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Iranian foreign relations

Qatar Finds Itself in the Unusual Position of Mediating a War Where One of the Parties is Firing Missiles at It

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Qatar has long been a mediating force in the Middle East, providing a diplomatic service to countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gaza. Recent events have highlighted the country's value as a neutral party in conflicts involving the US, Iran, and Israel. When Iran launched a missile attack on Qatar's Al Udeid airbase, one of the largest US military facilities in the Middle East, the US asked Qatar to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. This comes after Qatar condemned the Iranian attack, citing a "blatant violation of Iran's sovereignty and security, as well as a clear breach of international law."

Key Takeaways:

  • Qatar has spent an estimated $8 billion on the infrastructure of the Al Udeid airbase, which houses the US military and serves as a strategic location for Qatar's diplomatic efforts.
  • Qatar has a history of mediating conflicts in the region, including providing a diplomatic service to countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gaza.
  • Iran's relations with Qatar have been improving since Qatar was boycotted by its Gulf allies, and Iran has acted as a friend to Qatar throughout this time.
  • The US has expressed gratitude to Iran for providing advance warning of the missile attack on the Al Udeid airbase, which allowed for the base to be cleared.
  • Qatar's value to the region lies in its ability to communicate with countries such as the Taliban, Hamas, and Iran, and its reputation as a "good, decent people" who are "well motivated" and "want to be acknowledged as a peacemaker."
  • The Trump administration has praised Qatar's efforts, with Steve Witkoff, the special envoy, stating that Qatar is a "Muslim nation" that has "moderated quite a bit" and owes no funding for the use of the Al Udeid airbase.
  • Qatar's prime minister has been called by Donald Trump to facilitate a conversation with the Iranians to secure a ceasefire, highlighting the country's critical role in mediating the conflict.

Statistics:

  • Estimated $8 billion spent by Qatar on the infrastructure of the Al Udeid airbase.
  • 60-acre Al Udeid airbase, the largest US military facility in the Middle East, is located in Qatar.
  • 12-day ceasefire between Israel and Iran that Qatar played a crucial role in facilitating.
  • Iran and Qatar have a history of improving relations, with Iran acting as a friend to Qatar during its time of need.

Sources:

  • [Foreign Minister Sultan bin Saad al-Muraikhi](https://www.thenational.ae/world/gcc/qatar-foreign-minister-sultan-bin-saad-al-muraikhi-1.530581)
  • [Deputy Foreign Minister Majed al-Ansari](https://www.thenational.ae/world/gcc/qatar-deputy-foreign-minister-majed-al-ansari-1.530578)
  • [Iran's Supreme National Security Council](https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/07/07/628382/Iran-Iran-Qatar-relations)
  • [Qatar's Prime Minister](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/07/qatar-prime-minister-iran-tap-emergency-meeting-ceasefire-200707102315389.html)
  • [Steve Witkoff's Tucker Carlson interview](https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2020/06/30/trump_admin_official_sslacks_trumps_extreme_mead_for_iranian_leaders_12539.html)

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