Trump extends US security guarantee to Qatar, elevating Gulf ally to near-NATO status

Trump extends US security guarantee to Qatar, elevating Gulf ally to near-NATO status

In a significant geopolitical move, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order extending the United States' security guarantee to Qatar, a non-NATO ally in the Gulf region. The order, dated October 1, 2025, states that any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure will be considered a threat to US peace and security .

The order comes amidst a tense regional environment, with Qatar facing attacks from Iran and Israel. It also coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the White House, during which he apologized to the Qatari Prime Minister for Israel's strike in Doha last month. Notably, Trump's 20-point peace plan for Gaza, presented alongside Netanyahu, does not explicitly mention that Israel will not attack Qatar .

The executive order specifies that the US will take "all lawful and appropriate measures" to defend Qatar, including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military actions . This marks a substantial achievement for Qatar, which has long sought a stronger US security guarantee. In 2022, Qatar was officially designated a major non-NATO ally by the Biden administration, granting it enhanced military and defense privileges. Qatar also hosts Al Udeid Air Base, one of the largest US military hubs in the Middle East .

The order is part of a broader trend of Gulf states seeking more explicit US security guarantees. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have also been engaged in discussions with Washington towards a more formal security framework, though no comprehensive agreement has been concluded .

This development is likely to have significant implications for regional stability and US foreign policy in the Middle East. It also underscores the growing importance of the Gulf region as a strategic partner for the US in the face of ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions.