Qatar and the United States are close to finalising an enhanced defence cooperation agreement, top U.S. diplomat Marco Rubio said on Wednesday, following Israel’s recent strike on Hamas political leaders in Doha that drew widespread condemnation.
“We have a close partnership with the Qataris. In fact, we have an enhanced defence cooperation agreement, which we’ve been working on, we’re on the verge of finalising,” Rubio said while departing Tel Aviv for Doha.
Rubio met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to discuss defence cooperation, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari confirmed.
“This (Israeli) attack, of course, expedites the need for a renewed strategic defence agreement between us and the United States. It’s not something new per se, but certainly expedited,” Al Ansari said after Rubio’s visit.
Qatar hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East and has played a key role, alongside Egypt, in mediating ceasefire talks since the Gaza conflict began nearly two years ago.
Al Ansari stressed that Qatar’s immediate focus remains protecting its sovereignty. “Our focus right now is protecting our sovereignty and we will not look into other issues until this one is resolved,” he said.
The Emir’s Office added that the discussions with Rubio also covered joint diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages in the enclave, and the status of Palestinian prisoners.
Rubio called on Qatar to continue its mediator role between Israel and Hamas, noting a narrow window for reaching an agreement. “If any country in the world can help mediate it, Qatar is the one. They’re the ones that can do it,” he said.
Qatar described the Israeli strike as “cowardly and treacherous” but reaffirmed its commitment to mediation alongside Egypt and the United States. The attack had drawn regional support for Qatar from Arab and Islamic states, even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to target Hamas leaders “wherever they are.”
