The four Arab states that have imposed an extraordinary embargo on Qatar, on Wednesday lambasted Doha for its “negative” response to their demands in a sign that the month-long diplomatic crisis is deepening. After meeting in Cairo to discuss the dispute, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt said Qatar’s response showed “a lack of seriousness in dealing with the roots of the problem” and a “failure to appreciate the dangers in the situation”. Adel al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister, warned that additional steps against Doha could be taken at the appropriate time. The crisis erupted when Riyadh and its allies cut diplomatic and transport links with Qatar, accusing the gas-rich state of sponsoring terrorism. Doha was given until Wednesday to respond to a list of 13 demands, including that it pay reparations, cease all support for the Muslim Brotherhood and close Al Jazeera, the satellite television channel. Why do they see Qatar as such a threat? I think it is because we have different views on politics and the best path for our collective future Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s foreign minister Qatar, which hosts the US’s main military base in the region, says it is willing to discuss legitimate grievances but will not be dictated to by its neighbours. Speaking in London, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s foreign minister, said Doha “continues to call for dialogue” despite what he described as “clear aggression” against his country. Kuwait is mediating the dispute, which pits important US allies against each other.