Qatar and Russian FMs Confer on Regional Crisis Day Before Iran Talks

🤝 MOSCOW — Russia calling Qatar the night before Monday's US-Iran talks isn't coincidence. 📌 LOOK CLOSER: Moscow has direct lines to Tehran and uses Gulf mediators to shape outcomes it can't control directly. A Lavrov-Qatar FM call now likely probes Doha's parameters for Monday — Russia wants any Hormuz deal structured to limit US footprint, not just reopen shipping. Qatar's dual role as US base host and Iran back-channel makes it the pressure point both Moscow and Washington are working simultaneously.