(MENAFN) U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an executive order committing to safeguard Qatar’s security, declaring that any armed attack on the Gulf nation will be viewed as a direct threat to the peace and security of the United States.

The executive order, released by the U.S. Embassy in Qatar, underscores the enduring partnership between the two countries, noting Qatar’s role as host to U.S. forces, its support of critical security operations, and its position as a reliable ally advancing peace, stability, and prosperity—particularly through mediation efforts resolving regional and global conflicts.

Trump stated in the order, “it is the policy of the United States to ensure the security and territorial integrity of Qatar against external aggression,” adding that Washington would employ "all lawful and appropriate measures -- including diplomatic, economic and, if necessary, military -- to defend the interests of the United States and the State of Qatar and to restore peace and stability."

The announcement follows a visit by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House two days earlier, during which Netanyahu apologized to Qatar for a recent airstrike in Doha. According to a statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, Netanyahu “expressed regret over the incident and pledged that such an event would not recur.”

On September 9, Israel conducted airstrikes in Doha targeting senior Hamas leaders reportedly based in the city. Hamas said its delegation was in Doha at the time to discuss a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal. The strikes resulted in the deaths of five Palestinians and one Qatari security officer, triggering widespread international condemnation.

MENAFN02102025000045017169ID1110140405