Trump to Meet Qatari Prime Minister as Hopes for Quick Iran Deal Fade

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump will meet Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, on Monday. According to Express Tribune, Qatar is a key mediator in the Iran war, and Sheikh Mohammed visited Tehran last week. Vice President JD Vance will also take part in the meeting.

The diplomatic activity has intensified following last week’s midterm elections. Republican leaders, including Vance, have blamed the Iran war for the party’s defeat. The war was launched by the United States and Israel on February 28.

Under Iran’s proposal, the United States would lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports, lift some sanctions and halt bombing, while Tehran would end the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions on the nuclear programme and other sanctions would follow later. Ismail Baghaei, spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, described it as the most reasonable proposal on the table.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday called Iran’s conditions unacceptable and unrealistic, and said there was no imminent diplomatic breakthrough. Anwar Gargash, a senior UAE official, also described a comprehensive political settlement as difficult and advised preparing for a prolonged period of uncertainty.

Fighting continues. Iranian state media reported that the United States struck Qeshm Island on Sunday night. A provincial Iranian official told the Fars News Agency that key installations and services were not affected. The US has not commented.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he had told Trump that Ankara does not want new tensions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has also said that if rights can be secured through negotiations, there should be no going to war.