Qatar Steps In After Pakistan’s Ceasefire Stalls, Producing U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding

Qatar revived negotiations between the United States and Iran after talks reached a deadlock in mid-May, producing a Memorandum of Understanding to end the war. The signing is scheduled for Friday in Switzerland. President Donald Trump spoke alongside Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani at a summit on Tuesday and praised the emir’s role.

“We have a great relationship,” Trump said. ” Trump also highlighted the next phase of diplomacy. “We have our deal done with Iran, and to be successful, it goes to a second stage, which I think will be actually easier,” he said.

Pakistan had served as the main mediator from the start of the conflict and secured an April ceasefire. After that truce appeared close to collapse, Washington asked Qatar to take a larger role, according to a Financial Times report. Veteran Qatari mediators Ali al Thawadi and Hamad al Kubaisi flew secretly to Tehran shortly after the request.

U.S. Apache helicopter, stranding the delegation at Tehran airport for seven hours. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan telephoned Trump to urge restraint on further strikes.

Both sides later accepted the memorandum. A person briefed on the talks described the final days to the Financial Times. “It was very intense. It was exhausting, but there was relief. ” Trump credited Qatar’s persistence during the conflict.

“Working with Qatar and the people of Qatar was really a pleasure,” he said. “They were tough, they were strong. … You were in a more dangerous position. ” Qatar has mediated other conflicts, including the war in Gaza and fighting between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwandan-backed rebels.