Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani declared that the Gulf nation had interposed a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, following an urgent request from the United States. The announcement emerged during a press conference in Doha alongside Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on June 24, 2025.
Ceasefire Follows Iranian Missile Strike on US Base in Qatar
Tensions intensified dramatically when Iran launched missile attacks on the Al Udeid airbase in Qatar, a major U.S. military facility, in retaliation for what Tehran explained as U.S. involvement in Israel’s air campaign against Iranian targets. Luckily, no casualties were reported as Iran had released a prior warning before the strike.
Despite the lack of injuries, the attack left a significant diplomatic scar. “What happened will leave its scar on our relationship with Iran,” said Sheikh Mohammed, describing the incident as “unacceptable,” especially given Qatar’s ongoing efforts to mediate regional conflicts.
Qatar is now acting as a Neutral Mediator Amid Regional Tensions
Qatar, which is highly famous for its history of acting as a neutral go-between in regional crises, once again played the most vital role. The prime minister unveiled that the U.S. had requested Qatar to liaise with Iran to help de-escalate the rapidly intensifying situation.
According to an informed source, Sheikh Mohammed successfully persuaded Iranian leadership to accept a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, following a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
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President Pezeshkian reportedly expressed regret over the missile strike, clarifying that Iran’s retaliation targeted a military site, not civilians or Qatari infrastructure.
US-Israel Coordination and Iran’s Response
As per the source familiar with the diplomatic exchanges, former U.S. President Donald Trump informed the Emir of Qatar that Israel had agreed to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, and then asked Qatar to secure Iran’s acceptance. Vice President JD Vance followed up by contacting Qatar’s prime minister, who played a central role in sealing the deal.
Though Iran has yet to formally declare its acceptance, the country’s top security body said Iran’s military response had “compelled” Israel to stop its airstrikes, labeling the ceasefire a unilateral Israeli move.
Qatar Urges Emphasis on Gaza and Iran Nuclear Talks
Sheikh Mohammed also raised concerns that Israel may exploit the ceasefire with Iran to further escalate the attacks on Gaza, where Qatar has also been mediating for a separate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Sheikh expressed hope that talks on Gaza would resume within the next two days.
At the end, the Qatari prime minister urged both Washington and Tehran to return to Oman-mediated negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, frozen since the initiation of Israel’s recent military campaigns.