Qatar restores diplomatic relations with Iran despite requests from Gulf neighbours
Cutting ties with Tehran was a major demand put on Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt in return for lifting the boycott on the nation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Qatar has restored diplomatic relations with Iran, ignoring the requests of its Arab neighbours.
Saudi Arabia has led the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt in demanding that Qatar cuts ties with Tehran in return for lifting the boycott they have currently placed on the nation.
The four countries suspended diplomatic relations and all travel to Qatar after accusing Doha of sponsoring terrorism and cosying up to the Iranian regime.
During Qatar's dispute with its neighbours, Iran allowed Qatar Airways, the national carrier, to use its airspace and also sent supplies to help the country’s 2.7 million people.
In a short statement, the Qatar foreign ministry said its ambassador would return to Tehran to exercise his diplomatic duties.
"The state of Qatar expressed its aspirations to strengthen bilateral relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran in all fields," the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, a research fellow at the James A Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice Universit, said the moved showed Qatar was prepared to move “in a different direction".
"It could very well be calculated toward reinforcing the point that Qatar will not bow to this regional pressure placed upon it," she told the Associated Press.
Saudi Arabia and its allies have accused Iran of interfering in Arab states such as Iraq and Yemen, claiming Tehran’s increasing influence has destabilised the region.
Iran however claims it is helping countries fight Sunni extremists and accuses Saudi Arabia of backing the insurgents.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments