Trump Signs Executive Order: U.S. Will Defend Qatar

By: Shawn
‎President Donald Trump has formalized a major shift in U.S. Middle East policy by signing an executive order that guarantees the United States will protect Qatar in the event of any armed attack. The order establishes a firm U.S. commitment to the security of the Gulf state, which is a designated major non-NATO ally and host to key American military operations.
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‎Trump signs executive order ensuring U.S. protection for Qatar, solidifying defense ties and pledging military support amid regional instability.
‎Alex Brandon/AP
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‎The executive order, dated Monday, declares that any armed aggression targeting Qatar’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, or critical infrastructure will be treated as a direct threat to U.S. peace and security interests. It further states that Washington will respond with all lawful and appropriate measures, which may include diplomatic, economic, or military action.
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‎The announcement came on the same day Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House. During that visit, Netanyahu reportedly offered an apology via phone to Qatar’s prime minister for an Israeli strike in Doha the previous month. President Trump, appearing jointly with Netanyahu, unveiled a new 20-point Gaza peace proposal. Unlike previous versions shared with Arab leaders, the latest plan makes no reference to a non-aggression assurance regarding Qatar.
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‎Qatar has welcomed the U.S. executive order. The country’s foreign minister released a statement highlighting the strong and long-standing defense partnership between Doha and Washington. He reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to continued cooperation with the United States and international partners to promote diplomatic solutions and sustainable peace throughout the region.
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‎The executive order represents a long-sought objective for Qatar, which has consistently pursued stronger defense assurances from Washington. In 2022, the Biden administration officially designated Qatar as a major non-NATO ally, a status that provides enhanced military and security privileges. Al Udeid Air Base, located near Doha, serves as a key American military installation in the Middle East and underscores the strategic relationship between the two nations.
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‎Earlier this year, during a visit to the region, Trump publicly pledged to defend Qatar. That visit coincided with announcements of nearly $3 trillion in economic commitments from Qatar and other Gulf nations. Since then, Qatar has reportedly faced attacks from both Iran and Israel, reinforcing the urgency for a formal U.S. security commitment.
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‎Other Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have also sought clearer defense assurances from the United States. Negotiations between Washington and Riyadh under the Biden administration aimed to establish a more formal security framework, but no binding agreement was finalized. A similar outcome followed Trump’s subsequent visit to the region.

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