Gulf Leaders Push Diplomacy as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Talks Stall

Gulf and regional leaders intensified diplomatic outreach on May 12 and 13 to prevent a collapse of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire after talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, held separate phone calls with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. He urged all parties to engage constructively with mediation efforts, warning that a return to war would bring further destruction and calling for a sustainable agreement to address root causes of the crisis.

The diplomatic flurry comes against the backdrop of a conflict that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran. Iran retaliated against Israel and U.S. allies in the Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz was closed during the escalation. Pakistan mediated a ceasefire that took effect on April 8, which U.S. President Donald Trump later extended indefinitely. However, subsequent diplomatic talks in Islamabad failed to reach a comprehensive agreement, and Pakistan continues working to revive the stalled process.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan also held a phone call to coordinate on regional security and bilateral cooperation, reviewing developments since the February escalation. The series of calls reflects growing concern among regional powers that without a durable diplomatic resolution, the ceasefire remains fragile and the risk of renewed conflict persists.