President Trump is expected to meet on Friday evening in New York with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani and discuss the aftermath of the Israeli strike against Hamas leaders in Doha earlier this week, two sources with direct knowledge said.
Why it matters: The meeting with the Qatari prime minister is another way for Trump to signal his support for Qatar and opposition to the Israeli strike.
On Tuesday, after the Israeli strike, Trump instructed Rubio to accelerate the discussions on such an agreement.
What they’re saying: At Qatar’s request, the UN Security Council convened on Thursday to discuss the Israeli strike.
Go deeper: Trump demanded Netanyahu commit not to strike Qatar again
Following the Israeli strike against Hamas leaders in Doha earlier this week, President Trump is scheduled to meet with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on Friday night in New York to discuss the situation, according to two people with direct knowledge.
Why it matters: Trump is expressing his opposition to the Israeli strike and support for Qatar through the meeting with the prime minister of Qatar.
Al-Thani’s encounter with Trump and other high-ranking U.S. S. . officials is a part of Qatar’s diplomatic effort to put more pressure on the world community to stop Israel’s war in Gaza.
The news is being driven by the arrival of the prime minister of Qatar in Washington, D.D.O. meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House on Friday morning, according to the State Department.
According to two knowledgeable sources, al-Thani also intended to meet with Vice President JD Vance. A request for comment was not answered by the vice president’s office.
According to the sources, the Qatari prime minister is scheduled to visit New York on Friday night to meet with Trump and White House envoy Steve Witkoff.
When Axios reached out to the White House for comment, they did not immediately reply.
Between the lines: A U will be one of the topics al-Thani discusses during his meetings in Washington. S. . -Qatar security accord, according to sources.
Following the Israeli strike on Tuesday, Trump gave Rubio instructions to expedite the talks on such an agreement.
The Qataris wish to attempt to use the Iranian strike against the United States. S. . base in Qatar and the Israeli attack on Hamas leaders in Doha in an attempt to obtain a formal security assurance from the Trump administration.
What they’re saying: The UN Security Council met Thursday to discuss the Israeli strike at the request of Qatar.
While denouncing the Israeli military’s actions, Al-Thani emphasized that Qatar will continue to play a “humanitarian and diplomatic role” in the Gaza conflict.
Since October, Qatar has been the primary mediator in the ceasefire and hostage negotiations in Gaza. Seven attacks.
“I’m hoping the Israeli strike in Qatar won’t have an impact on the talks in Gaza. Trump told reporters on Thursday that he wanted the hostages released as soon as possible.
Dig deeper: Trump asked Netanyahu to promise not to attack Qatar once more.
