Qatar emir, Trump discuss progress in US-Iran understandings

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and US President Donald Trump held a phone call on Thursday to discuss progress in understandings reached between Washington and Tehran, the Emiri Diwan said. The leaders reviewed the results of consultations and understandings that have led to “progress on issues under discussion within the negotiating track.” Sheikh Tamim welcomed efforts to resolve disputes through dialogue and reaffirmed Qatar’s support for initiatives aimed at strengthening regional security and stability. Trump, for his part, said the understandings had “received the approval of all relevant parties, with the participation and support of several brotherly and friendly countries, including Qatar.”

Approval and blockade

Earlier Thursday, Trump announced on Truth Social that he had canceled planned strikes against Iran, stating that “discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others.” He added that “the Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalized — Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly.” The announcement came despite ongoing US strikes on Iranian targets following the downing of an Apache helicopter, and Iran’s announcement that it was closing the Strait of Hormuz.