BLACK mobile logo

united states

Trump's pact to defend Qatar could shake up or shore up a fragile region

October 3, 2025

President Trump signed an executive order this week declaring that the United States will defend Qatar against armed attacks using diplomatic, economic, and if necessary, military measures. This significant security pact elevates Qatar's status dramatically, coming just years after it faced a regional boycott and now serves as a key Middle Eastern diplomatic hub, particularly in Israel-Hamas negotiations. The executive order follows Qatar's anger over Israeli airstrikes that targeted Hamas leaders on Qatari soil, as well as Iranian attacks earlier this year.

Who is affected

  • The State of Qatar and its ruling Al Thani family
  • Hamas, whose political offices are in Doha and who are reviewing Trump's peace proposal
  • Gulf Arab states who are anxious about U.S. security protection
  • Israel, which has been targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar
  • U.S. taxpayers who could potentially fund military actions to defend Qatar
  • The Trump Organization, which has business interests in Qatar

What action is being taken

  • President Trump is implementing an executive order committing U.S. diplomatic, economic, and military support to defend Qatar
  • Qatar is serving as a mediator between Israel and Hamas
  • Hamas is reviewing Trump's 20-point Gaza peace proposal announced at the White House
  • Critics and watchdog groups are questioning potential conflicts of interest between Trump's business dealings and this policy decision
  • Democrats in Congress and some of Trump's own supporters are challenging the executive order

Why it matters

  • The security pact resembles aspects of a NATO alliance, providing Qatar extraordinary protection
  • It changes regional power dynamics just as Hamas reviews Trump's Gaza proposal
  • The order bypasses Congressional approval under the War Powers Act
  • The security guarantee comes after Qatar experienced attacks from both Israel and Iran
  • Questions exist about conflicts of interest due to the Trump Organization's golf resort deal with Qatar and Qatar's donation of a Boeing 747 to Trump
  • The order addresses Gulf states' growing anxiety about U.S. security protection reliability

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC