It marks Zarif’s first trip to Qatar since the diplomatic crisis began in June. Qatar pulled its ambassador from Tehran in early 2016, after Saudi Arabia’s execution of a prominent Shiite cleric sparked attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. In August, Qatar restored diplomatic ties after Iran sent food to Doha and allowed Qatari planes to increasingly use the Islamic Republic’s airspace. Kuwait has tried unsuccessfully to mediate the crisis, as has the United States, which has a major military base in Qatar. Asked about the results, Gengler said Iran offered a convenient foe for Gulf nations struggling with internal problems and low global oil prices.

Source: Egypt Independent October 03, 2017 10:41 UTC