Qatari PM calls US-Iran talks 'positive' after Washington meeting

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani described talks with the U.S. about Iran as "positive" following a Monday meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, expressing hope for a deal to bring peace to the region. The prime minister said on X that discussions covered regional stability and ways to advance U.S.-Iran talks. Trump downplayed fresh military action against Iran but affirmed the U.S. would maintain naval and land blockades, citing the "Iron Gate" system to defend Gulf partners. The comments came nearly a week after the 2026 midterm elections, where Trump's party faced challenges partly due to the unpopular eight-month war in Iran, which has driven up American energy prices.