In the last two weeks, Qatar has emerged as a central player in negotiations between the US and Iran, Channel 12’s Barak Ravid says, citing American officials and regional sources.
According to the report, US President Donald Trump pressured the Qatari emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to help broker negotiations with Tehran.
Doha was reluctant to get involved, but eventually acceded after weeks of pressure, Ravid adds.
Pakistan is still the primary mediator in the talks, Ravid says, adding that Qatar is not “going behind the back” of Islamabad, but is instead joining the regional effort to reach a long-term deal between the US and Iran.
Yesterday, the Qatari prime minister met with US Vice President JD Vance in Washington for talks on the US-Iran negotiations.
Qatar, whose leadership is seen as close to Trump, has been a central mediator in negotiating several ceasefires in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, including the current fragile truce, which has held since last October.
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