Qatar, Saudi Arabia discuss efforts to ease Mideast tension
Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and his Saudi Arabian counterpart Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the situation in the Middle East, including those related to the US-Iran war.
In a Sunday statement on US social media company X, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said the discussions over the phone call also addressed efforts to ease tensions and promote stability and security across the region.
Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs @MBA_AlThani_ Holds Phone Call with Saudi Foreign Minister
Doha | May 17, 2026
HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held a telephone conversation with HH Minister of… pic.twitter.com/kxk7j3KAQdSheikh Mohammed stressed the "importance of all parties responding positively to the ongoing mediation efforts, which would pave the way for addressing the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue, leading to a sustainable agreement that prevents renewed escalation," the ministry said.
The officials also reviewed bilateral ties and ways to strengthen them, it added.
Late on Saturday, the Saudi Foreign Ministry also said Sheikh Mohammed and bin Farhan held a phone and discussed efforts to maintain stability and security.
🇸🇦📞🇶🇦 | Foreign Minister HH Prince @FaisalbinFarhan received a phone call from Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. pic.twitter.com/kchoeJIkJl
Regional tensions have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28. In response, Tehran retaliated with strikes targeting Israel as well as US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. US President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely.