US, Qatar To Discuss Energy Security, Iran, During Emir's Washington Visit
Qatar’s Emir will discuss global energy security and efforts to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal with President Joe Biden during his visit to Washington.
Qatar’s Emir will discuss global energy security and efforts to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal with President Joe Biden during his visit to Washington.
Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani's visit, the first since Biden took office last year, comes as Washington discusses with energy-producing states and firms a potential diversion of supplies to Europe if Russia invades Ukraine.
Russia that supplies one-third of Europe’s natural gas can stop deliveries amid cold winter months if sanctioned by the West over a possible attack on Ukraine.
Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had a telephone conversation with his Qatari counterpart on Tuesday, ahead of Emir's visit to the US.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the matter with the foreign minister of Qatar, a top liquefied natural gas producer, in a phone call on Monday, according to a source familiar with the matter who requested anonymity, Reuters reported.
Other issues will include "promoting security and prosperity in the Gulf and the broader Middle East region" and "supporting the people of Afghanistan," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement.
Qatar has maintained friendly ties with Iran as tensions have remained high in the region. Washington has been trying to reach an agreement with Tehran to revive the Obama-era nuclear agreement, the JCPOA, as Iran is getting dangerously closer to a nuclear breakout point.
