Trump Holds Private Dinner with Qatari Prime Minister Amid Middle East Tensions

NEW YORK, September 12 — Former U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a private dinner with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, days after an Israeli strike in Doha targeted Hamas leaders and threatened to derail ongoing peace efforts in Gaza.

The attack, widely condemned as an assassination attempt on Hamas’ political leadership, drew international criticism and heightened regional instability. Trump reportedly conveyed his displeasure directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a private call, assuring Qatar that such unilateral actions would not be repeated.

Earlier, Al-Thani also held meetings at the White House with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Discussions focused on Qatar’s role as mediator in Gaza, bilateral defense cooperation, and restoring calm following the latest escalation.

Qatar reaffirmed its commitment to continue mediation efforts despite Israel’s actions, vowing to press ahead with attempts to broker a ceasefire and secure hostage releases.