Trump Issues Executive Order: Attack on Qatar to Be Considered Attack on the U.S.

Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order declaring that any external attack on Qatar will be considered an attack on the United States, pledging full military support and retaliation if necessary.

The move comes in the wake of Israel’s September 9 airstrike on Qatari soil, which targeted Hamas leadership and resulted in the death of six people, including a Qatari guard. Qatar condemned the strike as a violation of its sovereignty and temporarily withdrew from mediating Gaza peace talks.

Following diplomatic efforts by the U.S. Secretary of State, Qatar agreed to resume its mediation role. During Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, President Trump facilitated a call between Netanyahu and Qatar’s Prime Minister, in which Netanyahu expressed regret for the guard’s death and assured such incidents would not recur.

In his executive order, President Trump underscored Qatar’s status as a “steadfast ally” of the United States, highlighting strong military cooperation, shared interests, and mutual commitments to peace and regional stability.

“America will defend Qatar’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity at all costs,” Trump stated. The White House emphasized that any future attack on Qatar will be regarded as an attack on the United States itself.

The Israeli strike, which killed senior Hamas members including the son of leader Khalil al-Hayya, was reportedly aimed at al-Hayya, accused of orchestrating the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

This executive order marks a significant strengthening of U.S.-Qatar relations and a clear message of deterrence against potential aggressors.