Assuring the Security of the State of Qatar
This Presidential Action establishes the official policy of the United States to guarantee the security and territorial integrity of the State of Qatar against external attack, recognizing Qatar's history as a steadfast ally hosting U.S. forces and acting as a regional mediator.
The order mandates that any armed attack on Qatar will be viewed as a threat to U.S. peace and security, requiring the U.S. to take all lawful measures including diplomatic, economic, and potentially military action to defend both nations' interests.
Furthermore, it directs the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and the Director of National Intelligence to develop joint contingency plans and requires the Secretary of State to reaffirm this commitment internationally.
Arguments For
Acknowledges and codifies the long-standing strategic alliance between the U.S. and Qatar, recognizing Qatar's support for U.S. forces and its role in regional stability and conflict mediation.
Provides a clear commitment to deter potential aggression against Qatar, enhancing regional security and reinforcing a key diplomatic and military partnership in the Middle East.
Mandates joint contingency planning between the Department of Defense (Secretary of War), Department of State, and the Director of National Intelligence, ensuring a coordinated, rapid response mechanism for defense.
Arguments Against
Commits the U.S. to defending a foreign ally against armed attack, potentially drawing the United States into a conflict that might not directly threaten U.S. core national security interests.
The commitment is subject to the availability of appropriations and existing statutory authority, meaning the concrete nature of the defense response (especially military involvement) is not absolutely guaranteed.
Creates an expectation of U.S. intervention which could complicate U.S. diplomatic leverage in other regional disputes or empower Qatar without reciprocal concessions.
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in recognition of the enduring alliance between the United States and the State of Qatar, it is hereby ordered:
This opening statement invokes the President's constitutional and legal authority to issue the directive that follows.
The order is explicitly issued in acknowledgment of the long-standing alliance between the United States and the State of Qatar.
Section 1. Policy. Over the years, the United States and the State of Qatar have been bound together by close cooperation, shared interests, and the close relationship between our armed forces. The State of Qatar has hosted United States forces, enabled critical security operations, and stood as a steadfast ally in pursuit of peace, stability, and prosperity, both in the Middle East and abroad, including as a mediator that has assisted the United States’ attempts to resolve significant regional and global conflicts. In recognition of this history, and in light of the continuing threats to the State of Qatar posed by foreign aggression, it is the policy of the United States to guarantee the security and territorial integrity of the State of Qatar against external attack.
This section defines the core policy based on the history of U.S.-Qatar cooperation, noting Qatar's role in hosting U.S. forces and mediating conflicts.
Given ongoing threats, the official U.S. policy is established: to guarantee the security and territorial integrity of Qatar against any attacks from outside forces.
Sec. 2. Commitment. (a) 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.
This part outlines the commitment by stating that an armed attack against Qatar's land, governing authority, or essential services will automatically be considered a threat to the peace and security of the United States.
(b) 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.
In the event of an attack, the United States commits to using all lawful and suitable actions to respond.
These measures explicitly include diplomatic efforts, economic actions, and, if required, military force, all aimed at protecting mutual interests and re-establishing stability.
(c) The Secretary of War, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall maintain joint contingency planning with the State of Qatar to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to any foreign aggression against the State of Qatar.
The Secretary of Defense (referred to as the Secretary of War in the text), in collaboration with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, must develop and maintain specific joint military plans with Qatar.
These plans ensure the response to aggression is swift and coordinated.
(d) The Secretary of State shall reaffirm this assurance to the State of Qatar and coordinate with allies and partners to ensure complementary measures of support.
The Secretary of State is tasked with formally restating this security assurance to Qatar.
Additionally, the Secretary must work with other U.S. allies and partners to ensure their support efforts align with this U.S. commitment.
(e) The Secretary of State shall continue to partner with the State of Qatar as and when appropriate for conflict resolution and mediation in recognition of the State of Qatar ‘s extensive diplomatic and mediation experience.
The Secretary of State must continue collaborative efforts with Qatar on mediating and resolving conflicts.
This action recognizes Qatar's established experience and skill in international diplomacy.
Sec. 3. Implementation. All executive departments and agencies shall take appropriate steps, consistent with law, to implement this order.
This directive requires every executive branch department and agency to take all necessary and legally compliant actions to put this order into effect.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
This final section establishes general rules to ensure the order operates within existing legal and governmental structures.
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
The order does not diminish any existing legal authority given to any federal department, agency, or its leader.
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
The order does not affect the responsibilities of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget concerning funding requests, administrative rules, or proposed legislation.
(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
Putting this order into action must adhere to current laws and rely only on funding that has been legally allocated.
(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
This order does not grant any individual or entity a legally enforceable right or benefit against the U.S. government or its personnel, either in actual law or in fairness (equity).
(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of State.
The expense associated with formally publishing this presidential action must be paid for by the Department of State.
DONALD J. TRUMP
The White House,
September 29, 2025.
This text includes the date and the signature of the President who issued the order, confirming its official issuance from the White House on the specified date.
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