Pezeshkian: Logic dictates resuming implementation of memorandum of understanding

Tehran - BORNA - Pezeshkian made the remarks on Thursday during a meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Tehran.

Referring to recent developments, Pezeshkian said, “Events took place that were unacceptable, but we still believe that Iran and Qatar are two friendly and brotherly countries and that the issues that have arisen can be resolved through mutual understanding.”

The president said the United States and the Israeli regime do not seek calm in the region, adding that Iran and Qatar had planned to carry out numerous joint initiatives before the war delayed implementation of agreements and the expansion of bilateral cooperation.

“The Israeli regime’s plan is to prevent the establishment of close relations among Muslims,” Pezeshkian said. “We appreciate the efforts of the Qatari government and the emir of Qatar to mediate and establish peace and calm, and these efforts are valuable to the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Emphasizing that Iran does not seek war or an expansion of the conflict, Pezeshkian said the war was imposed on Iran and that its continuation would harm Iran, the region and the world.

“Logic dictates that implementation of the memorandum of understanding should resume in the same manner as before and that issues should be resolved through dialogue, rather than countries resorting to war and shows of force to solve problems,” he said.

He added that existing disputes among regional countries are not befitting Muslim nations.

Pezeshkian also referred to efforts by some groups in the United States, the Israeli regime and even inside Iran to prevent agreements from taking shape.

“US officials should disregard voices that are trying to prevent the return of calm to the region,” he said. “Some benefit from the continuation of the war, but the Islamic Republic of Iran believes that peace and security will benefit Iran, the region and the world.”

The president said US attacks on Iran violated international law.

“The Americans unfairly targeted Iran’s Leader, commanders, students and people, an action that is unacceptable under any framework of international law,” he said.

“Iran has not sought, does not seek and will not seek war, but it will not submit to bullying either. The other parties must recognize all the rights of the Iranian people in every field and within the framework of international law. The Islamic Republic of Iran seeks nothing beyond its lawful rights.”

Pezeshkian thanked Qatar, Pakistan, Oman and other countries working toward peace and security in the region.

“During Unity Week and the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet of mercy and compassion, Muslims must once again become one united hand, because the development, security and dignity of the Islamic world depend on Muslim unity,” he said.

Pezeshkian invited Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to visit Iran, saying such a visit could help remove many ambiguities and misunderstandings.

He also said Iran appreciates Qatar’s assistance concerning the Iranian pilots.

For his part, Sheikh Mohammed said Pezeshkian enjoys a special standing with the Qatari emir.

“Sheikh Tamim regards the Iranian president as a brother,” he said. “Despite everything that has happened, deep and sincere respect between the two countries remains intact.”

The Qatari prime minister said Doha seeks to restore stability to the region and recognizes Iran’s outreach to regional countries and its efforts to promote security and calm.

“We hope that, with the continuation of this approach, the problems ahead can be resolved,” he said.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed that Qatar wants the Iranian people to enjoy security, progress and prosperity.

“The Iranian people are the religious brothers of the Qatari people,” he said. “The war did not begin from within the region; it was imposed on the region from outside. Yet all countries in the region are paying the costs of the war.”

He said the current circumstances have placed a shared responsibility on regional nations to provide security, development and progress for all.

Describing Qatar as a sincere brother of the Islamic Republic, Sheikh Mohammed said Doha would seriously pursue a path back to humanity, security and calm.

“Valuable efforts have been made by Pakistan and Oman, and Qatar also emphasizes supporting implementation of the understandings,” he said. “The language of force and threats is not a solution. Stability, security and economic calm must be restored to the region through diplomacy, reason and logic.”

The Qatari prime minister also referred to his continued contacts with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

“Consultations with Iran’s foreign minister are continuing with the aim of creating the necessary atmosphere for the restoration of stability,” he said.

“Qatar does not want the Iranian people to face difficulties while regional countries merely watch the situation. We will provide any assistance possible to help reduce the problems facing the brotherly Iranian people.”

Sheikh Mohammed said Qatar was also discussing implementation of bilateral understandings and expansion of cooperation with Iranian ministers and was ready to broaden cooperation with the Islamic Republic.

He said consultations had taken place in the electricity and energy sectors and that Qatar was fully prepared to cooperate with Iran, adding that further opportunities for expanding bilateral ties remain available.

The Qatari prime minister stressed the need for comprehensive efforts to reach practical solutions through diplomacy.

“The coming days will be busy and intensive, and the Qatari team will begin its work tomorrow,” he said. “We hope these efforts will lead to favorable results and that practical solutions will be examined through a return to diplomacy.”

“We are confident that the Iranian president will support these diplomatic efforts and initiatives,” he added.

On the issue of Iranian pilots, Sheikh Mohammed said Qatar’s doors remain open to Iran and that matters concerning the Iranian nationals would be pursued sincerely.

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