Iran Pres, Qatari Emir Exchange Letters Amid JCPoA Efforts

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani have exchanges letters following a visit by the Qatari foreign minister to Iran in February.

• The letters emphasised that both countries should attempt to 'develop and deepen relations'. The letters also talked about the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPoA, the Iran nuclear deal). Rouhani's letter stated that "...whenever the US lifts illegal sanctions and returns to the law, Iran will immediately return to all its obligations under the JCPOA."
• The Emir stated in his letter that Qatar is "...ready to support the political and diplomatic process" of getting the US and Iran round the negotiating table over the JCPoA.
• Qatar remains Iran's closest ally in the Gulf, a position that saw a years-long blockade of Qatar implemented by Saudi Arabia and other GCC states. However, relations have since improved somewhat, and Qatar may end up proving a useful mediator between the US, the E3 nations, GCC states, and Iran on any JCPoA talks.