President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Qatar to leverage its ties with Iran to help convince Tehran to agree to scale back its fast-moving nuclear program.
While visiting the Gulf nation during his three-country tour of the Middle East, Trump made the appeal during a state dinner hosted by Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Qatar’s Diplomatic Role
Qatar has long acted as a go-between for the U.S. and Iran, including with Tehran-backed Hamas amid the ongoing 19-month war with Israel.
“I hope you can help me with the Iran situation,” Trump said during his remarks at the formal dinner. “It’s a perilous situation, and we want to do the right thing.”
Push for a Deal
Earlier that day, Trump addressed leaders at the Gulf Cooperation Council meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He expressed a desire to strike a deal with Tehran but insisted Iran must stop backing proxy groups across the Middle East as part of any future agreement.
The 2015 nuclear deal between the U.S. and Iran—brokered during President Barack Obama’s term—required Iran to significantly reduce its uranium stockpile and limit enrichment to 3.67%. Trump’s administration later withdrew from the agreement.
Today, Iran enriches uranium to 60%—just a technical step from weapons-grade levels—and possesses enough material to make multiple nuclear weapons if it chooses to.
Qatar’s Perspective
Speaking to Fox News Channel on Wednesday night, the Qatari emir said, “we agree that we want a nuclear-free region, and we cannot afford a nuclear race in that region.”
However, Al Thani added, “Iran has its right to have a nuclear — a civilian nuclear power, while not also representing any challenge or any threat for anyone in the region.” He emphasized the need for a diplomatic resolution.
Ongoing U.S.-Iran Talks
Since early last month, the U.S. and Iran have held four rounds of negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Trump said he believes a deal is achievable, but time is running out.
At the state dinner, he urged Iran’s leadership to act soon or risk an escalating conflict.
“Because things like that get started and they get out of control,” Trump warned. “I’ve seen it over and over again. They go to war and things get out of control, and we’re not going to let that happen.”
During his speech in Riyadh, Trump made clear that Tehran must “stop sponsoring terror, halt its bloody proxy wars and permanently and verifiably cease pursuit of nuclear weapons” before any deal can move forward.
Iran’s Proxy Network Under Pressure
Trump’s demand for Iran to end its support of Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen comes as these groups face serious setbacks since Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Trump’s comments as “deceitful” but did not directly respond to the demands.
Trump also said it’s time to “break free from the grip of Hezbollah terrorists.” The group is reeling after its recent war with Israel that decimated much of its leadership and the loss of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, a key Iranian ally.
Meeting With Syria’s New Leader
While in Riyadh, Trump also met Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa—a former insurgent leader once held by U.S. forces in Iraq.
Al-Sharaa assumed Syria’s presidency in January after his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, led a surprising offensive that ended the Assad family’s 54-year rule in Damascus.
Trump said he chose to meet with al-Sharaa following encouragement from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He pledged to lift longstanding sanctions on Syria.
The White House described the meeting as a short “pull aside,” though it lasted 33 minutes.
Trump told reporters the meeting went “great,” calling al-Sharaa a “young, attractive guy” with a “very strong past.”
“He’s got a real shot at holding it together,” Trump added.
Once known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, al-Sharaa joined al-Qaida during the Iraq war. He still faces a terrorism warrant in Iraq and was once the target of a $10 million U.S. reward due to his extremist ties.
After Syria’s conflict erupted in 2011, al-Sharaa returned home to lead the Nusra Front—al-Qaida’s local branch. He later renamed it Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and severed ties with al-Qaida.
The sanctions he aims to lift date back to Bashar Assad’s regime and were designed to cripple Syria’s economy.
Trump received a warm welcome in Doha, where Sheikh Al Thani greeted him at the airport. Qatari F-15 jets escorted Air Force One as it approached the capital.
During talks at Amiri Diwan, Trump complimented the “perfecto” marble and the camels featured in the welcome ceremony.
The emir praised Trump’s efforts on Iran and the Gaza conflict.
“I know that you are a man of peace,” he said. “I know that you want to bring peace to this region.”
Qatar, like other Gulf Arab nations, is an autocracy where political parties are banned and speech is tightly monitored. Still, it remains a key U.S. ally and hosts Al-Udeid Air Base, home to the U.S. military’s Central Command.
The country is also at the center of controversy over its offer to give Trump a luxury Boeing 747-8 jet—possibly as a temporary Air Force One while new aircraft are being built.
Qatari officials say a final decision hasn’t been made. Trump has defended the proposal, saying the plane would be refurbished and later donated to his future presidential library. He stated he would not use the jet after leaving office.
Trump heads to the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, wrapping up his Middle East tour.
