Fri Oct 10 21:37:32 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The US and Qatar have signed an agreement to establish a Qatari Emiri Air Force facility at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The agreement was announced during a meeting between US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Qatari Defence Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, where they also praised Qatar’s role in mediating the Gaza ceasefire. The agreement is intended to enhance combined training and interoperability between the two countries’ air forces. This builds upon the already strong US-Qatari relationship, with Qatar hosting the largest US Air Force base in the Middle East and being designated a major non-NATO ally. This announcement comes after Qatar has been attacked twice and played a major role in the Gaza ceasefire talks.

**News Article:**

**US and Qatar Strike Deal for Qatari Air Force Presence in Idaho**

**Washington D.C.** – The United States and Qatar have solidified their strategic partnership with a new agreement that will see a Qatari Emiri Air Force contingent stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The announcement was made Friday by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth following a meeting with Qatari Defence Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the Pentagon.

The agreement, formalized through a letter of agreement, aims to “enhance our combined training, increase lethality, [and] interoperability” between the two nations’ air forces, according to Secretary Hegseth. Specifics on the size and duration of the Qatari presence in Idaho were not immediately disclosed.

The announcement follows Qatar’s significant role in mediating the recently implemented Gaza ceasefire. Secretary Hegseth lauded Qatar’s efforts, stating, “No one other than President Trump could have achieved the peace that we believe will be a lasting peace in Gaza and Qatar played a substantial role from the beginning.” Sheikh Saoud echoed this sentiment, highlighting the effectiveness of US collaboration with regional partners like Egypt and Turkiye.

This agreement underscores the increasingly close relationship between the US and Qatar. Qatar already hosts Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US Air Force base in the Middle East, and was designated a major non-NATO ally by President Biden in 2022. However, Qatar has been a victim of two attacks from foreign countries and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani previously called the attacks “state terrorism.” In an executive order, President Trump has promised to take action if Qatar sovereignty is attacked.

The move to host Qatari forces on US soil comes at a sensitive time, with Qatar having recently played a key role in facilitating peace talks in the Middle East and suffering attacks from foreign countries. It signifies a deepening commitment by the US to Qatar’s security and a continued emphasis on strengthening military ties with key partners in the region.

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