Doha, October 27 (QNA) – The State of Qatar has called for a new regional security framework based on respect for state sovereignty and mutual non-aggression, while urging Iran to demonstrate its commitment to regional stability through concrete actions.

Director of the Media and Communication Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim Al Hashemi said the development of Qatar’s defense capabilities was part of an ongoing effort to strengthen deterrence and protect national sovereignty, rather than a response to any single crisis.

Speaking at the ministry’s weekly media briefing, Al Hashemi said Qatar’s defense systems had effectively dealt with all attacks during the latest regional escalation, allowing daily life and economic activities to continue without disruption.

He said the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan were working alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Mecca Defense Alliance to de-escalate tensions and help bring an end to the region’s current state of heightened tension.

The State of Qatar and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states had repeatedly expressed their readiness to establish a regional security framework, Al Hashemi said, adding that it was now up to Tehran to uphold the proposed principles and demonstrate good faith.

Despite positive statements from Tehran, he said, Iran needed to translate its rhetoric into action by ending threats against countries in the region and ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Al Hashemi said a Qatari delegation’s visit to Tehran was part of ongoing consultations with partners and efforts to sustain mediation. He described the process as moving in a positive direction, with the primary aim of reducing tensions and preventing further escalation.

He acknowledged that statements from both Washington and Tehran had raised the prospect of further escalation, but said both sides had also emphasized the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions through dialogue.

Qatar, Pakistan and regional and international partners were focused on advancing this diplomatic track to secure a lasting agreement that would resolve the crisis comprehensively, he said.

Addressing the exchanges of statements between the United States and Iran, Al Hashemi said mediators sought to build on positive signals, bridge differences and work towards mutually acceptable outcomes that could bring a sustainable end to the crisis and safeguard international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

He said mediators remained committed to preserving a “window of hope”, stressing that a lasting solution could only be achieved through negotiations and sustained efforts to ease tensions and resolve outstanding issues peacefully.

Al Hashemi added that diplomatic messages, proposals and views continued to pass between Washington and Tehran through Qatar’s mediation channel, in ongoing coordination with partners.

These efforts had not stopped, he said, and were aimed at containing the conflict, creating conditions for an early diplomatic settlement and securing guarantees for the safety and stability of all countries in the region. (QNA)