President Donald Trump has signed an executive order for the US to assure the security of Qatar — a big dedication to a non-NATO, Arab ally.
“The United States shall regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States,” the order, which is dated Monday, reads.
The order comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, throughout a go to to the White House on Monday, apologized on the cellphone to the Qatari prime minister for Israel’s strike in Doha final month. Trump, in a joint look with Netanyahu, then offered his 20-point plan for peace in Gaza, which, in contrast to a earlier model offered to Arab leaders, doesn’t particularly point out that Israel won’t assault Qatar.
Trump’s order says the US will “take all lawful and appropriate measures” to defend Qatar.
“In the event of such an attack, the United States shall take all lawful and appropriate measures — including 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,” it reads.
The order marks a big achievement for Qatar, which – like different rich Gulf Arab states – has lengthy sought a stronger US security assure. In 2022, Qatar was formally designated a serious non‑NATO ally by the Biden administration, granting it enhanced navy and protection privileges. It additionally hosts Al Udeid Air Base, one of many largest US navy hubs within the Middle East, highlighting the already deep security ties between Doha and Washington.
During his go to to the nation earlier this yr, Trump publicly pledged to “protect” Qatar, a promise made amid bulletins of shut to $3 trillion in financial commitments from Doha and different Gulf Arab states on Trump’s tour. Since then, Qatar has come beneath assault twice, by Iran and Israel.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have likewise sought extra specific US security ensures. Riyadh had been engaged in discussions with Washington towards a extra formal security framework, notably within the remaining part of the Biden administration, however no complete settlement was concluded, both then or throughout Trump’s subsequent go to.
This is a creating story and shall be up to date.