As tensions in the Middle East rose after Israel's airstrike on Doha, the capital of Qatar, U.S. President Donald Trump had dinner with Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Reuters reported that on the 12th (local time) in New York, President Trump had dinner with Prime Minister Al Thani with Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and others in attendance.
Qatar Deputy Chief of Mission Hama Al-Muftah posted on her X (formerly Twitter), saying, "Just finished a wonderful dinner with the U.S. president."
At the dinner, Qatar's role as a mediator after Israel's airstrikes and ways to enhance defense cooperation between the two countries were reportedly discussed.
The White House confirmed that the dinner took place but did not disclose details.
Before the dinner, Prime Minister Al Thani also held about an hourlong meeting at the White House with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Reuters noted that the meeting came just days after Israel carried out an airstrike on the residences of Hamas leaders staying in Doha, Qatar, on the 9th.
Qatar, a key U.S. ally, has served as a central mediator during the Gaza war phase on issues including Israel-Hamas cease-fire talks, hostage releases, and postwar reconstruction plans.
However, Israel is said to have launched the Doha strike without properly informing the United States, its ally.
The United States received notice only minutes before the strike, and by the time it warned Qatar of the danger, missiles had already fallen on Doha.
For this reason, President Trump called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to express strong displeasure over the strike and had to reassure the Qatari side that such an incident would not happen again.
The international community also condemned Israel's actions, saying they could heighten tensions in the Middle East and throw cold water on efforts for a Gaza cease-fire.
Prime Minister Al Thani criticized immediately after the strike that Israel was deliberately undermining the possibility of peace but noted that Qatar would not abandon its role as a mediator.