Qatar denies Axios report and confirms: Our security partnership with Washington is "stronger than ever"
The State of Qatar has categorically denied reports suggesting a reassessment of its security partnership with the United States, describing those claims as "completely false." The Qatari denial came in response to a report published by media outlets, including Axios, based on informed sources.
In a statement issued by the Government Communications Office, Qatar emphasized the strength of its alliance with Washington, noting that its security and defense relations with the United States are "stronger than ever and continue to grow." Doha considered the media report to be nothing more than a "desperate attempt" to harm its relations with America.
Axios had previously reported, citing informed sources, that "a sense of betrayal prevails among Qatari circles" following Israeli airstrikes targeting a Hamas headquarters in the capital Doha. The sources claimed that Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani informed White House envoy Steve Wietkoff that his country would "reassess its security partnership with Washington" after what was described as a "betrayal," indicating that Doha "might seek some other partners to support its security if necessary."
The sources explained that the Qatari Prime Minister indicated that after being attacked by Iran and then by Israel within six months, his country would conduct a "deep assessment" of its security partnership with Washington.
On another note, information revealed that U.S. President Donald Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to commit to not attacking Qatar again. Trump expressed last Tuesday that he was "not happy" with the airstrikes, and U.S. officials reported him describing Netanyahu's decision as "reckless and unwise."
Despite this, Netanyahu did not show any public apology, but hinted that he "might order a new strike," according to the same reports.
For its part, Qatar strongly condemned the targeting of its territory and called for Netanyahu to be brought to international justice. It affirmed that the Israeli decision "undermines efforts to ceasefire in Gaza and release prisoners."
In a related development, Doha announced on Thursday that it would host an emergency Arab Islamic summit on Sunday and Monday to discuss the Israeli attack and its repercussions.
It is noteworthy that Israel carried out a surprise airstrike on Doha on Tuesday, and Israeli reports indicated that one of its targets was Hamas leader abroad, Khalil Hayya, who heads the negotiating delegation. Tel Aviv reiterated its commitment to "continue pursuing the movement's leaders wherever they may be," despite widespread international condemnation.
