Qatar emir, Trump push diplomacy to ease US-Iran tensions
Why it matters: Doha is trying to keep talks alive while safeguarding Gulf shipping lanes and energy flows.
Qatar's emir and President Donald Trump spoke Friday about efforts to reduce US-Iran tensions, as Doha presses mediation aimed at reviving negotiations and avoiding a wider regional conflict. A statement from the Qatari royal court said Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Trump also discussed strategic ties between their countries and international diplomatic efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement. The emir stressed the need for continued dialogue to prevent further escalation, the statement said, and highlighted freedom of navigation and the security of energy supplies. Separate reporting from the Gulf pointed to cautious optimism that Qatari mediation has produced some progress in recent days, even as the risk of renewed military action remains.