Renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran in the Middle East is jeopardizing key components of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreed upon by regional nations last month, a senior Qatari government official stated Thursday.
Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Doha hopes the recent intense rounds of reciprocal strikes will not completely nullify the MOU. "But it does put into question a lot of other things that we have already agreed upon," he told ABC News on the sidelines of the Chatham House think tank's 2026 conference in London.
Ansari described the preceding 48 hours as "quite tense," noting that navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has largely halted since the strikes resumed. "We are urging all sides to exercise restraint and give some more time for the talks," he added.
U.S. Central Command reported launching over 170 strikes on Iranian targets in response to alleged Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week. Tehran has denied these allegations. Qatar confirmed that one of the targeted vessels was the Qatari liquid natural gas tanker, the Al-Rekayyat.
In response to the U.S. strikes, Iran's military claimed to have attacked U.S. military facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. However, Ansari refuted the Iranian claim of fresh attacks on Qatar, stating, "There haven't been any attacks in Qatar. The Iranian claims, they're claims. But our military was very much ready, immediately as the attacks began on the region."
President Donald Trump suggested the MOU was "over" following the reported Iranian attacks, issuing threats of intensified military action. Responding to these comments, Ansari affirmed that Doha and "all parties remain engaged in the talks." He acknowledged that progress is not where it was hoped to be but stated, "talks have not broken down." He cautioned, "any escalation on the ground derails the diplomatic work."
Qatar, with Pakistan, was instrumental in brokering the 14-point MOU signed on June 17. The agreement included provisions for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. It also stipulated a 60-day ceasefire to allow for negotiations on a final deal addressing issues including Iran's nuclear program.
Ansari confirmed that negotiations on the final deal are continuing despite the escalating strikes and rhetoric from both Washington and Tehran. He indicated that discussions are progressing on three separate tracks: the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program, and sanctions on Iran along with frozen Iranian assets.
"Our focus is on that diplomatic resolution right now," Ansari said. "The focus has to be on the diplomatic track working, the talks succeeding and on the end of war to pave the way for sustainable peace in our region, and not for it just to be lulls between attacks."
He emphasized that no nation, regardless of its military strength, can withstand prolonged conflict in their region. Nevertheless, Qatar's armed forces are prepared for potential conflict, with contingency plans in place. Ansari clarified that Qatar has not participated in any attacks against Iran or neighboring countries but reserves the right to retaliate if necessary.