Trump Signs Executive Order Guaranteeing Qatar’s Security Amid Middle East Tensions
Washington/Doha: In a significant move underscoring the United States’ strategic interests in the Gulf, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order effectively providing a security guarantee to the State of Qatar.
The order stipulates that any armed attack on Qatar’s territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure would be considered a direct threat to the peace and security of the United States.
Scope of the US Guarantee
According to the executive order, in the event of such an attack, the US will act using “all lawful and appropriate means — diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military — to defend the interests of the United States and of the State of Qatar and to restore peace and stability.”
The order further instructs the Secretary of War and Secretary of State to coordinate closely with Qatar and conduct joint planning with allied nations to ensure rapid response capabilities.
The move comes at a critical juncture, as the US continues to play a pivotal role in Middle East security and in brokering peace initiatives related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Israeli media reported that the executive order was signed on the same day that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a 21-point peace plan aimed at ending the Gaza war.
Strategic Importance of Qatar for the United States
The US has historically maintained strong ties with Qatar, which hosts American military forces and facilities that support critical security operations in the Middle East, including counterterrorism initiatives and rapid response deployments.
Qatar has also been a consistent diplomatic partner in regional negotiations and peace-building efforts.
Experts note that Washington’s guarantee is not merely symbolic; it reflects the strategic necessity of protecting a key Gulf ally that serves as a hub for American military presence and intelligence operations.
Ensuring Qatar’s stability is critical for US interests in regional security, energy corridors, counterterrorism, and peace negotiations, particularly regarding the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Doha Airstrike and Diplomatic Fallout
The timing of the executive order is particularly noteworthy given the September 9 Israeli airstrike in Doha, which targeted Hamas leaders residing in the Gulf state.
The operation was widely condemned by Qatar and other Arab nations, and the US itself denounced the attack.
Following the strike, Trump’s executive order sends a clear message: attacks on Qatar will not be tolerated, and the US is committed to ensuring the country’s sovereignty and security.
In a related development, during a White House meeting, Netanyahu reportedly spoke to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at Trump’s urging, offering an apology for the airstrike and expressing regret over the death of a Qatari serviceman.
According to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, the call “was part of US efforts to address the repercussions of the Israeli aggression that targeted a residential neighbourhood in Doha, including housing for the Hamas negotiating delegation, resulting in a blatant violation of the sovereignty of the State of Qatar.”
Qatar’s Role in the Gaza Peace Process
Qatar holds significant sway over Hamas, which controls Gaza. Following the Israeli airstrike, Qatar temporarily suspended its mediation efforts to end the conflict, demonstrating its leverage in regional negotiations.
Analysts believe that Washington’s security guarantee strengthens Qatar’s position and encourages it to resume mediation efforts, potentially persuading Hamas to consider the 20-point peace plan proposed by Trump.
Following Netanyahu’s apology, Al Thani stated that Qatar is ready to continue its efforts to end the war in Gaza, signaling a resumption of diplomatic initiatives facilitated by US influence and guarantees.
Why the US is Committed to Qatar
The Trump administration’s executive order highlights a larger strategic calculus: protecting Qatar ensures that the US maintains a stable military presence in the Gulf, secures critical intelligence and operational hubs, and preserves its leverage in Middle East diplomacy.
By guaranteeing Qatar’s security, Washington is sending a strong signal to regional actors — including Israel, Iran, and Gulf nations — that Qatar is a non-negotiable partner in peace, stability, and security efforts across the region.
In essence, this move reinforces the US commitment to a balanced approach in the Middle East, ensuring that key allies like Qatar are shielded from unilateral attacks while encouraging mediation and diplomatic resolutions to ongoing conflicts.
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