By Olatunbosun Obafemi
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order committing the United States to defend Qatar, even with military force if necessary, following Israel’s surprise strike on the Gulf nation earlier this week.
The order, dated Monday but published on the White House website Wednesday, described the U.S. and Qatar as “close partners” with “shared interests.” It pledged to “guarantee the security and territorial integrity of the state of Qatar against external attack.”
“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 stated. It added that Washington would employ “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.”
The announcement followed Israeli airstrikes in Qatar that killed six people, including a Qatari security officer, as Hamas leaders considered a ceasefire proposal in Gaza. During a visit to Washington on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly called Qatari officials at Trump’s urging to express “deep regret” over the incident, according to the White House.
Qatari officials did not immediately comment on the executive order, but Doha-based broadcaster Al Jazeera gave it front-page prominence, calling it a security guarantee against further Israeli action.
The legal force of Trump’s pledge remains uncertain. While treaties typically require Senate approval, presidents have entered binding international agreements without congressional backing, as Barack Obama did with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Ultimately, any U.S. military action would rest with the president, fueling questions about the scope of Trump’s commitment.
Qatar, enriched by its vast natural gas reserves, hosts America’s largest military base in the region at Al Udeid. It was designated a “major non-NATO ally” by President Joe Biden in 2022 for its role in the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The pledge comes as Gulf states reassess their security frameworks. Saudi Arabia recently struck a mutual defense pact with Pakistan, raising speculation that other Arab states may also seek new guarantees as tensions rise with Israel and Iran.
