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February 19, 2026

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Qatar PM arrives in Venezuela on first trip since Maduro’s ouster: What to know

Qatar is moving to shore up ties with Venezuela as the US seeks greater control over the South American country’s oil revenues.

This photograph taken on Jan. 20, 2026, organized by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, shows Saudi-backed Yemeni forces in the city of Mukalla in Yemen's coastal southern Hadhramaut province.

Saudi-UAE rift complicates Israel's counter-Iran efforts, normalization

Israel fears that the rivalry between the UAE and Saudi Arabia will further push Riyadh toward countries that espouse political Islam policies.

A handout photo made available by Iran's Supreme National Security Council office shows Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani (C) arriving in Muscat, Oman, on Feb. 10, 2026.

Iran’s Larijani in Qatar, meets Hamas leadership: What to know

Qatar and Oman have played a vital role in mediating between Iran and the United States to avoid military confrontation that would spill over to the rest of the region.

Latest News

Merz courts Gulf as Germany seeks energy alternatives to US, China

Merz

Syria to develop first offshore oil, gas field with US’s Chevron, Qatar’s UCC

Platform Edith, the largest of Chevron's USA's offshore production platforms, is seen off the southern California coast, on Oct. 6, 2021.

Gulf markets recover after gold rout, buoyed by Iran de-escalation hopes

A woman checks a window shop at a jewelry store in Dubai, on March 10, 2025.

United Arab Emirates

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Vanessa Ghanem

In Dubai, reporting on business, energy and politics

Karen Young

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy

Reve Chaaban

In Doha reporting on culture

SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Saudi Arabia, Qatar raise repo rates while Turkey stays put

Central Banks in the Middle East are responding to the US Federal Reserve raising interest rates due to rising inflation.

(L to R) Mohamed Hamel, Secretary-General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) summit, Qatar's Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi, and Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Tarek el-Molla give a joint press conference during the GECF summit in Qatar's capital Doha on Feb. 22, 2022.

Breaking | Last Updated: February 23, 2022, 8:57 am

Demand for natural gas up more than 20% in past decade

The Gas Exporting Countries Forum is convening in Qatar amid the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which could have a major effect on Europe’s energy supply.

MOHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images

Qatar agrees with Taliban on resuming Afghanistan evacuations

Qatar was bestowed the status of major non-NATO US ally by President Joe Biden yesterday.

President Joe Biden meets with Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani in the Oval Office on Jan. 31, 2022, in Washington, DC.

Biden eyes Qatar as major non-NATO ally

The upgrade in ties comes as the United States is seeking Doha's help in supplying natural gas to Europe.

US President Joe Biden meets with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, in the White House on Jan. 31, 2022, in Washington, DC.

Iran on the agenda as Qatar emir meets Biden

There is potential Doha could play a role in brokering a US-Iran prisoner exchanging following press reports of Iran-Qatar talks on the topic.

Norwegian journalists

Qatar releases two Norwegian journalists after detention

Qatari security forces detained two journalists working for Norway's state broadcaster whom Doha accused of trespassing on private property.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivers remarks following talks on the situation in Afghanistan.

Intel: Qatar to represent US diplomatic interests in Afghanistan

Qatar will act as the formal diplomatic messenger between Afghanistan's Taliban leaders and Washington.

Antonio Giovinazzi of Italy driving the (99) Alfa Romeo Racing C41 Ferrari during the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Sochi Autodrom on Sept. 26, 2021.

Qatar to host first Formula 1 Grand Prix in November

The Gulf country, which will make its Formula 1 debut in November, also inked a 10-year hosting deal.

A member of Taliban stands guard along a road in Kabul on Sept. 30, 2021.

Qatar says Taliban rights abuses 'very disappointing'

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman Al Thani lamented the Taliban's "backward" steps.

WAKIL KOHSAR/AFP via Getty Images

US citizens on first Qatar Airways flight from Kabul since pullout

Qatar’s special envoy to Afghanistan said the Hamid Karzai International Airport is “fully up and running” and that another passenger flight will depart on Friday.

Afghan refugees, fleeing the Afghan capital Kabul, exit an US air force plane upon their arrival at Pristina International airport near Pristina on Aug. 29, 2021.

After Afghanistan pullout, US pursues long-distance diplomacy from Qatar

Without a diplomatic presence on the ground in Kabul, the United States will engage with the Taliban from a remote mission in Doha.

WAKIL KOHSAR/AFP via Getty Images

Qatar in talks with Taliban, Turkey to reopen Kabul airport

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said there is “no clear indication” of when flights will resume at Hamid Karzai International Airport.