Iran's Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei met with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Tehran, highlighting the growing ties between the two countries. Iran is seeking to expand its diplomatic footprint and wants to coordinate strategy with Qatar on issues such as backing Hamas. Iran also expects Qatar to resist pressure from the US and return frozen Iranian funds. The two countries plan to establish a joint commission to increase bilateral trade.