Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, engaged in an introductory call to strengthen their defense partnership. The conversation focused on regional security collaboration.

Pentagon Press Secretary John Ullyot shared that Secretary Hegseth expressed gratitude towards Qatar for accommodating U.S. and coalition forces at the Al Udeid Air Base. Additionally, he encouraged continued Qatari support for efforts led by the Trump Administration aimed at securing the release of hostages from Gaza.