Transparent Dialogue Only Way to Heal Rift with Qatar: Iran

In reaction to the move by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and Bahrain to sever their ties with Qatar, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman in his Monday statement voiced Tehran’s concern over the increased tension, and expressed the hope that the differences would be resolved as soon as possible.

“While the region and the world are still suffering from the profound consequences of terrorism and extremism as well as the continued occupation of Palestine by the Zionist regime, the escalation of tension in relations between neighbouring states does not benefit any government and nation in the Middle East,” Qassemi said, adding that such rifts threaten everyone’s interests.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran calls on all neighbouring countries involved in the ongoing row in southern Persian Gulf to learn from the bitter experiences of the region, refrain from emotional reactions, return to rationality and prudence, and show maximum self-restraint to ease the tension and return to peace,” he went on to say.

“The differences between regional countries, including the ongoing rift between Qatar and three of its neighbours, can only be settled through political and peaceful means and transparent and frank dialogues between the parties,” Qassemi added.

He also referred to the instrumental use of sanctions in the ‘intertwined’ modern world as an inefficient, blameworthy, rejected, and unacceptable move.

“Maintaining national sovereignty and territorial integrity of independent states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and respecting the recognized international borders are among the basic principles of international relations and laws, which should be respected by all parties,” he added.