How Qatar played its strongest cards to help secure US-Iran deal Submitted by Sansom Milton on Mon, 06/15/2026 - 20:00 Doha successfully resisted pressure from those who wanted to see it abandon mediation and pursue military options against Tehran US President Donald Trump attends a bilateral meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in France, on 16 June, 2026 (Reuters) On With the official signing  of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran to suspend hostilities across all fronts taking place in France on Wednesday, all eyes are on whether this deal can hold.  The agreement does not address all the fundamental issues at play, but rather creates a framework for future negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, which could yet derail the diplomatic process.  Furthermore, it is an open question as to whether the deal can withstand Israeli efforts to torpedo the prospects for peace by continuing its war of aggression in Lebanon .  Despite these challenges, the signing is a major step in the right direction for a negotiated settlement to end the most consequential global crisis of the 21st century.  Behind the headlines, this week’s agreement is the product of months of patient and cumulative diplomatic efforts by multiple states and organisations.  Pakistan takes much credit for its consistent and clear leadership of the multi-party mediation, sustaining a process involving two unpredictable and powerful conflict parties, in the face of enormous global public pressure. It also coalesced a diplomatic front including Turkey , Saudi Arabia and Egypt .  Notably, Pakistan appears to have taken a leaf out of Qatar ’s book, utilising its unique set of relationships and communication channels to act as an effective go-between.   Pragmatic approach Alongside Pakistan, Qatar played a key role in brokering the Iran-US deal. Over the past week, Qatari delegations twice touched down in Tehran for talks with Iranian officials - including 17 hours of intense negotiations throughout Sunday that culminated in the agreement.  Further talks are scheduled to take place in Doha throughout this week.