All articles tagged with #qatar
Mediating countries led by Turkey, Oman and Qatar are trying to avert a U.S.–Iran war by delivering messages to Iran to act rationally and pursue negotiations, starting with renewing talks on the nuclear issue; Iran says it remains in contact with mediators and no deal has been reached, while Trump hints at a deal and warns of force.
Hundreds of millions from Venezuelan oil sales are being held in a Qatar-based account rather than US banks or direct transfers to Caracas; the first sale yielded about $500 million and more are expected, with Qatar acting as intermediary to funnel funds to Venezuelan banks for food, medicine and small businesses under US oversight. Experts warn the arrangement may reduce transparency and could be used to aid the Maduro regime, while officials say the proceeds will fund government operations and essential needs in Venezuela.
Diplomatic mediators from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman (with Egypt reportedly involved) quietly worked to defuse tensions between the US and Iran to prevent a potential strike, as President Trump said the US would not strike Iran and urged Tehran to exercise restraint amid ongoing protests.
Some personnel at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar were advised to evacuate after an Iranian official referenced a prior attack, signaling heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.
The Trump administration has completed its first Venezuelan oil sale worth about $500 million and is holding proceeds in accounts controlled by the US government, including a main holding in Qatar, as it aims to control revenue from up to 50 million barrels while blocking creditors; the funds are to be overseen by Treasury and disbursed back to Venezuela, with interim Venezuelan leadership cooperating and more deals anticipated amid ongoing scrutiny from lawmakers about offshore accounts.
The Pentagon has begun withdrawing troops and equipment from al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar as a precaution while President Trump weighs potential military action against Iran, echoing measures taken before U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in June.
The United States and Britain are withdrawing some personnel from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar as a precaution amid rising tensions with Iran over crackdowns on protests; Doha says the steps are to safeguard security and critical infrastructure, and there is no clear sign of a large-scale pullout. Al-Udeid hosts about 10,000 US personnel and roughly 100 UK staff, with officials not disclosing how many will depart.
Several personnel at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base were advised to leave by Wednesday amid rising regional tensions and U.S. warnings related to Iran protests; Doha says the measures are precautionary to safeguard security, and there has been no comment from the U.S. embassy in Doha.
A leaked October 2023 UAE document shows plans to use UAE military bases in the southern Red Sea (Yemen, Eritrea, Somalia) to support Israel in its war against Hamas, including military, logistics and intelligence aid, with meetings to coordinate with Yemen’s NRF and to transfer weapons; the leaks also flag substantial Qatari support to Hamas and describe increased UAE expenditures and commitments to back Israel until Hamas is defeated.
The 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final features PSG and Flamengo competing on December 17 in Doha, Qatar, with PSG having a bye as UEFA champions and Flamengo qualifying through their South American titles. The match is held at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, with tickets available and the game broadcast on FIFA+ and DAZN.
Hamas leaders in Qatar mourned Abdallah Hamad, a Hamas operative killed by the IDF in Rafah, amid reports of recent Israeli strikes on Hamas tunnels and leadership, highlighting ongoing conflict and Hamas' unity demonstration.
Qatar has called for the continuation of the Gaza ceasefire deal, emphasizing the importance of returning all hostages, including the remaining two deceased hostages, to Israel. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticized Qatar's stance, insisting that progress depends on the return of all hostages, while Qatar argues that delays in retrieving remains should not hinder the deal's implementation.
The article reports that former President Trump faced a diplomatic choice between supporting Israel or Qatar and ultimately chose Qatar, highlighting a significant decision in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff expressed feeling betrayed by Israel's airstrikes on Qatar during peace negotiations with Hamas, which disrupted the process by cutting off Qatar's connection to Hamas. The strikes, which targeted Hamas leaders in Doha, were seen as a setback to the negotiations, ultimately leading to a deal where Hamas released hostages and Israel withdrew forces. The full story will air on '60 Minutes'.
The U.S. is allowing Qatar to establish a training facility for its air force at Mountain Home Airbase in Idaho, which has sparked criticism from MAGA supporters who fear it signifies a foreign military presence on U.S. soil. Officials clarified that Qatar will not have its own base, but the controversy highlights ongoing tensions over foreign military collaborations and Qatar's relationship with the U.S.