A phone call between President Donald Trump and Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has garnered widespread reactions. The Qatar News Agency reported that Trump urged the Qatari Emir to "exercise restraint and resort to diplomatic solutions" following the Iranian strike on Al Udeid Air Base. This call came as part of coordinated efforts to avoid a broader escalation in the region.
According to the agency's statement, Trump emphasized during the call his "absolute rejection of any aggression that threatens Qatar's security and safety and undermines regional stability." He also declared the United States' solidarity with Doha and strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a "flagrant violation of Qatari sovereignty." For his part, the Emir of Qatar thanked the President, affirming the readiness of Qatari forces and the measures taken that prevented any casualties among civilians or military personnel, both Qatari and American.
Diplomacy: The Path to Avoiding Confrontation
Trump's appeal focused on the importance of avoiding a direct military confrontation, advising Doha that diplomatic policies are the most effective way to achieve long-term stability. This comes at a time when the Gulf is on high alert and experiencing extremely tense atmosphere, with ongoing exchanges of missiles and airstrikes.
This move highlights Qatar's growing role as an effective regional mediator, complementing U.S. efforts to de-escalate the crisis following the Iranian strike on Al Udeid Base, which Washington described as a "blatant aerial violation." Trump thanked the Emir for his efforts during the call, noting that diplomacy is the only option capable of preventing the conflict's flames from spreading towards the borders of Lebanon, Syria, and the Strait of Hormuz.
Part of the Pressure Strategy on Iran
This call is part of the external pressure campaign on the Iranian regime, which carried out a strike on a U.S. military base there. The lack of significant human casualties in the attack allowed Trump to avoid the option of direct U.S. military retaliation and steer matters towards a broader political path.
Trump's appeal to the Emir of Qatar to exercise restraint and choose peaceful means reflects both American and Qatari recognition that the region is at a critical juncture. It underscores that the success of de-escalation – if it indeed materializes – depends on the Qatari leadership's ability to maintain its balance, in parallel with the United States' commitment to a comprehensive political solution involving all concerned parties.
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