US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said that Qatar will be allowed to construct an air force facility at the Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho that will house F-15 fighter jets and pilots.
The announcement comes shortly after President Donald Trump signed an executive order pledging to protect Arab states against attacks, following Israeli air strikes targeting Hamas leaders in the Qatari capital, Doha.
Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth said, “We’re signing a letter of acceptance to build a Qatari Emiri Air Force facility at the Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho.”
“The location will house a contingent of the Qatari F-15s and pilots to enhance our combined training, as well as increase lethality and interoperability,” he said.
“It’s just another example of our partnership. And I hope you know, your excellency, that you can count on us,” Hegseth added.
He praised Qatar for its “constructive role” as a mediator in the negotiations that led to a truce and the hostage-prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas.
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Meanwhile, the Qatari minister, in response, lauded the “strong, enduring partnership and deep defence relationship” shared by the two nations.
Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base remains Washington’s largest military facility in the region.
However, despite maintaining close ties with US President Donald Trump, Qatar was attacked by Israeli air force jets in a move that stunned the international community.
Far-right activist and frequent Trump ally Laura Loomer criticised the decision, saying, “Never thought I’d see Republicans give terror-financing Muslims from Qatar a MILITARY BASE on US soil so they can murder Americans.”
Hegseth dismissed objections from both right- and left-wing politicians, stating, “Qatar will not have their own base in the United States nor anything like a base.”
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