Doha, Qatar - President Donald Trump spoke with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, a key negotiator in the war with Iran, in a desperate bid to avoid further escalations.

Qatar's state news agency confirmed on Friday that Trump had called al-Thani to discuss ongoing negotiations with Iran. During the call, the Qatari leader reportedly urged the president to stick to a diplomatic strategy and avoid any renewed escalations.

According to the news agency, al-Thani "emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue and embracing diplomacy as a means of resolving disputes; preventing further escalation in the region; and safeguarding freedom of maritime navigation and the security of energy supplies."

"Both sides, during the call, reviewed the strategic relations between the two countries and ways to support and strengthen them. They also discussed the latest regional developments, particularly the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at deescalating tensions in the region."

Vatican Pope Leo XIV makes emotional return to South America mere weeks after cancer surgery

Qatar has been instrumental in global attempts to broker a deal between Washington and Tehran, which have been in an on-off war since Trump launched unprovoked strikes – alongside Israel – in late February.

Trump's call with al-Thani also comes after the Republican Party took a historic battering in the midterm elections on Tuesday, a massive loss for which many have blamed on the war.

Both sides are currently in the midst of negotiations on a proposal that would see Iran lift its blockade of the Hormuz Strait if the US removes blocks on Iran's oil exports.

Washington is also insisting that Iran give up its stockpile of enriched uranium.

"America's response to Iran’s rights and demands was not convincing," Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei said this week.

"They must fully and explicitly address Iran’s seven conditions and act upon them; only in this case will the Strait of Hormuz be reopened," he wrote on X.