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 pilots were captured alive by Qatari forces after their Su-24 jets crashed during a war, with one body returned. Qatar has rejected the claims and says it has not held surviving aircrew. The exchange highlights intensifying diplomatic friction as fighting continues near Hormuz and indirect talks stall.