Trump Hosts Qatari Prime Minister After Israeli Attack in Doha

September 13, 2025

In a significant diplomatic move, US President Donald Trump hosted a dinner with the Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, in New York on Friday. This meeting came just days after Israel’s controversial attack on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar .Israeli Attack on Hamas Leaders in Doha On Tuesday, Israel attempted to kill the political leaders of Hamas with an attack in Qatar. This strike was widely condemned in the Middle East and beyond as an act that could escalate tensions in the already volatile region.

Trump’s Reaction and Assurances President Trump expressed annoyance about the Israeli strike in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump sought to assure the Qataris that such attacks would not happen again, emphasizing his unhappiness with Israel’s unilateral action, which he said did not advance US or Israeli interests .Qatar’s Role as Mediator Qatar has been a key mediator in long-running negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, as well as for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and for a post-conflict plan for the territory. Al-Thani blamed Israel for trying to sabotage the chances for peace but stated that Qatar would not be deterred from its role as a mediator .High-Level Meetings The dinner between Trump and the Qatari Prime Minister was attended by a top Trump adviser, US special envoy Steve Witkoff . It followed an hour-long meeting that al-Thani had at the White House on Friday with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where they discussed Qatar’s future as a mediator in the region and defense cooperation in the wake of the Israeli strikes .The White House confirmed the dinner had taken place but offered no further details. This diplomatic outreach highlights the delicate balance of power and the ongoing efforts to maintain stability in the Middle East.