Qatar bolstered its ties with Iran in defiance of Gulf Arab rivals that have been blockading the country for over two months because of its sympathies with Tehran and alleged support for Islamist extremism. The Qatari foreign ministry said on Thursday the government was restoring diplomatic ties and sending its ambassador back to Tehran as part of an “aspiration to strengthen bilateral relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran in all fields”. Saudi Arabia and three other Arab states launched the economic and travel blockade of Qatar in early June, accusing Doha of sponsoring terrorism and cosying up to the Iranian regime. According to Arab media, Bahram Qasemi, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, on Thursday welcomed Qatar’s diplomatic overture, saying Tehran appreciates neighbours taking constructive steps to improve relationships.
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