Qatar PM Discusses US-Qatar Ties Amid Iran War & Energy Crisis

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington, DC, on Friday, as regional tensions escalate following the US-Israeli war on Iran and its fallout across the Gulf.

The meetings, confirmed by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on strengthening “close strategic cooperation” between Doha and Washington, particularly regarding their defense partnership in light of the current regional situation. Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining a consistent flow of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar to global markets to ensure global energy security.

Vice President Vance lauded the “robust strategic partnership” with Qatar, recognizing the country’s “active role in promoting regional stability and enhancing global energy security,” according to the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The discussions occur amid heightened tensions in the Gulf since February 28, when the US-Israeli war on Iran began. The conflict has resulted in over 3,000 deaths across the region, with a disproportionate number of casualties in Iran and Lebanon. Iran has responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states, claiming to target US assets. Regional leaders have urged Iran to halt these attacks, citing the danger to civilians.

Earlier this month, Qatar reported that Iranian missile attacks caused “significant damage” to the Ras Laffan Industrial City, the country’s primary gas facility. This attack, coupled with the ongoing conflict, has contributed to an unprecedented global energy crisis, exacerbated by Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil transport, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.

Sheikh Mohammed also met on Thursday with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The Foreign Ministry stated that the meeting centered on ways to bolster defense and security collaboration in response to regional challenges. Both parties underscored the need for continued coordination and consultation on regional issues to promote security and stability both locally and internationally.

The Qatari Cabinet, on Wednesday, reiterated its condemnation of Iranian attacks on Qatar and its neighboring countries, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

As of Friday, no joint statement was released by the US and Qatari governments detailing specific commitments or agreements reached during the meetings. Further discussions are expected, with no date currently announced.