Qatar is mediating efforts to secure the release of members of Iran's Jewish community who have been detained by Iranian authorities, acting as an intermediary between the United States and Tehran, according to officials familiar with the matter.
Several members of Iran's Jewish community were recently arrested following criticism of the Iranian regime during the country's confrontation with the United States and Israel. Sources familiar with the negotiations told Kan News correspondent Roi Kais that Qatar has engaged with senior Iranian officials to obtain their release.
The mediation follows Iran's recent release of an American citizen who had been detained in the country since 2024. President Donald Trump publicly thanked the Iranian government for her release.
Qatar's involvement extends beyond efforts to free American citizens to include negotiations on behalf of the detained Jewish community members. Officials noted that Qatar's motivation includes demonstrating to Washington that it is an effective and reliable regional mediator.
A total of five members of Iran's Jewish community are currently being held on various charges, according to the report.
Despite recent attacks from Iran, Qatar continues to push for renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, seeking to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table.