Rubio Discusses Support For Qatari In Meeting With Al-Thani

00:42 10.5.2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the prime minister of Qatar, a Middle East ally that reportedly has been working behind the scenes in an attempt to help mediate an end to the Iran war.

The May 9 meeting came as Washington awaited a response from Tehran for its latest peace proposal, one aimed at ending the fighting but which would put off many crucial issues for later discussions.

“The secretary expressed appreciation for Qatar’s partnership on a range of issues,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a brief statement after Rubio met with Prime Minister Muhammad bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, who also acts as Qatar’s foreign minister.

“The secretary and the foreign minister also discussed US support for Qatar’s defense, and the importance of continued close coordination to deter threats and promote stability and security across the Middle East,” the statement said.

The statement did not specifically mention Iran.

A day earlier, al-Thani met with US Vice President JD Vance and “stressed the need for all parties to engage with the ongoing mediation efforts, to pave the way for addressing the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue, leading to a comprehensive agreement that achieves lasting peace in the region,” the Qatari Foreign Ministry said.

Meanwhile, a Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker was sailing toward the Strait of Hormuz on May 9 en route to Pakistan, according to tracking services.

Reuters quoted sources as saying the move was being allowed by Tehran as part of efforts to confidence with Qatar and Pakistan, which acts as the official mediator in the war.

Source: blockade-gulf-israel/33640284.html?lbis=454595

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