A new executive order from the White House commits the United States to defend the nation of Qatar, including through the use of military force if necessary. The order, which was published this week, states that any armed attack on Qatar’s territory or critical infrastructure will be considered a threat to U.S. peace and security.
The declaration comes in the wake of a recent military strike on Qatari soil that resulted in several casualties. The order pledges that the U.S. will take all appropriate measures—diplomatic, economic, and military—to defend its interests and those of Qatar, and to restore regional stability.
The commitment was reportedly discussed during a recent phone call between the U.S. president and Qatar’s ruling emir. Qatar’s foreign ministry has welcomed the pledge as a significant step in strengthening the defense partnership between the two nations.
The legal weight of the executive order, however, remains a subject of debate. Unlike treaties, which require Senate approval, such presidential directives do not carry the same formal, long-term legal authority. This has led to questions about the durability of the security guarantee.
Qatar, a major natural gas producer, hosts a significant U.S. military presence in the region. The country has been a key partner for Washington in recent years, including during the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The U.S. pledge arrives amid shifting security dynamics in the Gulf region, where other nations have recently sought new defense partnerships.
