Context:

After Iran launched a missile attack on a US base in Qatar, a flurry of diplomatic efforts led by President Donald Trump and other top US officials resulted in a ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel. Trump communicated directly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Mideast Envoy Steve Witkoff engaged with Iranian officials through various channels. Qatar played a crucial mediating role, with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani facilitating communication between the conflicting parties. The ceasefire was announced after the US struck Iranian nuclear sites and was dependent on Iran halting its attacks, a condition they accepted. Despite the agreement, uncertainty lingered over whether the ceasefire would hold, though it opened the door for potential future negotiations between the US and Iran on a new nuclear deal.

Dive Deeper:

• Following a missile attack by Iran on a US base in Qatar, the US, led by President Trump, engaged in intensive behind-the-scenes diplomacy to broker peace between Iran and Israel. Trump directly communicated with Israel's Prime Minister, while his team engaged Iran through both direct and indirect channels.

• Qatar played an instrumental role as an intermediary in the negotiations. Trump personally communicated with Qatar's Emir to solicit his assistance in persuading Iran to accept the ceasefire proposal.

• The ceasefire was achieved after the US conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and Iran retaliated with missile attacks on a US base, which were intercepted. The ceasefire required Iran to stop its attacks, a condition they agreed to, though it was unclear if this fragile peace would last.

• Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the cessation of military operations against Israel, signaling a potential end to hostilities. However, Israel had not publicly confirmed its acceptance of the ceasefire, leaving some uncertainty.

• The diplomatic developments have created a potential opening for renewed negotiations on a nuclear deal between the US and Iran, with the US expressing willingness to engage in talks if Iran halts uranium enrichment, a point of contention in past negotiations.