DOHA - His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, held a telephone call with His Excellency Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, on May 10, 2026 .
During the call, the two leaders reviewed bilateral cooperation relations and discussed ways to support and enhance them. They also deliberated on the latest regional developments, with a particular focus on Pakistan's ongoing mediation efforts aimed at de-escalation and the restoration of security and stability in the region .
The Qatari Prime Minister expressed the State of Qatar's appreciation for the efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, as well as all parties that have undertaken mediation and commendable endeavors contributing to reaching a ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran .
Pakistan has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the US-Iran war since its outbreak on February 28, 2026. Islamabad successfully brokered the first ceasefire on April 8, 2026, hosted direct talks between US Vice President JD Vance's team and Iranian officials in Islamabad on April 11-12, and has since secured multiple ceasefire extensions through persistent diplomatic engagement.
His Excellency affirmed the State of Qatar's full support for Pakistan's mediation efforts aimed at ending the crisis through peaceful means.
The call comes at a critical juncture as the US-Iran ceasefire remains fragile. Iran has accused the Trump administration of breaching the truce following the launch of 'Project Freedom,' a US naval operation to escort stranded merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The operation was suspended within 48 hours after Iranian resistance and Saudi Arabia's denial of airbase access.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the necessity for all parties to respond to these efforts in a way that contributes to creating the appropriate conditions for progress in the negotiations, leading to a comprehensive agreement that achieves sustainable peace in the region .
Qatar's endorsement adds significant weight to Pakistan's diplomatic initiative. Doha maintains its own complex relationships with both Washington and Tehran - hosting the largest US military base in the Middle East at Al Udeid while sharing the massive North Field gas reservoir with Iran.
This unique positioning gives Qatar credibility with both sides, and its public backing of Pakistan's mediation signals a unified Gulf-Islamabad approach to managing the crisis.
The call between the two premiers also underscored the strong fraternal ties between Pakistan and Qatar. Both nations have expanded cooperation across defense, trade, and energy sectors in recent years, with Qatar being a major supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan.
The Qatari endorsement is the latest in a series of international recognitions of Pakistan's growing role as a regional mediator:
| Country/Organization | Endorsement |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | Crown Prince MBS expressed full support for Pakistan's mediation efforts during a cabinet meeting |
| United States | President Trump has repeatedly praised PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir |
| Iran | Tehran has publicly thanked Pakistan for its "sincere efforts" |
| European Union | Credited Islamabad as central to the US-Iran agreement |
| New Zealand | PM Luxon praised Pakistan for lowering global fuel prices through mediation |
| Qatar | Now formally endorses and appreciates Pakistan's role |
As the US-Iran conflict continues with over 1,550 vessels and 22,500 mariners stranded in the Gulf region, and global oil and fertilizer prices surging, a diplomatic breakthrough remains urgent.
Pakistan - now with Qatar's full support - continues to shuttle proposals between Washington and Tehran, keeping dialogue alive even as direct channels remain closed.
The call between the Qatari Prime Minister and Pakistan's Prime Minister signals that key regional players see Islamabad, not other capitals, as the essential bridge between the two warring sides.
