Christopher Murphy

(TNND) — Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, arrived in the Middle East on Oct. 3 for a regional trip he said is focused on the ongoing conflict, as questions continue over diplomacy with Iran and the broader regional impact of the fighting.

Murphy said he plans to view war damage, speak with U.S. partners about the conflict’s regional impact, and meet with people working to end the fighting. He also described himself as the first Democrat to visit the region since the war began, a claim that was not independently verified.

Murphy said his first meeting in Qatar was a dinner with Ali Al Thawadi, whom Murphy described as a diplomat involved in U.S.-Iran shuttle diplomacy. In a social-media post recounting the meeting, Murphy said Al Thawadi urged the United States to pursue a possible agreement with Iran rather than resume strikes.

Qatar’s state news agency reported that Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met Murphy and his delegation at Lusail Palace on Oct. 4. The agency said they discussed U.S.-Qatar relations, strategic cooperation, and regional developments.

Murphy also said he heard concerns during the trip about alleged war profiteering, including by U.S. companies, and said a Democratic-controlled Congress should examine the issue. He did not name any companies or provide evidence in the post.

The trip places a Democratic senator in direct talks with a key U.S. regional partner as the conflict continues to reverberate across the Middle East.