U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has revealed that the United States and Qatar are close to finalizing an enhanced defense cooperation agreement, acknowledging Qatar’s diplomatic importance as the only nation capable of mediating between Israel and Hamas.
Rubio, who held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following Israeli strikes against Hamas political leaders in Doha, expressed understanding of Doha’s consternation over the incident, escalating regional tensions during the ongoing Gaza war.
“We understand they’re not happy about what happened,” Rubio acknowledged, referring to the airstrikes,” Rubio said Monday, according to Fox News as he left Jerusalem for Qatar.
On Tuesday, Rubio met with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss the defense partnership and ongoing mediation efforts.
Washington is trying to work out a diplomatic balance after the Israeli airstrike on Hamas leaders in a Doha neighborhood, which angered the Qatari and Middle Eastern leaders as representing Israel’s disregard for sovereignty of the U.S.-allied nations.
Sobering to meet with the families of hostages during my visit to Jerusalem. Their stories are heartbreaking and unfathomable. This war has gone on long enough. Hamas must immediately release all the hostages: living and deceased. pic.twitter.com/lNrR2IdNhg
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) September 15, 2025
Qatar hosts one of the largest military bases in the Middle East.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rubio wrote: “I met with Qatari leaders and reaffirmed the enduring U.S.-Qatar security partnership and our shared commitment to a safer, more stable region.
In his remarks at the conclusion of Israel visit, Rubio emphasized Doha’s potential role in de-escalating the crisis by working to neutralize Hamas as a security threat.
“We believe Qatar can play a critical role,” Rubio said. “That’s why we’re engaging with them. Our partnership with the Qataris is strong. In fact, we’ve been working on an enhanced defense cooperation agreement, and we’re now on the verge of finalizing it.”
The top American diplomat reiterated his belief in Qatar’s unique position on the global stage: “If any country can mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas, it’s Qatar. No one else has the capacity or the trust to play that role. We hope they can still do it—even after recent events.”
However, Rubio warned that the timeline for diplomacy was rapidly closing.
“We no longer have months—we’re down to days, maybe a few weeks at best,” he cautioned, as Israeli launched a ground offensive in Gaza, the shattered Palestinian territory amid Gaza war triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Rubio’s visit followed a declaration by Gulf states to activate a joint defense pact, as Arab and Islamic leaders condemned Israeli aggression during an emergency summit held in Qatar.
Speaking to reporters, Rubio noted the urgency of reaching a diplomatic breakthrough, as Israeli airstrikes continued to devastate Gaza City, killing dozens and destroying residential buildings.
“The Israelis have begun major operations there,” he said.
“That’s why we believe the window for a deal is very narrow.”
In Doha, Rubio thanked them for their ongoing mediation efforts aimed at brokering a peace deal between Israel and Hamas and facilitating the release of hostages.
According to Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari the talks covered bilateral relations and the broader strategic partnership between the two nations.
The Israeli airstrikes on Doha and the overall impact of the war on Gaza were central topics of discussion.
“Our relationship with the United States is strategic, particularly in the area of defense,” said al-Ansari. “This was a key point during Secretary Rubio’s visit. We remain committed to defending our sovereignty and are taking steps to prevent any future attacks.”
Al-Ansari also expressed appreciation for the solidarity shown by Arab and Islamic countries in response to recent developments.
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Muhammad Luqman is Associate Editor at Views News Now. He writes on wide-ranging issues including economy, South Asia, the Middle East, agriculture, economy and innovation. Luqman has worked some of the leading news organizations and won acclaim for his original and research-based works.
