Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani dismissed on Tuesday claims that his government is trying to bribe the United States with the gift of a $400 million jet to US President Donald Trump. He said Qatar wants "strong partnerships and strong friendships" and that it was "always there for the US whenever we were needed."

Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, Al-Thani expressed frustration at the lack of progress in resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict. He said Israel should not be allowed to carry out military operations in Gaza "with impunity" and warned that its actions in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and Syria "add legitimacy to non-state actors" and fuel regional terrorism. Turning to the nuclear deal negotiations between the US and Iran, he said there is "positive momentum" and praised Trump's willingness to "talk to anyone" and avoid escalation, arguing that it shows political will to reach an agreement.