Qatar emir and Trump discuss Middle East de escalation efforts

Wednesday 11 February 2026 - 13:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Qatar emir and Trump discuss Middle East de escalation efforts

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call on Wednesday to discuss efforts to reduce tensions and reinforce stability in the Middle East, according to the Qatari Emiri Diwan. The conversation came as Washington and Tehran continue diplomatic engagement following nuclear talks held last week in Oman and ahead of a planned meeting between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.

During the call, the two leaders reviewed recent regional developments and reaffirmed their support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at resolving crises through dialogue and peaceful means, the Qatari government said. They also stressed the importance of continued coordination on issues of mutual interest and explored ways to strengthen cooperation across various sectors.

Qatar has increasingly positioned itself as a key diplomatic intermediary in efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, working alongside regional partners to avert a potential military confrontation. Doha has also played a mediating role between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza conflict, in coordination with the United States and Egypt.

The phone call coincided with the arrival in Doha of Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Larijani traveled to Qatar after meetings in Oman with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who have helped facilitate indirect nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran held last Friday. Larijani was expected to meet Sheikh Tamim to discuss regional developments as preparations continue for the next round of talks.

The exchange between Trump and the Qatari emir took place hours before Netanyahu’s arrival in Washington for his seventh meeting with Trump since the start of the president’s second term. Originally scheduled for Feb. 18, Netanyahu’s visit was brought forward after U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman.

Netanyahu is expected to urge Trump to broaden the scope of U.S.-Iran negotiations beyond the nuclear file to include limits on Tehran’s ballistic missile arsenal and its support for regional proxy forces. Before departing Israel on Tuesday, Netanyahu said he would present Israel’s core principles regarding the negotiations, which he described as essential not only for Israel but for regional peace and security.

Iran has rejected any expansion of the talks. Araghchi has stated that the country’s missile program is not open to negotiation, either now or in the future.