The United States announced that any armed assault on Qatar will be considered a direct threat to Washington. This declaration comes after last month’s Israeli strike on Doha that targeted Hamas officials involved in U.S.-led peace talks for Gaza.
Washington’s Security Assurances to Qatar
According to an Executive Order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. is committed to ensuring the territorial integrity of Qatar against external aggression. The directive states that America will take “all lawful and appropriate measures — including diplomatic, economic, and military steps if necessary — to protect the interests of both the United States and Qatar.”
Israeli Strike Sparks Regional Tensions
The announcement follows Israel’s September 9 attack on Qatari soil, which raised global concerns. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret for the strike in a phone call with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, made from the White House during his meeting with Trump. Netanyahu reportedly promised that such actions would not be repeated.
Qatar’s Role as a US Ally
Qatar remains a vital U.S. ally in the Gulf region. It hosts the al-Udeid airbase, the largest American military installation in the Middle East and the regional headquarters of U.S. Central Command. With this strong presence, the U.S. views Qatar’s stability as directly tied to its own security interests in the region.
A Qatari technical team was also present at the White House during the high-level talks, reflecting ongoing coordination between the two nations.
