Qatar brokers ceasefire between Iran, Israel on Trump’s request: NYT

NEW YORK: Qatar stepped in to mediate between Iran and Israel at the request of the Trump administration, helping push for a ceasefire amid escalating tensions, according to The New York Times.

The report cites three diplomats familiar with the sensitive negotiations, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

President Donald Trump announced Monday night on social media that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was near after over a week of missile exchanges.

However, hours later, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi appeared to contradict the statement, saying no deal had been finalised. He hinted Iran could consider halting attacks if Israel stopped its “illegal aggression” by 4 a.m. Tehran time.

CNN reports Iranian state media announces ceasefire

While Israeli officials declined to comment, missile strikes on Iran reportedly continued late into the night.

According to the diplomats, Trump informed Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that Israel had agreed to a US-backed ceasefire proposal and requested Qatar’s help in securing Iran’s agreement.

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani then contacted Iranian officials and convinced them to accept the proposal, the diplomats said.

The exact details of what the diplomats said Israel and Iran agreed to remain unclear, the publication said. But Trump said the ceasefire would begin after both sides completed ongoing military operations, suggesting a phased de-escalation over 24 hours.

On Monday evening, Iran attacked Al Udeid Air Base, a large US military installation in Qatar, firing a fusillade of missiles at the site.

Qatari officials have been key interlocutors in the indirect Gaza ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, and Qatar has long worked to present itself as capable of narrowing the gaps between warring parties.