WASHINGTON: Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday as diplomatic efforts intensify to end the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran.
The meeting comes amid growing regional tensions and renewed efforts by Qatar to bridge differences between the two sides. US Vice President JD Vance is also expected to hold separate talks with the Qatari premier.
Iran has reportedly presented a two-day proposal through Qatari mediators, seeking an end to US military operations and the naval blockade of its ports, relief from certain sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian funds. In return, Tehran has indicated it could reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, with negotiations on its nuclear programme to follow.
However, Washington has expressed reservations about the proposal. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the negotiations had made little progress, describing Iran’s demands as unrealistic and indicating that an immediate diplomatic breakthrough was unlikely.
Meanwhile, Trump has signalled that he prefers a diplomatic solution, although he has warned that further military action remains an option if an acceptable agreement is not reached.
Qatar has emerged as a key intermediary between Washington and Tehran, while Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey have also been involved in regional diplomatic efforts.
With tensions continuing across the region and no comprehensive agreement in sight, Monday’s meeting is being closely watched for signs of progress towards a possible ceasefire and renewed nuclear negotiations.
