US Bolsters Security Commitment to Qatar Following Deadly Israeli Strike
In response to a recent Israeli airstrike in Doha and ongoing regional tensions, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order affirming a strong security commitment to Qatar. The order pledges US support, including potential retaliatory military action, should Qatar face future attacks.
The move follows an unprecedented Israeli operation on September 9th targeting Hamas leaders reportedly meeting in the Qatari capital to discuss a US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza. The strike, which Qatar condemned as “fainthearted and treacherous,” resulted in the deaths of several Hamas operatives and a Qatari security officer. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally apologized to Qatar for the loss of Qatari life during a joint call with President Trump and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin jassim Al Thani at the White House.
The executive order explicitly recognizes the “close cooperation, shared interests, and the close relationship between our armed forces” that bind the US and Qatar. President Trump lauded Qatar as “a steadfast ally in pursuit of peace,stability and prosperity,” highlighting its crucial role in mediating numerous regional and global conflicts.
The order states that the US will consider any armed attack on Qatar’s territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a direct threat to US peace and security.
The declaration comes after a period of diplomatic maneuvering by the US, seeking to mend relations with Qatar while concurrently reaffirming its support for Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Doha on September 16th,emphasizing the “enduring US-Qatar security partnership” following an emergency summit in Doha where Arab and Islamic leaders voiced solidarity with Qatar.
While the full extent of the US commitment remains subject to interpretation – as executive orders don’t carry the same legal weight as Senate-approved treaties – the move signals a meaningful escalation in US security guarantees to the Gulf nation.Qatar hosts the vital Al Udeid Air Base, a key forward operating base for US Central Command, and was designated a major non-NATO ally by former President Joe biden in 2022, largely due to its assistance during the Afghanistan withdrawal.
Analysts like Bader al-Saif, a history professor at Kuwait university, argue that the Gulf region’s strategic importance necessitates concrete US guarantees beyond verbal assurances, solidifying Qatar’s position as a key partner in a volatile Middle East.
