Trump wants Gulf crisis to end 'because it benefits Iran'

US President Donald Trump wants the 11-month dispute between Qatar and its neighbours to end because it "benefits Iran".

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made the comments on Wednesday during a phone call with Doha's foreign minister, a statement from the State Department said.

"The Secretary emphasised the President's desire to see the Gulf dispute eased and eventually resolved, as it benefits Iran," the statement said.

It added that the top envoys also discussed Qatar’s efforts on countering terrorism financing.

A statement from the state-run Qatar News Agency said Pompeo and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani "stressed the importance of settling the Gulf crisis".

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar last June over accusations of supporting extremism and being too close to rival Iran, charges Doha has denied.

Qatar says the Saudi-led countries are seeking regime change in Doha, while the spat has remained in a stalemate.

Trump initially showed support for Riyadh during the blockade of Qatar, but faced resistance from most policy makers and advisers.

Since then he has tried publically to bridge the divide and urged Saudi Arabia and the UAE to end the "senseless" dispute.

Last month, Trump met Qatari Emir Tamim Al Thani, heaping praise on the leader.