US Secretary of State Rubio (right) and Prime Minister of Qatar Al Thani. The image shows US Secretary of State Rubio (right) and Prime Minister of Qatar Al Thani meeting in Washington D.C. last December. [AFP=Yonhap News Agency Archive Photo]

While Iran's response to the ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) proposed by the United States has not yet been confirmed, the Prime Minister of Qatar, a mediator in the Middle East, is visiting the U.S. for a series of talks, seeking to reignite diplomatic solutions.

According to AFP and the U.S. online media Axios on the 9th (local time), Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Washington D.C. the previous day, and then traveled to Miami, Florida, on the same day to hold meetings with Secretary of State Rubio and Middle East Special Envoy Steve Wicoff.

Foreign media reported that Al Thani discussed with Vice President Vance ways to achieve lasting peace amid an unstable ceasefire.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on X (formerly Twitter) that "the Prime Minister emphasized the need for all parties to engage in ongoing mediation efforts" and added, "The path towards a comprehensive agreement that resolves the root causes of the crisis through peaceful means and dialogue, and realizes lasting peace in the region, must be paved."

Al Thani was scheduled to return to Qatar after his meeting with Vice President Vance, but changed his plans and traveled to Miami to meet with Secretary Rubio and others, according to reports.

The U.S. Department of State said in a statement, "Secretary Rubio met with Prime Minister Al Thani and expressed gratitude for Qatar's partnership on various pressing issues."

The Department of State further stated, "Both sides discussed U.S. support measures for strengthening Qatar's defense capabilities," and added, "They also reaffirmed the importance of continued close coordination to deter threats and promote stability in the Middle East region."

The current U.S. administration under Donald Trump has proposed a 14-point MOU to end the war with Iran and is awaiting a response from the Iranian leadership.

Earlier, Axios reported on the 6th that both countries were close to signing a one-page ceasefire MOU.

Iran currently maintains its stance that it is reviewing the content it received from the United States.

However, both sides are not easing military tensions, as evidenced by sporadic clashes in the Strait of Hormuz on the 8th.

Qatar, along with Pakistan, is acting as a bridge between the United States and Iran. The series of meetings with Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio are interpreted as an effort to re-emphasize the role of Qatar as a key mediator.

Axios reported that White House officials assess Qatar's practical mediation capabilities in the ceasefire negotiations as particularly effective.

It is understood that while in Miami, Prime Minister Al Thani also spoke by phone with the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister to discuss mediation proposals.

Sources said, "Mediating countries, including Qatar, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, are urging both the U.S. and Iran to focus on de-escalation and reaching an agreement."