Qatar’s military presence is set to grow on American soil with a new air force facility planned for Mountain Home Airbase in Idaho. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made the announcement Friday, calling it a significant step in the strategic partnership between the two nations.
“Today we’re signing a letter of acceptance to build a Qatar Emiri air force facility at the Mountain Home Airbase in Idaho,” Hegseth told reporters. “It’s just another example of our partnership.”
The new facility will house Qatari F-15 fighter jets along with a contingent of pilots. While the White House has not yet shared additional details, the move marks deepening military collaboration with one of America’s key allies in the Middle East.
Hegseth praised Qatar for its diplomatic contributions to recent peace efforts in the Middle East, particularly in helping mediate the Israel-Hamas cease-fire talks alongside Egypt and the U.S.
“No one other than President Trump could have achieved the peace—what we believe will be a lasting peace—in Gaza, and Qatar played a substantial role from the beginning, working with our folks to make sure that came about,” Hegseth added.
On Friday, Israeli forces repositioned within Gaza as part of the agreement. Hamas has 72 hours to release 48 Israeli hostages.
The announcement follows a Trump executive order issued in September, declaring any attack on Qatar’s territory or infrastructure a threat to U.S. security.
