U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed today that Qatar and the United States are on the verge of finalizing an enhanced defense cooperation agreement. This announcement comes in the wake of Israel’s attack on Hamas political leaders in Qatar, which drew widespread condemnation across the region.
The Doha strike was particularly sensitive, given Qatar’s status as a close U.S. ally and host of the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East. Qatar has played a key role in mediating ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, alongside Egypt, since the Gaza conflict began nearly two years ago.
Rubio, en route to Doha from Tel Aviv, emphasized the critical role Qatar can play in facilitating a ceasefire. “If any country in the world can help mediate it, Qatar is the one. They’re the ones that can do it,” Rubio said, stressing the urgency of a resolution, noting there is a “very short window of time in which a deal could happen.”
He also highlighted the ongoing defense cooperation between Washington and Doha. “We have a close partnership with the Qataris. In fact, we have an enhanced defense cooperation agreement, which we’ve been working on, and we’re on the verge of finalizing,” Rubio added, though he did not provide further details on the agreement.
Qatar condemned Israel’s strike as “cowardly and treacherous,” but affirmed it would not step back from its role as a mediator. This stance comes amid tensions following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s warning to target Hamas leaders “wherever they are,” even as Arab and Islamic states convened a summit in Doha to support Qatar.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who visited Qatar earlier this year, assured the Gulf nation that Washington would provide protection in the event of any attacks. Trump also noted that he was not informed in advance about Israel’s recent strike and described it as a unilateral action that did not further U.S. or Israeli interests. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring such incidents would not occur again during his meeting with Qatar’s prime minister in New York last Friday.
The unfolding U.S.-Qatar defense cooperation is expected to strengthen regional security, while Qatar continues its delicate diplomatic role in mediating a path toward peace in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Reporting by Carl Montel.
