Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani arrives to welcome French President Emmanuel Macron for a meeting at Lusail Palace in Lusail, Qatar, Oct. 20, 2026. (Credit: Benoit Tessier/Reuters)
BEIRUT — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions and reach an agreement to end the war with Iran during a phone call Thursday, according to the two countries’ foreign ministries.
The Qatari prime minister reaffirmed Doha’s support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation along the region’s maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, and paving the way for a comprehensive agreement to restore lasting peace.
Rubio, for his part, praised Qatar’s mediation efforts and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to the security of the emirate and to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement from the U.S. State Department.
The two officials also discussed their strategic partnership and coordination to promote de-escalation and regional stability.
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