Qatar Seeks to Strengthen Defense Agreement with Washington Amid U.S. Pressure Over Its Relations with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood

Qatar is aiming to activate and renew its defense cooperation agreement with the United States, in a move intended to bolster the security partnership between the two countries, against the backdrop of escalating tensions in the region.

Diplomatic reports indicate that Washington links progress in enhancing the defense agreement to Qatar taking steps to limit the influence of Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood on its soil. The United States considers that Qatar’s role as a mediator in regional issues should not conflict with its commitments to counterterrorism.

For its part, Qatar stresses that its relations with various regional actors are maintained to preserve channels of dialogue and assist in resolving crises, emphasizing that this does not necessarily imply support for any extremist agendas.

This development comes as Doha tries to balance strengthening its defense partnerships with major powers while maintaining its position as a regional mediator. Al-Udeid Air Base, which hosts U.S. forces, remains a cornerstone of defense relations between the two countries and a pivotal site in the U.S. military strategy in the Middle East.