TRUMP HOPES QATAR CAN MEDIATE NEW NUCLEAR DEAL WITH IRAN

WASHINGTON, May 15 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- United States (US) President Donald Trump has expressed hope that Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani can help mediate a nuclear agreement with Iran, as negotiations continue amid what he described as a “perilous situation.”

Speaking during a state dinner in Doha on Wednesday, Trump said, “I hope you can help me with the Iran situation, because it’s a perilous situation, and we want to do the right thing,” while praising the Qatari leader for his efforts, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported.

“I hope the Iranian leaders understand that what you're doing -- really, what you're doing for them -- is a big favour. Your prime minister, your great leader right here on my left, has been helping so much, and they respect him, and they listen to him.

“They have to get moving. We both understand. They have to make that decision. It is their decision,” Trump said, seated beside the Emir.

Trump added that he hoped Iran realises “what a good friend” it has in Qatar.

Negotiations between Iran and the US, primarily focused on Tehran’s nuclear programme, began last month with mediation from Oman, following heightened tensions between the two nations.

A fourth round of talks concluded in Muscat on Sunday, with Trump reiterating the urgency of the situation, saying a deal could “save maybe millions of lives.”

The talks aim to reach a new agreement to replace the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the 2015 nuclear deal from which the US withdrew in May 2018 under Trump’s administration.

The withdrawal marked a turning point, as Washington launched a “maximum pressure” campaign in an attempt to force Iran back to the negotiating table -- an effort that ultimately failed.

In response, Iran began scaling back its compliance with the JCPOA, accusing Western signatories of failing to uphold economic commitments under the pact.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU