Vice President JD Vance held talks Friday in Washington with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani as Qatar intensifies its quiet diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict.

According to two sources familiar with the discussions who spoke to Axios, Qatar has been maintaining communication with senior commanders in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who are directly involved in Tehran’s wartime decision-making and negotiations with Washington.

While Pakistan has officially served as the primary intermediary between the United States and Iran since fighting erupted on February 28, Qatar has simultaneously continued its own behind-the-scenes mediation campaign.

American officials told Axios that the White House sees Qatar as particularly valuable and effective in communicating with Iranian leadership during the negotiations.

Qatari state media reported that Sheikh Mohammed told Vance of “the need for all parties to engage with the ongoing mediation efforts, to pave the way for addressing the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue, leading to a comprehensive agreement that achieves lasting peace in the region.”

Axios reported that the Qatari prime minister traveled to Washington solely for the meeting with Vance before immediately returning to Doha afterward.

The White House is currently waiting for Tehran’s reply to a one-page memorandum of understanding that would formally end the current conflict and establish the basis for broader nuclear negotiations moving forward.

Qatar had also played a role in earlier diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran prior to the 12-day conflict in June 2025, when the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, as well as before the latest round of fighting.

Although Oman officially hosted and mediated those negotiations, Axios reported that senior Qatari officials quietly participated in most sessions and assisted with the talks behind closed doors. Qatari representatives were also present during the final round of negotiations in Geneva shortly before the outbreak of hostilities.

Doha was similarly involved in diplomatic attempts to end the June fighting after Iran launched attacks against Qatar.

Qatar again came under attack during the current conflict. U.S. officials told Axios that Qatari forces intercepted Iranian fighter jets and later responded with strikes targeting Iranian positions.

At one stage, Qatar informed the United States that it intended to suspend its mediation role because of the Iranian attacks, according to a regional source cited by Axios. The source said Washington strongly encouraged Qatar to continue its involvement.

President Donald Trump also personally discussed the issue with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the source said.

{Matzav.com}