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Donald Trump pledged US military protection for Qatar after Israel’s strike in Doha, elevating US–Qatar ties.
US President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. (AFP)
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order pledging that the United States will guarantee Qatar’s security, including the use of retaliatory military force if the Gulf nation comes under attack again. The order comes in the aftermath of Israel’s unprecedented strike on Qatar last month, which sparked widespread outrage across the region and beyond.
The strike, which Israel claimed was aimed at Hamas leaders meeting in Doha to discuss a US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza, killed several members of Hamas’ negotiating team but not its top leadership. A Qatari security officer was also killed in the attack.
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Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued an apology to Qatar for the death of its citizen. The apology was conveyed to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani during a joint call with Donald Trump, held at the White House.
US–Qatar Ties Elevated
In his order, Donald Trump described Qatar as “a steadfast ally in pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity” and emphasised on the deep military ties between the two nations.
“The United States and Qatar have been bound together by close cooperation, shared interests, and the close relationship between our armed forces,” the US President said, adding, “In recognition of this history, and in light of the continuing threats to the State of Qatar posed by foreign aggression, it is the policy of the United States to guarantee the security and territorial integrity of the State of Qatar against external attack.”
Qatar hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, which has long been central to Washington’s regional operations. The new US commitment effectively places Qatar under a formal American security umbrella, echoing aspects of traditional defense pacts.
The move signals Washington’s intent to reinforce Doha’s role as a key mediator in regional conflicts.
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
October 01, 2025, 18:23 IST
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