Keir Simmons Reports

HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs @MBA_AlThani_ , at the joint press conference with HE Mr. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye @HakanFidan : Unfortunately, in any type of negotiations, you always have ups and downs. I think that it's a very important responsibility from us as countries in the region, and from other countries in the world, to ensure that the resumption of war is not happening and that the continuation of diplomacy is the only way forward. #MOFAQatar

Qatar Warns of Global Impact of Strait of Hormuz Closure at UN Briefing New York | May 7, 2026 The State of Qatar has warned that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused significant economic disruption and risks escalating regional tensions into a global crisis. The remarks were made on Thursday by HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, during a UN media briefing on a draft Security Council resolution related to the strategic waterway. The media stakeout also featured Their Excellencies the permanent representatives of the United States of America and several Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait. HE Sheikha Alya said the closure of the vital maritime passage since March has had major economic consequences across Gulf states and the wider world, particularly affecting global energy markets. According to her remarks, around 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade has been disrupted, while supply chains have been fragmented and more than 20,000 seafarers remain stranded at sea. Her Excellency warned that the situation threatens not only global energy security and economic stability but also worsens humanitarian conditions and undermines regional stability, posing a serious risk to international peace and security. She stressed that ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait is not only a requirement under international maritime law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, but also a shared international responsibility. The State of Qatar expressed its hope for continued engagement with UN member states to build support for the draft resolution aimed at safeguarding maritime routes and ensuring freedom of navigation. #MOFAQatar

That would be chic!

🔴 BREAKING: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will return to Islamabad on Sunday, Al Arabiya reports, citing Pakistani sources.

🚨 BREAKING: President Trump just told me over the phone he has unilaterally cancelled Witkoff and Kushner’s trip to Pakistan to meet with the Iranians. "I've told my people a little while ago they were getting ready to leave, and I said, 'Nope, you're not making an 18 hour flight to go there. We have all the cards. They can call us anytime they want, but you're not going to be making any more 18 hour flights to sit around talking about nothing'."

NEW: Trump extends ceasefire with Iran, but will continue the naval blockade of Iran's ports. nbcnews.com/world/iran/liv…

Dr.@majedalansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the weekly media briefing: “Qatar continues to engage diplomatically with all parties, urging de-escalation, a return to negotiations, and a peaceful resolution that ensures stability and security for the region and beyond, while remaining fully prepared to safeguard its people and sovereignty.” #MOFAQatar

🔴 BREAKING: Kuwaiti Army says it is conducting controlled disposal of shrapnel and explosive remnants today, adding that any explosion sounds during this period are the result of the operation.

Our dispatch from Islamabad… For 24 hours parts of Pakistan’s capital have been locked down in anticipation of potentially decisive new talks between America’s Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s leadership. nbcnews.com/world/iran/ira…

At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum @HakanFidan tells me the US and Iran are ‘expected to extend’ the ceasefire and that for diplomacy they will ‘require an extension’. He spoke - he says - after holding ‘important conversations’ with Pakistan.

Minister of State at Foreign Ministry @Dr_Al_Khulaifi Meets Officials on Sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum Antalya | April 18, 2026 HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met separately on Saturday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia Fernando Aramayo; HE Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo; HE Presidential Envoy and Senior Advisor for Africa at the US Department of State Massad Boulos; HE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Vahan Kostanyan; HE Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Andrea Corao Faria; HE Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission in Libya Hanna Tetteh; and HE Chief Advisor to the President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Celso Amorim, on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. During the meetings, they discussed the cooperation relations and ways to support and strengthen them. They also discussed the latest developments in the region and several topics of common interest. #MOFAQatar

In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.

The Saudi foreign ministry welcomes the announcement by US President Donald Trump of a ceasefire in Lebanon. ara.tv/p88n0

انتصرت الإمارات في حربٍ سعينا بصدق لتجنّبها، وانتصرنا بدفاعٍ وطني ملحمي، صان السيادة والكرامة وحمى المنجزات في وجه عدوان غاشم. ونتجه اليوم لإدارة مشهدٍ إقليمي معقّد برصيدٍ أكبر، ومعرفةٍ أدق، وقدرةٍ أرسخ على التأثير وصياغة المستقبل. قوتنا وصلابتنا وثباتنا عزّزت نموذج الإمارات النهضوي.

Under the directives of Mohammed bin Rashid, Dubai Humanitarian transports a vital medical aid shipment for the World Health Organization to Gaza, including 22.3 metric tonnes of essential medical supplies to support the people of Gaza and meet the urgent healthcare needs of approximately 110,000 people.

BREAKING: U.S. forces have safely rescued the missing airman of an F-15E fighter jet shot down over Iran, U.S. officials say. nbcnews.com/world/iran/sec…

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the gradual resumption of some flights to and from Dubai International Airport to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates regarding their flights.

Abu Dhabi authorities have responded to an incident involving a missile falling on a civilian vehicle in the Al Bahyah area, resulting in one casualty of Palestinian nationality. The public is advised to obtain information only from official sources and to avoid spreading rumours or unverified information.

UAE minister to Iran: ‘We will not respond to bullying by backing down’ nbcnews.com/video/uae-mini…

I just got off the phone with President Trump following Iranian attacks and he told me “the people that make all of the decisions. Most of them are gone.” He also said he thinks the military action is “already a success." He went on to say “tremendous damage has been inflicted. Their leadership is gone. … not only from the one attack, but from two others.”  He also addressed reports that Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in airstrikes today, saying, "We feel that that is a correct story." nbcnews.com/politics/donal… via @nbcnews