This week, President Trump officially signed an executive order that grants Qatar a security guarantee similar to NATO protections against foreign threats.
The directive stipulates a U.S. commitment to uphold Qatar’s “security and territorial integrity” against any forms of “external aggression,” coming in the wake of the contentious Israeli strikes on September 9 that targeted Hamas officials located in Doha.
According to the executive order, which was released by the White House on Wednesday, “The United States will view any military assault on the territory, sovereignty, or essential infrastructure of the State of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States.”
The document further states, “Should such an aggression occur, the United States shall pursue all lawful and suitable actions — encompassing diplomatic, economic, and if required, military responses — to safeguard both U.S. interests and those of Qatar, while striving to restore peace and stability.”
Additionally, the order instructs cabinet members to “ensure joint contingency planning” with Qatar “to facilitate a swift and coordinated reaction to any external aggression” against the Gulf state.
Trump enacted the order on Monday, the same day when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House and conveyed “deep remorse” for the missile strikes during a tri-party call with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, arranged by the president.
During the call, Netanyahu also “confirmed that Israel will not execute similar attacks in the future,” as per a White House summary of the discussion.
The missile strikes resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including a Qatari security member, who were targeted as they met with Qatari mediators to discuss potential cease-fire agreements.
The executive order characterizes Qatar as a “reliable ally” and commends its position as a mediator in international disputes. While it does not mention the recent Israeli strikes specifically, it expresses the United States’ commitment to Qatar’s security.
“As the President has reassured Qatar, attacks of the recent nature will not be repeated on their territory,” stated a White House representative. “On Monday, President Trump facilitated a groundbreaking trilateral phone conversation between the Prime Ministers of Qatar and Israel, paving a positive path for Israel-Qatar relations.”
This order parallels NATO’s Article V, which deems an attack on any member of the alliance as an unequivocal assault on all members.
It obliges member states to defend the ally under threat, potentially including military action.
During his previous engagements, Trump secured over $243.5 billion in agreements with Qatar, such as a $400 million 747 jet, anticipated to serve temporarily as a replacement for Air Force One during his visit to the Gulf nation in March.
