By Our Correspondent

National News – United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Saturday held a high-level diplomatic meeting with Qatar Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha, amid rising global attention on a US-backed peace proposal awaiting Iran’s response.

The State Department said the meeting underscored Qatar’s growing role as a key mediator in Middle East diplomacy.

According to officials, Rubio expressed appreciation for Qatar’s partnership across security, defense cooperation, and regional stability efforts.

The discussion comes as Washington seeks clarity from Tehran on proposed peace frameworks aimed at reducing tensions in the Gulf region.

Officials added that Tehran’s response is being closely monitored as it could determine the pace of de-escalation in the region.

Talks remain ongoing through diplomatic channels.

The US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott noted that both leaders also reviewed US support for Qatar’s defense capabilities and the importance of coordinated efforts to deter threats across the Middle East.

Qatar continues to serve as a trusted channel between Washington and Tehran, especially as Iran weighs its formal response to the peace proposal.

Analysts say the outcome could shape regional security dynamics significantly.

Experts believe the outcome of the Iran response will determine the next phase of US-Gulf diplomatic relations, particularly in stabilizing oil markets and security cooperation.

The diplomatic engagement reflects ongoing US efforts to use allied Gulf states as bridges for negotiation rather than direct confrontation.

The meeting reinforces Qatar’s strategic importance in global diplomacy.