Trump: have directed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to finalize defense cooperation agreement with Qatar

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Trump: have directed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to finalize defense cooperation agreement with Qatar

President Donald Trump has directed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, to finalize a defense cooperation agreement with Qatar. This directive comes amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Israel's recent strikes on Hamas targets in Qatar. The White House has stated that Trump believes the attack was unfortunate and has directed a top aide, Steve Witkoff, to warn Qatar that the attack was coming . The agreement, which is part of a broader effort to strengthen regional security, aims to enhance collaboration between the United States and Qatar in countering terrorism and other security threats. This move is seen as a strategic step to bolster U.S. influence in the region and to address concerns over the growing influence of Iran and other adversaries. Secretary Rubio has been a vocal advocate for a more muscular approach to international security, particularly in Latin America. His involvement in the Middle East underscores the administration's commitment to a broader, more proactive foreign policy. The agreement with Qatar is part of a series of initiatives aimed at fortifying U.S. alliances and partnerships in the region, including recent security assistance to Ecuador and the designation of two gangs as terrorist entities . The defense cooperation agreement with Qatar is expected to include provisions for intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and the deployment of U.S. forces and equipment to support Qatari security operations. This move is part of a broader strategy to counter the spread of extremism and to protect U.S. interests in the region. The agreement also comes amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. The White House has been increasingly vocal about the threat posed by Iran's nuclear program and its support for terrorist groups. The defense cooperation agreement with Qatar is seen as a way to strengthen U.S. alliances and to counter Iranian influence in the region. The finalization of the agreement is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with Secretary Rubio scheduled to travel to Qatar to sign the agreement. The agreement is seen as a significant step in U.S. efforts to bolster security in the Middle East and to counter the growing threat of terrorism and extremism. References: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2025/09/joint-statement-on-security-cooperation-between-the-united-states-and-mexico https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/marco-rubio-unveils-aid-terrorist-designations-to-back-ecuador-crime-fight/articleshow/123703306.cms https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/trump-directed-top-aide-warn-qatar-that-israel-attack-was-coming-white-house-2025-09-09/