New Delhi, June 18 (IANS) As the United States and Iran prepare to meet in Geneva for the formal signing of their long‑awaited peace accord, one country’s presence loomed large behind the scenes – Qatar. While Pakistan tried to project itself as the sole mediator, it was Doha – whose diplomats are expected to attend the Geneva talks as observers and facilitators – that continued quiet mediation.

Doha’s involvement stems from its earlier facilitation of backchannel communications between Tehran and Washington. Its diplomats helped draft confidence‑building measures and logistical frameworks that paved the way for the final accord.

Qatar had officially confirmed on Tuesday, June 16, that it “will be represented at the signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday, alongside other regional stakeholders and the Pakistani mediators”.

In recent times, the Gulf state has evolved as one of the world’s most trusted brokers in high‑stakes diplomacy. Significantly, Doha’s mediation efforts have also been directed at brokering a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan, hosting informal meetings on border management, trade and refugee issues. While progress remains incremental, Qatar’s engagement has helped prevent diplomatic breakdowns and fostered limited humanitarian cooperation.

US President Donald Trump’s relationship with Qatar has evolved from scepticism to a strategic partnership. Early in his first term, Trump sided with Saudi Arabia during the 2017 Gulf blockade, but soon recognised Qatar’s indispensability. The turning point came with the Doha Agreement of 2020, when the Trump administration negotiated directly with the Taliban under Qatari mediation. That landmark deal, signed in Doha, set the stage for the US withdrawal from Afghanistan during the previous Joe Biden administration. The deal helped Doha establish itself as Washington’s preferred interlocutor in the region.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration also deepened military cooperation through the Al Udeid Air Base, which is said to be the largest US facility in the Middle East. Beyond defence, the President’s envoys frequently used Doha as a diplomatic hub for sensitive negotiations, reportedly ranging from prisoner exchanges with Iran to counterterrorism coordination.

Significantly, Qatar is said to have been a central player in efforts to mediate between Hamas and Israel, particularly during the recurring Gaza crises.

Doha also shares close relations with New Delhi, anchored in historical commercial ties and people‑to‑people contacts, with diplomatic relations spanning over half a century. India‑Qatar bilateral cooperation has been steadily growing across diverse sectors through regular, substantive engagements, including at the highest levels of both governments.

Now, the Gulf nation’s diplomatic dexterity will be visible in Geneva. Qatar’s diplomatic success lies in its ability to maintain open channels with all sides – from Hamas and the Taliban to Islamabad, Washington and Tehran. Its wealth, neutrality, and willingness to host contentious negotiations have made it a hub of dialogue.

Having brokered the Taliban deal and mediated Hamas ceasefires, Qatar’s presence signals that the Geneva accord is part of a broader regional stabilisation effort. Its diplomats are expected to help monitor implementation and ensure that humanitarian commitments are upheld.

–IANS

jb/dan