QATAR'S CRUCIAL ROLE IN IRAN, ISRAEL TRUCE

Even as the Trump-brokered truce between Israel and Iran has been initiated it initially came as a surprise even to his top officials as was reported by The New York Times.

- Robin Roy

Before announcing the truce, Trump held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian officials which were facilitated by the crucial mediation of Qatar. It is believed that Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani played a crucial role in the truce talks.

It must be noted that the mediation happened after the US forces at the Al Udeid air base in Qatar came under attack. Qatar, however, confirmed that it had intercepted all 14 missiles successfully. Qatar and Iran's close ties are well known. And riding the crest of this relationship between the two countries (Qatar and Iran), it made sense for Trump, Vance and senior officials to reach out to Qatar to push Tehran to agree on the truce.

It may be noted that Iran's Supreme Council had clearly stated in a statement that the attack of the US airbase in Qatar was clear of residential areas. “This action does not pose any threat to the friendly and brotherly country, Qatar, and its noble people, and the Islamic Republic of Iran remains committed to maintaining and continuing warm and historic relations with Qatar," the council said.