In public, Qatar was insisting on the right to defend itself after Iran attacked a U.S. military site in the emirate. Behind the scenes, it was already mediating a truce between Israel and Iran.

Iran launched at least six missiles toward America's Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday, retaliating for President Donald Trump's attack on Tehran's nuclear program this weekend. Qatar condemned the attack and said air defenses successfully neutralized the attack.

President Trump and VP Vance "coordinated at the highest level" with Qatar's emir and premier, a diplomat told Newsweek.