US President Donald Trump met with Qatar leaders on Saturday during a refueling stop at Al Udeid Air Base, a key hub for US military operations in the Middle East. The meeting came as part of his journey to Asia and focused on maintaining the fragile Gaza peace deal.
The Qatar leaders, including Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, boarded Air Force One for the talks. Trump praised their efforts in supporting the Middle East peace process, calling the prime minister his “friend to the world.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also attended the meeting after returning from Israel, where he worked to strengthen Washington’s diplomatic efforts to sustain the Gaza truce. The discussion was held privately, and reporters were escorted out before any questions could be asked.
President Trump’s visit to Asia marks his first trip to the region since retaking office in January. His schedule includes two major summits and meetings with several leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping.
Qatar leaders have been instrumental in mediating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas since the conflict began. Along with the United States, Egypt, and Turkey, Qatar remains a guarantor of the current peace agreement aimed at stabilizing Gaza and preventing further violence.
Earlier this week, Emir Sheikh Tamim hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Doha to discuss the next phase of the Gaza deal. Their talks focused on plans for a joint Gaza security force and the future governance of the territory, including the role of Hamas.
Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed has played a key role in negotiations since the war erupted after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Analysts say Qatar’s ongoing diplomacy highlights its growing influence in regional peace efforts and its commitment to maintaining stability in the Middle East.
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