President Donald Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani spent part of Friday on the phone talking about regional tensions, diplomacy and keeping maritime routes safe.
State-owned Qatar News Agency said the two leaders reviewed the strategic U.S.-Qatar relationship and discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation. Sheikh Tamim highlighted Qatar-led initiatives and stressed continued dialogue and diplomacy to prevent regional escalation, preserve freedom of maritime navigation and protect energy supplies.
The conversation also covered international efforts to narrow differences among the parties involved and support negotiations seeking a comprehensive agreement that "resolves the crisis and ensures security and stability in the region."
According to a Reuters report, Iran has sent Washington a nuclear proposal through Qatar, but says discussions can begin only after the U.S. meets its seven demands, including lifting sanctions, releasing frozen assets and paying war reparations. Tehran has also threatened to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, while Washington insists nuclear issues must feature in initial negotiations.
The call came one day after Trump said he was considering whether to resume major military operations against Iran, maintain economic pressure or pursue negotiations. That decision followed a sweeping Republican midterm election defeat, adding a domestic political backdrop to the administration's deliberations over its regional strategy.
At the time of writing, Brent crude oil futures dated January 2027 were trading 0.38% higher at $98.63, while the WTI crude futures dated December 2026 was trading 0.14% higher at $90.65.
