Trump Asks Qatar to Help Ease Nuclear Tensions with Iran

Doha – U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Qatar to use its diplomatic influence to encourage Iran to agree to a deal that would halt its growing nuclear programme. Speaking during a state dinner in Doha hosted by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Trump appealed for Qatari support to resolve the standoff with Tehran. His visit to Qatar is part of a broader three-nation tour of the Middle East aimed at strengthening regional alliances and addressing escalating tensions with Iran.

“I hope you can help me with the situation in Iran,” Trump told the Emir during his speech at the formal dinner. “It’s a dangerous situation, and we want to do the right thing.” He added that if Iran fails to act, it could lead to conflict. “These things get out of control quickly. I’ve seen it happen over and over again.”

Qatar has often acted as a go-between for the U.S. and Iran, facilitating dialogue with Tehran-backed groups like Hamas. This mediator role has become even more significant as the war between Israel and Hamas drags on, now in its 19th month. Trump’s appeal to Qatar follows his address at a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meeting in Riyadh, where he stated his willingness to reach a new nuclear agreement with Iran—on the condition that Iran ends support for armed proxies throughout the region.

The original nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was signed in 2015 during President Barack Obama’s administration. Under the deal, Iran agreed to curb its nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief. However, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the deal in 2018, arguing it was too weak. Since then, Iran has stepped up its nuclear programme, enriching uranium up to 60%—just shy of weapons-grade levels—and accumulating enough material to build several nuclear weapons if it chose to do so.

In a televised interview, Emir Al Thani reiterated Qatar’s desire for a peaceful resolution and a nuclear-free Middle East. “We agree that we want a nuclear-free zone,” he said. “Iran has the right to pursue civilian nuclear energy, as long as it doesn’t pose a threat to others in the region.”

The U.S. and Iran have already held four rounds of indirect talks about the nuclear issue since early April. Trump expressed cautious optimism that a deal is still possible, but he warned that the opportunity is slipping away. He emphasized that Iran must stop backing militant groups like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.

Speaking again at the GCC summit, Trump said Tehran must “stop sponsoring terrorism, cease its bloody proxy wars, and permanently and verifiably end its pursuit of nuclear weapons” for any agreement to move forward. His remarks come as Iran’s network of regional allies has been significantly weakened following the prolonged conflict in Gaza and setbacks in Lebanon and Syria.

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Trump’s comments as a “hoax” but avoided directly addressing the specific conditions Trump outlined for restarting negotiations.

Trump concluded his remarks with a stark warning to Iran’s leaders. “Step up now,” he said, “because once things get out of hand, they spiral fast. We’re not going to let that happen again.”

The stakes remain high as both sides test diplomatic waters amid rising tensions and regional instability. Whether Qatar’s mediation can help bring Iran and the U.S. back to the negotiating table remains to be seen.

Team Maverick.