With the completion of the US-Iranian prisoner exchange, Qatar has cemented its role as an international mediator between the US and its political opponents in the region
After months of meetings, the exchange of US and Iranian prisoners went ahead in Doha last week, but only after $6bn of Iranian funds were unfrozen and transferred to bank accounts in Qatar.
The Qataris spoke to both countries about a nuclear deal and Iranian drone sales to Russia, but these were not part of the final agreement and the Iranians continue to push for an easing of sanctions before making any concessions relating to the renewal of a nuclear agreement.
Now that the release of US prisoners has been achieved, the Biden administration is likely to tighten up on sanctions and seizing Iranian oil cargoes.
