US President Donald Trump signed an executive order pledging to treat any armed attack on Qatar as a threat to the United States' own security.
The text of the order, available Wednesday on the White House’s website but dated Monday, says it is the policy of the US to guarantee the security and territorial integrity of Qatar against external 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 said.
“In the event of such an attack, the United States shall take all lawful and appropriate measures - including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military - to defend the interests of the United States and of the state of Qatar and to restore peace and stability,” it said.
The order also asks the US Secretary of War, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, to maintain joint contingency planning with Qatar to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to any foreign aggression against the Gulf State.
“The Secretary of State shall reaffirm this assurance to Qatar and coordinate with allies and partners to ensure complementary measures of support,” it said.
Also, the Secretary of State shall continue to partner with Doha as and when appropriate for conflict resolution and mediation in recognition of Qatar’s extensive diplomatic and mediation experience.
Qatar on Wednesday welcomed Trump's order, describing it as a milestone in strengthening defense ties and bilateral cooperation, its foreign ministry said.
Last month, senior Hamas political leaders were wounded in an Israeli air strike on a Hamas compound in the Qatari capital, Doha.
