US Secretary of State Marco Rubio Meets Qatari Emir Amid Tensions Over Israeli Strike

Doha – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha on Tuesday, reaffirming the enduring US-Qatar security partnership and their shared commitment to regional stability. He also thanked Qatar for its mediation efforts aimed at brokering a peace deal between Israel and Hamas and securing the release of hostages.

The visit came a week after Israel carried out an air strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, an attack that sparked anger across Gulf states and drew international condemnation.

Mr. Rubio traveled to Qatar following a stop in Israel, where he expressed “unwavering support” for its campaign against Hamas. His remarks, however, underscored Washington’s delicate balancing act as it seeks to maintain its “ironclad” alliance with Israel while repairing strained ties with Gulf partners.

Qatar, a key US ally in the Gulf, hosts the largest American air base in the Middle East and has played a pivotal role as mediator in the Gaza conflict. Before departing for Doha, Mr. Rubio said Washington and Doha were close to finalizing an enhanced defense cooperation agreement.

While acknowledging that prospects for a ceasefire remain slim, Mr. Rubio stressed that Qatar’s unique position makes it vital to ongoing mediation efforts. His visit coincided with Israel intensifying its ground and air offensive in Gaza.