Washington, May 10 (UNI) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Miami on Saturday, as the US awaits an Iranian response to its latest proposal for ending the conflict that began at the end of February, with discussions focusing on the Iran crisis, defense cooperation, and broader efforts to maintain stability across the Middle East.
Rubio expressed appreciation for Qatar’s partnership across multiple areas and emphasised continued close coordination between Washington and Doha to deter threats and promote stability in the region, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement.
Rubio also highlighted US support for Qatar’s defense capabilities, underscoring the importance of the strategic partnership between the two countries in maintaining regional security.
In a post on X, Rubio said the discussions included “US support for Qatar’s defense” and stressed that cooperation between the two allies is key to “deterring threats and promoting stability in the Middle East.”
The meeting comes amid intensified diplomatic activity linked to broader regional tensions, including ongoing efforts related to Iran.
The US and Iran are currently discussing a one-page memorandum aimed at ending the Iran war and creating a framework for more comprehensive negotiations.
Qatar has been playing a key mediating role between the two sides. Although Pakistan has served as the official mediator between Washington and Tehran since the war began, the Qataris have reportedly been operating “behind the scenes.”
Earlier the same day, reports said Rubio and White House envoy Steve Witkoff also met Al Thani in Miami as part of behind-the-scenes diplomacy aimed at advancing negotiations related to the Iran conflict and exploring a possible framework for de-escalation.
According to reports, Qatar has been playing a significant mediating role in discussions between Washington and Tehran, alongside other regional actors involved in diplomatic outreach.
Al Thani also met US Vice President JD Vance in Washington, where both sides reaffirmed support for diplomacy and stability efforts in the region.
The Qatari Prime Minister said he discussed “our friendly countries’ strategic partnership and cooperation and exchanged views on shared interests. We reaffirm our support for diplomacy advancing security, stability, and lasting regional and global peace.”
Meanwhile, Al Thani also held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.
The two sides discussed cooperation between the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and explored ways to further strengthen ties.
The discussions also focused on developments in the region, particularly efforts related to a ceasefire between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing tensions and reinforcing regional security and stability.
During the call, both leaders stressed the importance of all parties responding positively to mediation efforts in order to address the root causes of the crisis through dialogue and peaceful means.
They said such efforts were necessary to reach a sustainable agreement that would prevent renewed escalation in the region.
Several regional countries, including Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, are reportedly engaged in coordinated diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a broader agreement and preventing further escalation in the region.
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