Chicago – September 08, 2026
Qatar has warned that the presence of U.S. forces in the Gulf is not sufficient to guarantee long-term regional security, calling for stronger cooperation among Gulf states and greater regional defense capabilities.
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari made the remarks at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing that Gulf countries should continue their strategic partnerships with Washington while also developing their own security arrangements.
Qatar hosts Al Udeid Air Base, one of the largest U.S. military facilities in the Middle East and a key regional hub for American operations. Despite the U.S. military presence, recent tensions involving Iran have highlighted vulnerabilities facing Gulf states.
Al-Ansari also stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue with Iran, noting that Tehran will remain a regional neighbor. He said Gulf countries need both effective deterrence and diplomacy to achieve lasting stability and security.
