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Trump meets Qatar's prime minister as Iran war talks stall

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Senior US and Gulf officials doubt an imminent deal to end the Iran war, which the US and Israel launched on 28 February. Iran's latest proposal sits with Washington while attacks continue in the Gulf.

Qatar's prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, is a key mediator. He is due to hold closed-door talks with Trump at the White House on Monday. Sources said he wants Trump to allow more time for diplomacy.

Iran sent a new nuclear and peace proposal through Qatari mediators on Thursday. Iran said it would discuss the plan only after Washington meets its seven demands. A draft version would run over two days, according to sources. The US would lift its naval blockade and release frozen funds on day one, and the Strait of Hormuz would reopen on day two. Nuclear talks would then resume.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Sunday that Tehran's conditions were outrageous, ridiculous and not realistic. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said the Iranian proposal is the most reasonable offer on the table. Senior UAE official Anwar Gargash said a full political settlement looks difficult.

Attacks continue. Iranian state media said the US struck Qeshm island overnight, and Iran said a tanker hit a mine east of the Strait of Hormuz. Yemen's Houthi group said it struck an Aramco office building in Riyadh.

Key facts

Who
Donald Trump (US President); Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani (Prime minister and foreign minister of Qatar); JD Vance (US vice-president); Marco Rubio (US secretary of state)
What
Trump will meet Qatari prime minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who is also foreign minister, as diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war ramp up after the US midterm elections. Senior US and Gulf officials cast doubt on an imminent deal, and mutual attacks continue.
When
9 November 2026
Where
Washington, Iran, Qatar
Status
Reported

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