To flatter the Americans: Qatar works to release detainees from the Jewish community in Iran

Shtetl
July 20, 2026   
At the tomb of Mordechai and Esther. The people pictured have no connection to the article.
Photo: 
Courtesy of Rabbi Yehuda Grammi

Qatar is working behind the scenes to release detained members of the Jewish community in Iran.

According to a report this evening (Sunday) in 'Kan News', several members of the Jewish community in Iran were recently arrested after criticizing the Iranian regime - against the backdrop of the conflict with the United States and Israel.

Sources involved in the affair told Kan News that Qatar is working with official sources in Iran to secure their release.

A total of five members of the Jewish community in Iran are being held in prison, on various charges - including the Jews who were recently arrested.

Just in recent days, the Iranians released an American citizen who was detained in the country in 2024.

United States President Donald Trump thanked the Iranians for this in a tweet he posted.

The Qataris, who are involved in efforts to free American citizens in Iran and also members of the Jewish community, are not doing so as Righteous Among the Nations, but rather to show the Americans that they are the preferred mediators in the region over others.