Washington praises Qatar’s role while Iran delays response and US warns against waterway threats..
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Saturday as diplomatic efforts intensified to secure a deal aimed at ending the war with Iran. The State Department confirmed the meeting and said Rubio thanked Qatar for its partnership on several regional issues, including defense cooperation, deterrence, stability, and security across the Middle East.
The meeting followed reports that Rubio and White House envoy Steve Witkoff met the Qatari leader in Miami as part of negotiations involving Washington, Tehran, and regional mediators. Qatar is reportedly playing a key behind-the-scenes role in helping bridge gaps between the United States and Iran, while Pakistan remains the official mediator. Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia are also said to be coordinating efforts to push both sides toward de-escalation.
The talks reportedly focus on a one-page memorandum designed to end the war and create a framework for wider negotiations. As of Saturday afternoon, Washington was still waiting for Iran’s latest response.
Rubio warned on Friday that any Iranian attempt to control traffic through an international waterway would be unacceptable, reinforcing America’s position against Tehran’s destabilizing regional behavior. President Donald Trump also said he was awaiting Iran’s answer, adding that Washington would soon know whether Tehran was deliberately delaying the process.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran’s response remains under review and claimed Iran would not be influenced by ultimatums or deadlines.
