Govt exchanged harshly worded statements with Saudi Arabia that quashed hope of mediation in intra-Gulf crisis. Saudi Arabia 7 Sept stated it expected Doha to fall into line with its regional policy and that there would be no solution to crisis “unless Qatar responds to the demands of the four countries [imposing blockade on it] and stops supporting terrorism, embracing extremists and stopping its interventions in [their] internal affairs”. Qatar called Saudi statement “sudden and unfounded” and accused Riyadh of maintaining “coercive” approach of “denial and evasion” in dealing with dispute.

Qatar 4 Aug held 15th joint coast guard meeting with Iran in Iranian capital, Tehran. Iranian FM Zarif met Emir al-Thani and FM al-Thani in Doha 12 Aug and advocated for regional dialogue forum and non-aggression pact between Iran and Qatar. FM al-Thani 17 Aug attended signing of Sudanese transitional govt agreement in Sudanese capital, Khartoum. FM al-Thani 19 Aug met Somalia PM Khayre in Somalia capital, Mogadishu and announced Qatari firm signed investment deal to construct port in Hobyo. Govt 20 Aug hosted talks in Doha between U.S. and Taliban.

Emir al-Thani 9 July met U.S. President Trump in Washington and offered to help ease U.S.-Iran tensions. Govt 7-9 July hosted in Doha talks between Taliban and U.S., and between Taliban and Afghan govt (see Afghanistan).

FM al-Thani 21 June called for dialogue to end conflict between Iran and Gulf states. Govt 27 June hosted new round of U.S.-Taliban talks in Doha.

Qatar 25 May confirmed that it will take part in U.S.-led Palestine investment meeting to be held 25-26 June in Manama, Bahrain, as part of upcoming U.S.-developed Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.

Govt 16 April called for enforcement of arms embargo against Libyan Field Marshal Haftar leading offensive against capital Tripoli backed by Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, and called for his troops to withdraw from areas they have occupied (see Libya). Intra-Afghan dialogue between Afghan representatives and Taliban planned to take place in Doha 20-21 April postponed indefinitely 18 April amid disagreement over participation and representation (see Afghanistan).

During Russian FM Lavrov’s tour of Gulf states, Lavrov 4 March discussed with FM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani possible sale of Russian S-400 missile defence system to Doha, despite U.S. and Saudi opposition. Govt early March hosted further round of U.S.-Taliban talks in Doha (see Afghanistan).

Qatari forces 20 Feb joined other Gulf countries in Saudi Arabia for Peninsula Shield military exercise. Govt 25-28 Feb hosted U.S.-Taliban talks in Doha following previous meeting in Doha in Jan (see Afghanistan).

Afghan Taliban and U.S. officials held talks in capital Doha 21-26 Jan; Taliban said they expected new round of talks in Doha in Feb (see Afghanistan).

In further steps toward asserting independence from Saudi-led regional bloc, Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani did not attend 9 Dec Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Riyadh. Hosting Turkish and Iranian FMs at Doha forum 15-16 Dec, FM Thani said regional alliance “must be reshaped”. Qatar 3 Dec withdrew from Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).