After Israel’s strike on Hamas headquarters in Doha, diplomatic unease has emerged between Qatar and the United States.
Still, neither side has real alternatives, and shared interests are expected to prevent a breakdown in relations. Instead, both countries are likely to pursue adjustments in the coming months.
Qatar is expected to press Washington for enhanced defense guarantees. The two states signed a defense cooperation agreement, updated in 2018, but it lacks a mutual defense clause. Doha may demand one, though it is unlikely to succeed.
A compromise could come in the form of a U.S. presidential letter pledging protection under certain conditions—politically binding, but not legally. Washington could also offer to upgrade Qatar’s air defense systems, particularly around the Al-Udeid air base, which Doha built for U.S. operations in the Middle East and beyond.