President Donald Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani discussed regional tensions, diplomacy and protecting maritime routes during a Friday phone call.
State-owned Qatar News Agency said the leaders reviewed the strategic U.S.-Qatar relationship and discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation. Sheikh Tamim highlighted Qatar-led initiatives and emphasized 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.
Ghalibaf Mocks Vance Over GOP Losses
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked Vice President JD Vance‘s analysis of Republican midterm losses, calling it “losing gambler energy.”
He accused the Trump administration of prioritizing Israel and preparing for another phase of the Iran war, challenging Vance to raise his concerns directly with Trump. “Skip the TED talk,” said the Iranian Speaker.
Meanwhile, Vance blamed the Iran conflict and rising living costs for the GOP’s midterm defeat. In a post-midterm address, Vance called for an “honest conversation” and a reset of Republican priorities ahead of 2028. He identified four priorities to help Republicans regain voter support: ending the war, tackling inflation and living costs, putting America first, and changing U.S. policy toward Israel.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock