursuing De-escalation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani slammed Israeli response to Hezbollah as “disproportionate, instead of pursuing de-escalation.”

In an interview with the Financial Times, he revealed the existence of a mechanism aimed at preventing escalation in Lebanon, including the verification of compliance with the ceasefire.

A mechanism to prevent clashes, with verification involving Lebanon, US Central Command, Iran, and mediators, has been agreed, the Qatari PM said.

Al Thani also said the Switzerland talks laid the groundwork for negotiations toward a permanent settlement, noting that the process remains in its early stages. He added that the broader regional objective is to establish a new security framework between countries in the region and Iran.

He stressed that any model for managing the Strait of Hormuz should be discussed with Iran, Oman, and the Gulf states, adding that the waterway remains open and that assurances have been received that no order has been given to close it.

Qatar Energy will not lift its state of emergency until safe operations are guaranteed, he added.

The Qatari premier said the negotiations in Bürgenstock set the stage for talks toward a permanent agreement, though the process remains in its early stages. Any model for managing the Strait of Hormuz must be discussed with Iran, Oman and the Persian Gulf states, he stressed.

Source: Agencies