Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Moscow on Tuesday to discuss regional tensions, ongoing negotiations and the Strait of Hormuz, as Doha reaffirmed its commitment to preventing renewed conflict in the region.
The meeting took place at the emir's residence in the Russian capital ahead of the eighth summit of heads of state and government of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), according to Qatar's Amiri Diwan.
The two leaders discussed regional developments, the latest progress in negotiations, maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and energy supplies, alongside issues on the summit's agenda.
The talks came as Qatar's foreign ministry said mediation efforts aimed at halting regional tensions and securing a lasting agreement were continuing in coordination with Pakistan and other regional and international partners.
Ibrahim al-Hashimi, director of the ministry's Media and Communication Department, told a weekly press briefing in Doha on Tuesday that diplomatic efforts were moving in a positive direction.
He said the mediation was being conducted in coordination with Pakistan and other partners, with the aim of reaching a sustainable agreement that would bring the regional crisis to a definitive end.
Al-Hashimi also confirmed that a recent Qatari delegation's visit to Tehran formed part of ongoing consultations and mediation efforts.
The visit involved exchanges of messages, proposals and views aimed at resolving the crisis, he said, stressing that contacts through mediators and with the parties to the conflict had continued without interruption.
Qatar calls for reopening of Strait of Hormuz
Al-Hashimi said efforts by the countries involved in the Mecca Pact complemented the mediation led by Qatar and Pakistan, with diplomatic contacts focused on encouraging dialogue and preventing a resumption of hostilities.
He reiterated Doha's position that the region needed a collective security framework based on respect for state sovereignty and non-aggression.
Qatar and other Gulf Cooperation Council states were prepared to begin work towards establishing such a framework, he added.
The spokesman said Doha had heard positive statements from Iran regarding regional security but stressed that these needed to be translated into practical measures demonstrating goodwill and a commitment to stability.
He called on Tehran to stop threatening countries in the region and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic, describing the restoration of navigation as an important part of efforts to resolve the crisis.
His remarks followed a meeting in Tehran on Monday between senior Iranian officials and representatives of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey under the framework of the Mecca Pact.
A joint statement issued after the meeting said the four countries had agreed to continue dialogue and consultations to strengthen cooperation, particularly in regional peace and security.
The meeting was hosted by Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei and attended by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistani army chief Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin.
The participants agreed to maintain consultations aimed at promoting stability and cooperation across the region.
Energy cooperation on Moscow agenda
Meanwhile, Iranian news agencies Tasnim and IRNA reported that Pezeshkian and Sheikh Tamim had discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand political and economic cooperation.
The leaders reviewed developments in relations between Tehran and Doha and emphasised the importance of making greater use of both countries' economic capabilities to deepen their partnership.
Energy cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, alongside trade and investment and coordination between gas-exporting countries.
The Iranian agencies did not provide further details about any agreements reached during the meeting.
Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani attended the talks, alongside Amiri Diwan chief Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Khulaifi and other members of the Qatari delegation.
Iran was represented by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, presidential chief of staff Mohsen Haji-Mirzaei and other senior officials.
Sheikh Tamim arrived in Moscow on Monday for the gas exporters' summit, where he was received at Vnukovo International Airport by Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov and Qatar's ambassador to Russia, Sheikh Ahmed bin Nasser bin Jassim Al Thani.
The summit brings together leaders of major gas-exporting countries at a time when regional tensions and disruptions to maritime trade have placed energy supplies and transport routes at the centre of diplomatic discussions.
Separately, al-Hashimi reiterated Qatar's support for dialogue between rival parties in Libya, calling for a political settlement based on relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and other UN decisions.