Can Qatar save US-Iran talks? Vance meets key mediator
JD Vance (photo: Getty Images)
US Vice President JD Vance met with the Prime Minister of Qatar to discuss peace with Iran. Washington is counting heavily on the assistance of a country that has already helped the US in this matter, according to Axios.
Vance held an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani. Immediately after concluding the dialogue, he left Washington.
The White House considers the Qatari side to be the most effective in negotiations with Tehran. US officials note that the Qataris know how to work behind the scenes, which yields better results than open diplomacy.
Memorandum on ending the war
The US Administration is now waiting for Iran's response. A one-page memorandum of understanding is on the table. This document has two key objectives:
- An immediate cessation of hostilities;
- Establishing a framework for further nuclear negotiations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hopes to receive a response by the end of the day. Rubio emphasized the importance of the moment: "We'll see what their response entails. The hope is it's something that can put us into a serious process of negotiation. I hope it's a serious offer. I really do."
Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially confirmed the discussion of mediation efforts. The country's authorities call on all sides to take positive steps. Qatar's statement reads:
"During the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed the necessity for all parties to respond positively to the ongoing mediation efforts, in a manner that would open the way for addressing the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue, and lead to reaching a comprehensive agreement that achieves lasting peace in the region."
Direct access to Iranian generals
Qatar acts as one of three key communication channels between the US and Iran. Its role is critical given its specific contacts, Axios writes. Qatari representatives communicate directly with high-ranking generals of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
These military figures have decisive influence over Tehran's decisions in negotiations. Qatar also closely coordinates its work with Pakistani intermediaries. Before the visit to Washington, the Qatari prime minister held consultations with his counterpart from Islamabad.
Trump's pressure and Iran's attacks
Qatar's peacekeeping mission nearly collapsed during the current war, as Iran repeatedly attacked Qatari territory with missiles and drones. Qatari air defense forces shot down Iranian fighter jets and launched retaliatory strikes on Iranian targets.
Due to such aggression, Doha wanted to cease its mediation. However, Donald Trump personally intervened in the situation. The US president pressured the Emir of Qatar to continue the mission. The American leader considers their participation indispensable.
What preceded the meeting in Washington
The situation in the Middle East sharply escalated following reports of an attack on US military ships and subsequent US retaliatory strikes on Iranian ports and fleet.
Iran accused Washington of violating the ceasefire, while the US claims it acted in response to attacks by Iranian military forces.
After this, Trump stated that Iran is run by dreamers and that if Tehran had nuclear weapons, it would use them. The US leader concluded that they would never have that capability.
A few days earlier, Trump had stated that the war with Iran could be completely over within a week. He sees great chances for reaching an agreement with Tehran.
