Doha/Beijing: Qatar and China have called for restraint and diplomacy as Iran-US tensions rise again following renewed military action in the Middle East.
The latest escalation has increased fears that the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States could collapse. The US launched new strikes on Iranian targets after Washington said Iran had attacked commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran later targeted US military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait, according to the Associated Press.
Qatar has strongly condemned repeated Iranian missile and drone attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait.
In an official statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the attacks as violations of the sovereignty of both Gulf countries and a breach of international law.
The ministry said the region must be protected from the consequences of further attacks. It called for continued dialogue and diplomacy, lower tensions and progress under the memorandum of understanding aimed at improving regional and international security.
Qatar also expressed full solidarity with Bahrain and Kuwait and supported measures taken by both countries to protect their sovereignty and security.
China has also repeatedly called for steps to reduce tensions in the Middle East.
In an official Foreign Ministry briefing, Chinese spokesperson Mao Ning said the continuing conflict had caused deaths and damage, threatened regional security and stability, and affected the global economy and energy security. She said prolonging or escalating the conflict did not serve any party’s interests and urged all sides to support de-escalation and peace talks.
Beijing has maintained that political dialogue and negotiations are necessary to reduce the risk of a wider regional conflict. This position is consistent with China’s official calls for de-escalation and peace efforts during the Iran conflict.
The diplomatic appeals come as tensions between Washington and Tehran rise sharply again.
According to AP, the United States carried out strikes inside Iran after attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran then launched attacks against American military sites in Bahrain and Kuwait.
US President Donald Trump has also said he believes the interim agreement with Iran is “over,” although he indicated that negotiations could continue. Reuters reported that the temporary agreement had created a 60-day period for efforts towards a longer-term settlement.
The renewed exchange of attacks has increased concerns about a wider Middle East conflict and the future of diplomatic efforts involving regional mediators. Qatar has been involved in mediation efforts, while Pakistan also helped broker the interim US-Iran arrangement, according to Reuters and AP.