Qatar has staunchly rejected reports that it offered billions of dollars to Iran in an effort to secure a peace agreement with the US, dismissing the claims as false and politically motivated.
Doha’s response came in wake of a report by Israel’s Channel 12, according to which the country had proposed a $12 billion loan package to Tehran as part of its efforts to push forward a US-Iran deal for ending the war, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, rejected the report outright in a statement posted on X, stating “Reports claiming that the State of Qatar ‘offered’ $12 billion to Iran to secure the conclusion of an agreement are false and baseless.
“They are being circulated by parties seeking to derail the agreement and undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and promoting stability in the region.”
The remarks came amid growing regional tensions after the US carried out overnight strikes in southern Iran, which as per Washington were “self-defence strikes”.
Iran slammed the attacks, calling them a “grave violation of the ceasefire”, raising fresh uncertainty over the already fragile negotiations taking place between Tehran and Washington.
US State Secretary Marco Rubio nonetheless maintained that a diplomatic breakthrough was still possible.
Speaking early Tuesday, Rubio said President Donald Trump remained committed to securing an agreement, though he warned the White House would not accept any terms it considers weak or unfavourable.
“President Trump is either going to make a good deal or no deal,” Rubio said.
