Post by : Naveen Mittal

Photo: X / IbadanWatch

Qatar and US Near Defence Deal After Israeli Strike in Doha

US Senator Rubio Visits Doha After Talks in Tel Aviv

The United States and Qatar are close to finalising a new defence cooperation agreement, as tensions rise in the Middle East following Israel’s strike in Doha. Senator Marco Rubio, speaking on his way to Qatar from Tel Aviv, highlighted Qatar’s vital role in mediating between Israel and Hamas. He said there is only “a very short window of time” to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and insisted that if any country could mediate such a deal, it is Qatar.

Qatar’s Role as Mediator

Qatar has long been an important mediator in the Gaza conflict, working alongside Egypt and the United States to push for peace efforts. Despite calling the Israeli strike “cowardly and treacherous,” Qatar has vowed not to step back from its responsibilities. The Gulf state continues to engage with international partners to find a solution, even as tensions rise after Israel threatened Hamas leaders abroad.

Enhanced Defence Cooperation

Rubio confirmed that the US and Qatar were on the verge of finalising an “enhanced defence cooperation agreement.” While he did not provide details, the deal is expected to strengthen military and strategic ties between the two nations. This agreement comes at a crucial time, especially after Israel’s unilateral strike in Doha, which has drawn criticism from Arab and Islamic countries.

Trump’s Assurances to Qatar

Earlier this year, during a visit to Qatar, former US President Donald Trump assured the Qatari leadership that Washington would stand by them if they came under attack. He stressed that the US values its partnership with Qatar, which hosts a major US airbase and is seen as a critical ally in the region.

Following the Israeli strike, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction, calling it a move that did not advance the interests of either Israel or the United States. He later met Qatar’s Prime Minister in New York and reassured him that such incidents would not happen again.

Netanyahu’s Threats and Regional Response

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a press conference with Rubio, warned that Israel would continue to target Hamas leaders “wherever they are.” His comments came as Arab and Islamic leaders gathered in Qatar to show solidarity with Doha after the recent attack.

The strike has further strained Israel’s ties with several Gulf and Arab states, with many calling it a dangerous escalation that risks wider regional instability.

Importance of the Deal

The upcoming defence deal between the US and Qatar is seen as both a message of reassurance and a warning. It strengthens Qatar’s position in the Middle East while showing that Washington remains committed to its allies, even as tensions with Israel rise.

For Qatar, the agreement means stronger security guarantees at a time when threats are increasing. For the US, it means a deeper presence in the Gulf, ensuring its influence remains strong in any future peace talks or conflicts.

Qatar’s Determination to Continue Mediation

Despite the Israeli strike, Qatar’s leadership has made clear that it will not withdraw from mediation efforts. Alongside Egypt and the US, it continues to press for humanitarian pauses, prisoner exchanges, and eventually, a full ceasefire in Gaza.

Qatar has also stressed that attacks on its soil will not weaken its stance, but rather reinforce its commitment to achieving peace in the region.