Iran is holding crucial technical talks with Qatari mediators in Doha regarding the release of an estimated $6 billion to $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has confirmed the discussions but firmly denied that any direct meetings with the United States will take place.  

Iran to hold talks with Qatar on frozen assets in Doha

Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Tuesday said that Iran was prioritising diplomacy with the United States, but remained ready for war. “We are pursuing dialogue, but if the dialogue is not implemented, we are also prepared for war and will respond accordingly,” he said in an interview on state television, as Iranian and US delegations were due to hold separate discussions in Doha.

US-Iran War: Iran issues stark warning, says 'ready for war if...'

Fresh confusion over U.S.-Iran diplomacy. President Donald Trump says Iran requested talks in Doha, calling the meeting "perhaps important, perhaps not." But Tehran has denied that any negotiations with Washington are scheduled. Here's what both sides are saying and what it could mean for the Iran-U.S. Peace Deal. 


 Trump: Qatar talks 'perhaps' important |  Iran denies strategic negotiations

Qatar’s Defence Ministry has announced an expansion of its national service recruitment program, opening opportunities to a broader group of eligible citizens. The move aims to strengthen national preparedness and enhance defence capabilities through increased youth participation in military training.


Qatar Defence Ministry Broadens Recruitment for National Service 

Rockets and at least five drones targeted the US embassy in Baghdad early on Tuesday, Iraqi security sources said, describing it as the most intense assault since the war began. 

It came as residents of Dubai and Doha, Qatar, awoke to the sound of explosions as air defences worked to intercept new waves of incoming Iranian fire, as the conflict in the Middle East showed no signs of abating.

Iran War: Biggest Attack on US Embassy in Baghdad Since Start of War

Rockets and at least five drones targeted the US embassy in Baghdad early on Tuesday, Iraqi security sources said, describing it as the most intense assault since the war began. 

It came as residents of Dubai and Doha, Qatar, awoke to the sound of explosions as air defences worked to intercept new waves of incoming Iranian fire, as the conflict in the Middle East showed no signs of abating.


Iran War: US Embassy in Baghdad Attacked, Explosions Rock Dubai and Doha

Bahrain’s state oil company on Monday declared force majeure on its shipments after Iranian strikes in the region set the largest oil facility on fire, escalating tensions across the Gulf’s vital energy corridor.
Bapco said all domestic market needs remain fully secured and supplies will continue without disruption, supported by proactive contingency plans.

US-Iran War: Bahrain's BAPCO Declares 'Force Majeure' After Strikes

Iranian missiles and drones continue to target Gulf countries, with Bahrain’s state oil company declaring force majeure on Monday for its shipments after its refinery caught fire in an Iranian attack.



US-Iran War: Qatar, Bahrain Targeted By Waves of Missiles And Drones

Qatar’s air defence systems were activated after incoming missiles were detected, with interceptions reported over the capital, Doha. Loud blasts reverberated across the city as defence batteries engaged aerial threats in the night sky. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm while security forces assess the situation. The incident has heightened regional tensions, raising concerns about broader escalation in West Asia. Officials are investigating the origin of the missiles as monitoring and surveillance remain intensified.


Qatar: Air Defence Systems Intercepting Missile Attacks; Loud Blasts Reverberate Across Doha

Qatar has strongly condemned Iranian missile attacks on its territory and other Gulf states, calling them a violation of national sovereignty and an “unacceptable escalation” that threatens regional stability. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said it reserves the right to respond in accordance with international law after Iranian missiles were reported targeting locations including Qatar’s Al-Udeid Air Base and other Gulf military sites. Doha described the strikes as a direct threat to security and peace in the region.


Qatar Warns Iran: 'Crisis Will Be Solved at The Dialogue Table'

As tensions rise, US military hubs in Qatar, Bahrain, and Iraq face the risk of attack. These bases house critical command centres, naval fleets, and troops. Their proximity to Iranian missile sites and strategic importance makes them potential primary targets in any regional conflict.

'U.S. vs. Iran': Why US bases in Qatar, Iraq, and Bahrain could be Iran’s primary targets

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Doha as part of strengthening diplomatic and defense ties between Turkey and Qatar. In July, a significant deal was signed for Turkey to acquire 24 used Tranche 3A fighter jets from Doha, enhancing Turkey’s air capabilities.

Erdogan in Doha: Turkish President Erdogan Visits Doha | Jet Deal Signed | WION 

Seven Pakistani soldiers were killed and 13 others injured in a 'coordinated suicide attack' on a military camp in North Waziristan on Friday, Pakistani security officials said. The assault occurred hours before Islamabad and Kabul were set to hold peace talks in Doha.

Doha To Host Pak-Afghan Truce Talks? | Suicide Attack Near Pak-Afghanistan Kills 7 

The final statement said that Israel’s brutal aggression against Qatar undermines any prospects for peace in the region. It condemned Israel’s cowardly and illegal attack on the State of Qatar and added that the attack on a neutral mediation venue undermines international peacemaking.

Doha Summit: Gulf states say US should ‘use its influence’ to rein in Israel

Qatar’s prime minister condemned Israel’s unprecedented strike in Doha targeting Hamas, saying it destroyed hopes for Gaza hostage talks. He called for Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu to be “brought to justice.”


Israel strikes Qatar: Qatar PM slams Israel’s Doha strike, calls it an act of terrorism

Israel Strikes Qatar: President Trump voiced strong displeasure over Israel’s strike on Doha, calling himself “very unhappy about every aspect of it.”


Israel Strikes Qatar: Donald Trump 'Not Thrilled' With Israel's Attack In Doha

Israeli Defence Force (IDF) launched a targeted airstrike on Doha, Qatar, claiming that it was against the top leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization.

Israel launches 'targeted strike' in Doha against Hamas leadership

From stepping into a mosque to meeting Syria's president who had his past in al-Qaeda, from business deals to Abraham Accords, here are the top highlights of US President Donald Trump's Middle East tour. World

Can Trump's Middle East tour be geopolitical shift for US? Top 6 takeaways from US president's major trip

World, Photos | US President Donald Trump is on his way back to Washington DC, after finishing a trip to the Middle East with stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates

Mosque visit, soccer ball and new friendships: Trump wraps up Middle East trip | See pics

US President Trump meets with troops at a military base in Doha, Qatar, during the second leg of his West Asia tour.

Breaking | US President Trump meets US troops at base in Doha, Qatar

#GRAVITAS | The U.S is advocating for Congo and Rwanda to sign a peace accord as well as planning bilateral mineral deals with both nations. This is in a bid to attract billions of dollars of western investment to the region. Watch this video to find out more.

DR Congo, Rwanda reach preliminary agreement after Doha talks

Palestinian women evacuated to Doha for medical treatment are serving traditional Iftari meals in Doha. They say cooking was a way to keep themselves close to their families left behind in the Palestinian enclave.

Displaced women serve traditional meals in Doha

World: Foreign ministry spokesman said that the issue was "a Palestinian question", after Israel insisted on removing Hamas and the US proposed taking over the territory.

Palestinians must decide future of Gaza and Hamas, not Israel or US, says Qatar

World: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday (Jan 2) that he had okayed the delegation's departure to discuss a potential hostage-ceasefire agreement.

Israeli delegation departs for Qatar to hold hostage deal talks with Hamas

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