President Trump invited the emir of Qatar to the White House in an effort to help mediate the nation’s diplomatic crisis with its Persian Gulf neighbors.
Trump made the offer Wednesday during a phone call with Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani.
“The president emphasized the importance of all countries in the region working together to prevent the financing of terrorist organizations and stop the promotion of extremist ideology,” the White House said in a statement.
“The president offered to help the parties resolve their differences, including through a meeting at the White House if necessary.”
The call is the first known conversation call between Trump and the Qatari emir since the spat broke out earlier this week.
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and other nations severed formal relations with Qatar and accused its government of supporting terrorism.
The crisis has implications for the U.S.; Qatar hosts nearly 11,000 American military personnel at an air base.
Earlier this week Trump seemed to take credit for the Persian Gulf countries severing ties with Qatar over its financing of terrorism.
“During my recent trip to the Middle East I stated that there can no longer be funding of Radical Ideology. Leaders pointed to Qatar - look!” he tweeted Tuesday.
“So good to see the Saudi Arabia visit with the King and 50 countries already paying off,” he added. “They said they would take a hard line on funding extremism, and all reference was pointing to Qatar. Perhaps this will be the beginning of the end to the horror of terrorism!”
Trump spoke Tuesday with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud to discuss the situation.
"The President underscored that a united Gulf Cooperation Council is critical to defeating terrorism and promoting regional stability," according to a readout of the conversation released by the White House.
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