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A top US official has confirmed that the United States and Qatar are close to finalizing an enhanced defense cooperation agreement.

Getting into it: While speaking during a high-stakes diplomatic visit to the Middle East, Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the US and Qatar are close to finalizing an enhanced defense cooperation agreement. “We have a close partnership with the Qataris,” Rubio said. “In fact, we have an enhanced defense cooperation agreement, which we’vebeen working on — we’re on the verge of finalizing.” Though details remain under wraps, the agreement is expected to bolster joint military operations, intelligence-sharing, and strategic planning, especially involving Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the region.

Rubio said the recent Israeli strike in Doha significantly accelerated the need to complete the deal. The attack, which targeted Hamas leaders in a residential area of the Qatari capital, was carried out without prior US notification, drawing strong condemnation from Washington. President Trump criticized the strike as a unilateral action that “did not advance US or Israeli interests,” while Rubio acknowledged Qatar’s outrage. “We understand they’re not happy about what happened,” he told reporters, referring to the Israeli operation.

The fallout from the strike has raised serious concerns for Qatar and future relations with the US, as it maintains close ties to Israel.

Despite the diplomatic strain, Rubio urged Qatar to continue its role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas. He also warned that the window for diplomacy is closing fast, saying, “We don’t have months anymore. We probably have days, maybe a few weeks.” Still, he insisted the US values Qatar’s efforts and reiterated Washington’s backing: “We want them to know how much we appreciate and respect all the time and work and effort they put in… and we hope they’ll re-engage despite everything that’s happened.”