SHAFAQNA – U.S Foreign Minister during the meeting with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatari counterpart, emphasised that President Donald Trump wants dispute between Qatar and Persian Gulf nations to be ended because it only benefits Iran [1].
Mike Pompeo, US’ secretary of state, spoke alongside Qatari Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani yesterday in Washington, lauding the strategic partnership between the two countries. The meeting emphasised Qatar’s deep efforts on countering terrorism and financing. But it was only last year when Trump escalated the Persian Gulf Crisis and accused Qatar of sponsoring armed groups involved in terrorism.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain [2] and Egypt levied an air, land and sea blockade last summer against Qatar for accusing it of supporting terrorism and allying with Iran. Qatar categorically denied the claims as baseless and leaned towards allies for support for basic amenities such as food and dairy products.
Qatar has since sought to become self-sufficient in food and sustainable use of renewable energy amid the ongoing blockade. Turkey and Iran were quick to supply Qatar with food imports following the announcement of the siege.
The Persian Gulf Crisis is yet to be successfully mediated, despite some efforts by Kuwait. Bahrain ruled out any form of mitigation and will not seek reconciliation with Qatar.
Last March, the US approved the sale of air defence systems with $197 million to Qatar, adding that it would contribute to US foreign policy and national security of the US.
Read more from Shafaqna:
Qatar restores diplomatic ties to Iran amid Persian Gulf crisis [3]
Haaretz: Qatar Crisis Weakened the U.S. in the Middle East [5]