Order Signed

President Trump signed an executive order promising to use all measures, including military force, to defend Qatar from external attacks.

Context

Israel launched a surprise attack on Qatar’s capital last month, targeting Hamas leaders who were considering a ceasefire proposal with Israel over the war in Gaza. The strike killed six people, including a member of Qatar’s security forces.
Qatar hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East and has served as a key mediator between the US and adversaries, including Hamas. President Biden designated Qatar as a major non-NATO ally in 2022, partly due to its assistance during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Order Details

The executive order, dated Monday but published on Wednesday on the White House website, stated that the US would regard any armed attack on Qatar’s territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a threat to American peace and security.