Qatar encourages positive discussions in US-Iran nuclear talks

Qatari foreign minister calls for reduction in tensions with Tehran, dialogue between Iran and GCC nations.

Qatar is calling on the United States and Iran to engage in “positive” discussions as negotiators are set to begin a fourth and potentially decisive round of indirect talks to try to revive the Iran nuclear agreement. Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Qatar is urging a reduction in tensions between Washington and Tehran as diplomats for the two sides meet separately Friday in Vienna with European, Russian and Chinese representatives to find a way to revive the Iran nuclear agreement. “We have strong and strategic relations with Washington and we have good relations with Tehran and we don’t want to increase the tension, which will reflect negatively on Qatar and the region,” Foreign Minister Al Thani said.