U.S. President Donald Trump has made a commitment to consider any armed aggression against Qatar as a direct threat to the United States’ national security. A recent document disclosed this stance, indicating that U.S. forces could intervene to safeguard the Middle Eastern country if necessary.
Qatar expressed appreciation for Trump’s directive, stating that it marks a significant advancement in fortifying defense relations and mutual collaboration, as reported by its foreign ministry. This executive order, showcasing a heightened U.S. dedication to Qatar, follows an Israeli airstrike on Doha last month, targeting Hamas leaders.
The sudden strike by Israel, conducted without prior notice to the Trump administration, raised concerns in Washington due to the strong U.S. alliance with Qatar, which hosts the largest U.S. military base in the region. The document, dated Monday, coincided with Trump’s meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House to discuss a proposal for resolving the conflict in Gaza. Qatar has played a pivotal role as a mediator between the U.S., Israel, and Hamas during the conflict.
The order stated that the U.S. would view any armed assault on Qatar’s territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a menace to peace and security in the United States. In such an event, the U.S. is prepared to employ all lawful measures, including diplomatic, economic, and potentially military actions, to protect its own interests and those of Qatar, aiming to restore peace and stability.
Furthermore, the document highlighted that top U.S. defense and intelligence officials will engage in contingency planning with Qatar to ensure swift responses to potential attacks. In a related context, neighboring Saudi Arabia has long sought similar security assurances as part of efforts to normalize relations with Israel, although a formal agreement has not materialized to date.
While the president has the authority to negotiate collective defense treaties, like the one establishing NATO, Senate confirmation is required for it to become law. Unlike a treaty, an executive order can be revoked by any subsequent U.S. president, raising questions about the binding nature of the commitment.
Trump’s order surpasses a previous directive by his predecessor, Joe Biden, designating Qatar as a major non-NATO ally in 2022, which facilitated enhanced military cooperation without a specific defense pledge. Notably, there was no U.S. military response when Qatar faced an attack from Iran in June following a U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
In a separate development, the Trump administration accepted a luxury Boeing 747 jetliner as a gift from Qatar in May, with plans to convert it into a new Air Force One for presidential transport. Despite concerns regarding the transfer’s legality and ethics, Trump disregarded them. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Doha post the Israeli strike indicated ongoing efforts to finalize an enhanced defense cooperation agreement with Qatar.