Largest US military base in Qatar, pivotal in Gulf security
The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war in the Middle East, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and begin a 60-day path toward a final deal on Iran’s nuclear program, with sanctions relief and a reconstruction fund for Iran. The agreement has triggered immediate reactions across markets, allied capitals, and regional powers as the conflict moves toward a transitional phase.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani has died at 74, Qatar's Amiri Diwan has announced. He has been credited with transforming Qatar into an energy and diplomatic power by expanding LNG production, founding Al Jazeera, building sovereign investment vehicles and stepping down voluntarily in 2013 to hand power to his son.
Iran has said three of its pilots were captured by Qatari forces after Su-24 jets crashed during an operation over Qatar in March. Qatar has denied detaining surviving aircrew, saying its search teams recovered one body and invited Iran to review the rescue operation; Tehran says Doha has not responded to its request to allow an Iranian investigation.