Qatar has stepped up its diplomatic contacts to support mediation efforts around the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, after fresh drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia revived fears of escalation in the Gulf, Al-Raya reported on Sunday, May 17.

Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani notably spoke with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose mediation efforts Doha says it supports in order to prevent a renewed escalation.

Qatar called on all parties to engage with the initiatives under way in order to pave the way for a lasting agreement, after a ceasefire presented as the result of regional mediation efforts.

Doha also stressed the importance of dialogue, respect for international law and the need not to use the Strait of Hormuz as a means of pressure.

The calls came after a drone attack on the United Arab Emirates, one of which targeted the Barakah nuclear power plant, and an attempted attack on Saudi Arabia, two incidents condemned by Doha.

Source: Al-Raya