WASHINGTON : The executive order, described by officials as unprecedented in U.S. relations with an Arab nation, pledges that Washington will take “all lawful and appropriate measures, including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military actions” to defend both American and Qatari interests in the event of aggression.

The decision comes just three weeks after Israeli airstrikes in Doha targeted Hamas leaders, sparking outrage in Qatar and raising doubts over the credibility of U.S. security guarantees in the Gulf. Qatar, which hosts the region’s largest U.S. military base, is considered a cornerstone of American defense strategy in the Middle East.

The order effectively elevates Qatar’s security status to a level comparable to NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense clause. Washington has also committed to “joint planning with Qatar” to ensure a rapid, coordinated response to any potential attack.

“The United States shall regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure of the State of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States,” the order reads.

For Qatar, it is a major reassurance at a time when its role as mediator and regional hub has come under strain. For the U.S., it underscores a long-term commitment to securing its Gulf alliances amid rising instability.

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