Escalating violence in the Middle East has intensified following the U.S.-backed conflict in Iran, drawing Qatar into a delicate balancing act as it mediates between Tehran and Washington while facing direct Iranian retaliation. The small Gulf state has positioned itself as a key diplomatic player, even as its own territory becomes a target in the widening regional crisis. A senior Qatari official reflects on the challenges of de-escalation and the prospects for reviving stalled negotiations amid deepening hostilities. The interview explores whether diplomacy can still outpace the cycle of strikes and retaliation gripping the area.
Violence has spread across the Middle East since the U.S. and Israel launched the war in Iran. Qatar has spent months mediating between Iran and the U.S. while also being targeted by Iranian strikes. Nick Schifrin sat down with Dr. Majed al-Ansari, adviser to Qatar's prime minister, to discuss regional tensions and whether there is a way back to negotiations.
