War in Iran: Despite Iranian attacks, Doha steps up mediation efforts

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has intensified mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, holding calls with officials across the region and meeting US Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and White House envoy Steve Witkoff to pursue de-escalation and a permanent end to the conflict that began on February 28. Analysts note Qatar's strategic position—hosting the largest US military base in the Middle East and heavily dependent on the Strait of Hormuz for LNG exports—makes it an effective mediator, though experts caution that a durable settlement remains distant given the structural constraints of the US-Iran confrontation.