Qatar Says US-Iran Mediation Continues as Diplomatic Efforts Seek to Prevent Regional Escalation
RIYADH, November 7, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Qatar is continuing mediation between the United States and Iran to prevent further regional escalation, with both countries still engaged in efforts to reach an agreement despite continuing tensions, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Saturday.
Speaking at the Oxford Union in the United Kingdom, Sheikh Mohammed said diplomatic engagement with Washington and Tehran had helped contain the crisis, although significant differences remained between the two sides.
He said the US administration remained interested in reaching a settlement following the November 3 midterm elections and expressed confidence that progress in the negotiations could lead to an agreement.
Qatar has maintained contact with both governments and worked with regional partners to prevent renewed hostilities, according to the Qatar News Agency (QNA).
The Qatari prime minister said a delegation from Doha had visited Tehran five times in one week, with some meetings lasting up to 20 hours, as mediators sought to narrow differences and avoid further confrontation.
Qatar's International Media Office separately rejected reports suggesting that US-Iran negotiations had collapsed, confirming that mediators remained in close coordination with both governments.
The diplomatic efforts continued against a backdrop of renewed military activity. US President Donald Trump said American forces carried out limited strikes against an Iranian air defence system on Friday, while Iranian state media reported explosions on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has demanded the removal of the US blockade on its ports, the release of frozen assets and other concessions as conditions for negotiations. Washington and Tehran remain divided over Iran's nuclear programme and the terms of a broader settlement.
Qatar's prime minister said negotiations should focus on achievable steps toward an agreement rather than allowing demands for an ideal settlement to delay progress.
He also identified Gulf security, freedom of navigation and the Iranian nuclear issue as priorities requiring sustained diplomatic engagement.
Sources : Qatar News Agency, Qatar International Media Office, Reuters, Associated Press
