Europeans upbeat after Qatari PM’s update on US-Iran peace talks and Trump meeting
According to The National, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman made an unscheduled stop on Tuesday on the sidelines of a G7 gathering in Paris to update European and Saudi counterparts on diplomatic efforts regarding the US-Iran conflict. The visit was interpreted as a positive sign that a diplomatic solution may be on track. Sheikh Mohammed briefed French, UK, German, Italian, and Saudi foreign ministers on his talks earlier in the week in Washington with US President Donald Trump. The sub-hour meeting focused on the Iran crisis and its security and economic repercussions. The gathering was hosted by France's Jean-Noel Barrot, with Germany's Johann Wadephul, the UK's Ed Miliband, Italy's Antonio Tajani, and Saudi Arabia's Prince Faisal bin Farhan in attendance. The unannounced visit follows comments from Mr Trump on Monday indicating that military action against Iran is currently unlikely, though warning Washington remains prepared. Other topics discussed included Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz affecting global energy prices, and the looming security vacuum in south Lebanon following the expiration of the UN mission mandate at year-end.