Trump Signs Executive Order Pledging U.S. Defense of Qatar

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order committing the United States to defend Qatar against external attacks, following an Israeli strike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders. The order, dated September 29, 2025, states that any armed attack on Qatar will be considered a threat to U.S. peace and security.

The executive order emphasizes the longstanding cooperation between the U.S. and Qatar, highlighting Qatar's role in hosting U.S. forces and supporting critical security operations. It declares that the U.S. will take all lawful and appropriate measures—including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military—to defend Qatar's security and territorial integrity.

This commitment follows an Israeli airstrike on September 9, 2025, targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, which resulted in the deaths of several Hamas members and a Qatari security officer. The attack drew regional and global condemnation.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Qatar for the incident during a joint call with President Trump and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Netanyahu expressed deep regret over the strike that killed six people, including a member of the Qatari security forces.

The executive order also directs the Secretary of War, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to maintain joint contingency planning with Qatar to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to any foreign aggression.