Middle East tensions bolster progressive Democrats ahead of the 2026 elections

On October 10, 2025, during a meeting between Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and Qatari Defense Minister Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, an agreement was announced that provides for the construction of facilities for the Qatari Air Force at the Mountain Home Air Base in Idaho.

The Qatari Air Force facility, which will remain under U.S. jurisdiction, will be used for joint training of Qatari and American pilots on F-15 fighters owned by the State of Qatar.

The White House's decision to station Qatari aviation and military personnel on American territory became another sign of deepening relations between the Republican administration and Doha during September-October 2025.