US Commits Defense to Qatar After Israeli Strike

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring that the United States will treat any armed attack on Qatar as a direct threat to U.S. peace and security, pledging to defend Qatar with diplomatic, economic, and military measures if necessary. This move follows an Israeli airstrike on September 9 in Doha targeting Hamas leaders, which killed six people including a Qatari guard, and sparked outrage in Qatar and Washington due to Qatar's status as a key U.S. regional ally hosting the largest American military base in the Gulf. Trump secured an apology from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who promised no future strikes would occur against Qatar, after which Qatar resumed its mediation role in the Gaza conflict. The executive order emphasizes close U.S.-Qatar military cooperation and outlines plans for rapid U.S. response to any future aggression against Qatar. This policy marks a significant U.S. commitment to an Arab state’s defense amid ongoing regional tensions and efforts to stabilize the Middle East. Qatar welcomed the order as a milestone in strengthening bilateral ties and security guarantees with the United States.