The ceasefire between Israel and Iran was secured through backchannel negotiations led by former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, with Qatar serving as the crucial intermediary, according to a diplomat familiar with the talks.

Qatar’s Role as Bridge to Tehran

Trump reportedly held direct talks with Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, presenting Israel’s agreement to halt hostilities and requesting that Doha take the proposal to Iran. “Trump asked Qatar whether it could get Iran to do the same,” the diplomat said.

Qatar, which maintains working relations with both the U.S. and Iran, has often played a pivotal role in mediating regional crises. This time, its behind-the-scenes diplomacy appears to have been key in preventing further escalation.

Quiet Diplomacy Amid High Stakes

The involvement of JD Vance signals a hands-on approach from the top levels of the U.S. administration. The agreement reportedly came after intensive, closed-door discussions and amid mounting fears that continued strikes could ignite a wider regional war.

While no official statements have been made by Iran yet, the diplomatic framework has been credited with opening a potential window for broader negotiations.