Tensions between Iran and Israel renewed after Tehran launched dozens of missiles overnight and Israel responded with strikes on military sites inside Iran, raising fears that the fragile truce reached on 8 April could collapse.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a phone call on Monday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss ongoing mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington.
According to Qatar’s foreign ministry, the two officials reviewed efforts aimed at advancing negotiations between the United States and Iran, as well as the latest developments in Lebanon.
During the call, Sheikh Mohammed reiterated Qatar’s support for all efforts aimed at containing regional escalation and reaching a comprehensive agreement that would strengthen security, stability and lasting peace across the region.
The conversation came as Iran announced on Monday it was halting its latest military operation against Israel following the first exchange of fire since an April ceasefire.
Tensions between Iran and Israel renewed after Tehran launched dozens of missiles overnight and Israel responded with strikes on military sites inside Iran, raising fears that the fragile truce reached on 8 April could collapse.
Iran’s military later announced that it was ending its latest operation against Israel after delivering what it described as a “painful response”, while warning that any further aggression could trigger a much harsher reaction.
Iran’s armed forces said that they would attack Israel if it invaded southern Lebanon again.
The escalation prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to publicly urge both sides to stop fighting, writing on social media that Israel and Iran must “immediately stop shooting”.
He later said that “final negotiations” towards peace were continuing despite the latest flare-up.
Shortly afterwards, the Israeli military said it had intercepted projectiles fired from southern Lebanon towards its forces operating near the border, though no injuries were reported.
The latest tensions come at a critical moment for diplomatic efforts to secure a broader agreement between Tehran and Washington.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said diplomacy was continuing but warned that the latest military escalation risked affecting negotiations.
Despite the exchanges, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran remained committed to talks, writing on X that Iran was still “at the negotiating table”.
During a call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al Saud, Sheikh Mohammed discussed coordination to support mediation efforts aimed at de-escalation.
He stressed the importance of all parties engaging with ongoing mediation efforts to reach a sustainable agreement that prevents renewed escalation.
Qatar has played a growing role in regional mediation efforts and has repeatedly called for dialogue and diplomacy to prevent a wider conflict, particularly as concerns persist over the situation in Lebanon and the risk of further escalation involving Iran-backed groups across the region.
