Washington Moves to Rebuild Trust with Doha: U.S. to Host Qatari F-15s and Pilots
In a bid to restore strained ties with Qatar, U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho will temporarily host Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots for joint training exercises.
The initiative was revealed during his meeting with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Washington.
He clarified that Qatar will not establish a permanent base in the U.S.; the deployment is strictly for short-term combat coordination and training.
This move is seen as part of Trump’s broader strategy to mend relations with Doha, especially after Israel’s recent attack on Qatar and growing Arab criticism of Washington’s failure to protect its Gulf allies.
While the deployment of Qatari fighters and pilots in Idaho might not significantly alter military strategies, it serves as a diplomatic gesture. This move signals an effort to restore and reinforce America’s image among its allies. Instead of emphasizing combat capabilities, it aims to showcase America’s loyalty, cooperation, and ongoing commitment to the security of its partners.
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