Qatar's PM-FM: 'We Cannot Wait for a Perfect Deal' in U.S.-Iran Peace Efforts

Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has emphasized the urgency of continuing diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran, stating that the pursuit of a perfect peace deal should not impede progress towards reducing tensions. Speaking at the Oxford Union at the University of Oxford, Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Doha's commitment to its mediation role, noting that both the U.S. administration and parties in Tehran still express a willingness to find a resolution.

"We will never have a perfect peace deal. But we cannot actually just wait for this moment of a perfect deal, and just avoid having a good deal," Sheikh Mohammed stated, underscoring that an ideal agreement should not be a barrier to achieving a functional one.

The remarks were made during his speech, "Prosperity in a Fractured World: Small States and the New Geography of Global Influence." Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that mediation and peacemaking are essential for nations like Qatar, whose security and economic well-being are intrinsically linked to regional and global stability. He invoked the principle of Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who believed that mediation efforts are worthwhile even if they save just one life, guiding Qatar's diplomatic approach despite challenges and criticism.

Qatar's mediation efforts have been extensive, with officials traveling to Tehran multiple times in a single week for lengthy discussions aimed at preventing further hostilities. Some meetings reportedly lasted between 18 and 20 hours as Doha collaborated with regional partners to navigate difficulties in implementing a previous memorandum of understanding (MOU). Qatar played a crucial role in the initial negotiations that led to the MOU, helping to avert wider regional turmoil during a period of high escalation risk.

While acknowledging that the risk of renewed escalation persists, Sheikh Mohammed affirmed Qatar's determination to maintain open diplomatic channels. He suggested that while the outcomes of the U.S. midterm elections might influence future American policies, they had not diminished the current administration's commitment to a diplomatic solution. He noted that Qatar has been working closely with U.S. officials who have demonstrated genuine intentions, alongside supportive voices in Tehran, which has helped prevent the conflict from escalating further.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of preventing hardline stances from hindering diplomacy, citing the earlier MOU as proof that progress is achievable even amidst difficult negotiations and challenging political decisions. He assured that Qatar's engagement with the involved parties would continue uninterrupted.

Warning against renewed military operations, Sheikh Mohammed stated that such actions would not resolve existing disputes, especially given the significant human cost of past hostilities. Key issues requiring diplomatic solutions include Iran's nuclear program, freedom of maritime navigation, and Gulf security. He advocated for a regional security arrangement that addresses the concerns of both Iran and Gulf countries equitably. He referenced Sheikh Tamim's 2015 call for dialogue between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and Iran to address underlying disputes and mutual security concerns, emphasizing the need for concrete guarantees against aggression and threats of force, followed by confidence-building measures and the development of shared interests.

Furthermore, he pointed to the potential for increased economic cooperation between Iran and its Gulf neighbors once the nuclear issue is resolved. A comprehensive regional security framework, he added, should also encompass a resolution to the Palestinian issue and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Reflecting on Qatar's role in international diplomacy, Sheikh Mohammed stated that a country's size is no longer the sole determinant of its influence in a world facing growing challenges and divisions. He attributed Qatar's growing international influence to its strategic investment in its gas sector, which laid the economic foundation for expanded diplomatic relationships and mediation capabilities. Qatar has dedicated approximately two decades to mediation and peace efforts, driven by a commitment to preserving lives.

In 2025 alone, Qatar participated in mediation efforts across roughly 16 different files, including prisoner exchanges and ceasefire negotiations, often in cooperation with countries like Norway, Switzerland, and Spain on conflicts in Africa, Latin America, and Afghanistan. He highlighted that countries with diverse political systems and economic models can collaborate effectively on mediation and other areas of economic cooperation.

Turning to the situation in Gaza, Sheikh Mohammed identified the Palestinian issue as a central factor in regional instability. He noted that mediation efforts concerning Gaza have been repeatedly undermined by the Israeli government's actions and shifting positions. He characterized the existing arrangement primarily as a hostage-release mechanism rather than a genuine ceasefire, pointing to continued killings and attacks despite the announced truce. He stressed that lasting peace requires an end to attacks, Israeli withdrawal, and a clear political path toward Palestinian self-determination and statehood.

Similar concerns were raised regarding Lebanon, where continued bombardment has occurred despite a ceasefire agreement, coupled with the absence of a withdrawal timetable and restrictions on the Lebanese army. He warned that disregarding international law would leave the region vulnerable to recurring crises. Sheikh Mohammed concluded that sustainable peace necessitates addressing the root causes of regional conflicts, rather than relying on temporary measures that leave fundamental disputes unresolved.