US President Donald Trump urged Qatar to use its diplomatic ties with Iran to help defuse escalating tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program. Speaking alongside Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Trump appealed for support in pushing Iran toward a new agreement with the US, warning that the situation could spiral into war if not addressed.
Qatar has previously acted as a go-between for the US and Iran, including during talks involving Iran-backed Hamas, now embroiled in a prolonged war with Israel.
“I hope you can help me with the Iran situation,” Trump said during remarks at the formal dinner. “It’s a perilous situation, and we want to do the right thing,” he added.
Earlier in Riyadh, Trump told Gulf Cooperation Council leaders that any deal with Iran must include an end to its support for militant groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Trump said he believes a new nuclear deal is still possible, but “the window is closing.”
Qatar’s emir echoed support for diplomacy, stating that while Iran has the right to civilian nuclear energy, a nuclear arms race must be avoided.
Trump also met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Riyadh and agreed to lift longstanding US sanctions. Al-Sharaa, a former militant leader, rose to power after insurgents ousted Bashar Assad in a surprise offensive. Trump described him as having a “very strong past” and said the meeting went “great.”
In Doha, Trump was welcomed with fanfare, including a camel ceremony and fighter jet escort. Qatar, a close US partner and host of Al-Udeid Air Base, is reportedly considering gifting Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8 as a temporary Air Force One—a move facing criticism amid ethical concerns. Trump says the plane would later be donated to his presidential library.
(With inputs from The Associated Press)
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