Turkey and Qatar Signal Possible Exit from Trump's Board of Peace Over Iran War Fallout

Turkey and Qatar are signaling a possible exit from Trump's Board of Peace, a move that comes in response to the escalating war with Iran and the perceived prioritization of US-Israel interests over those of other regional allies. The Board, established in January 2026 at Davos, was initially seen as a platform for promoting peace and stability in the region, with Turkey and Qatar taking seats on the Gaza Executive Board. However, the recent demotion of their role to an advisory capacity, coupled with the US-Israel strikes on Iran and the subsequent retaliation by Tehran, has led to a significant deterioration in relations.

The context of the Board's establishment and the events that have unfolded since then are crucial in understanding the current situation. The Board was formed without consulting Netanyahu, who subsequently rebuked Trump, and the draft resolution that relegated Turkey and Qatar to an advisory role only further exacerbated tensions. The fact that Netanyahu claimed they had no authority or influence was seen as a clear indication of the US-Israel alignment, which has been a point of contention for Turkey and Qatar. The February 19 summit, where Turkey was denied a military role and the US-Israel strikes on Iran began on February 28, 2026, marked a turning point in the region's instability. The Iranian retaliation, which struck Qatar and Turkey among other Gulf states, has been widely condemned, with Qatar's PM calling it a big sense of betrayal, but also emphasizing that the deeper betrayal is Washington's failure to protect its allies.

The fallout from the US-Israel strikes on Iran has had far-reaching consequences, with energy markets in turmoil and the Strait of Hormuz threatened. As the largest LNG exporter, Qatar's infrastructure is endangered, and the country's previous willingness to walk away from mediation, as seen in November 2024, suggests that it is not afraid to take a stand. Turkey, too, has taken a firm stance, blocking trade with Israel while sitting on the Board. The fact that only 25 of 62 invited countries joined the Board, with France, UK, and Canada declining, raises questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the platform. As the region teeters on the brink of chaos, the possible exit of Turkey and Qatar from the Board of Peace would be a significant blow to US interests and a clear indication that the current approach is not working.

From a Gulf perspective, the situation is particularly alarming, with Gulf officials expressing anger that US defense priorities have been focused on protecting American and Israeli assets over Gulf populations. The fact that Iran's missiles were able to hit Doha and Ankara underscores the vulnerability of the region and the need for a more effective and inclusive approach to promoting peace and stability. As Qatar and Turkey consider their next move, it is clear that the current trajectory of the Board of Peace is unsustainable, and a new approach is needed, one that prioritizes the interests and security of all regional allies, not just those of the US and Israel.