Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman held a phone conversation with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman to discuss military cooperation. The Saudi minister acknowledged the call in a post on X, stating that both sides discussed defence ties and expressed views on regional and international issues of common concern.

The conversation took place a day after the United States extended Qatar an unprecedented security guarantee. In contrast to NATO’s Article 5, the order stated that Washington would treat any armed attack on Qatari territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a direct threat to American security. It further stated that the United States would take all necessary political, economic, and military actions to protect Qatar’s defence and regional stability.

The decision came after Israel targeted Hamas leaders in Doha last month. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later informed Qatar that he would fully support any steps it takes.

Analysts view Washington’s extended guarantee as a significant shift in US-Gulf ties, emphasising Qatar’s expanding importance as host to the largest US military installation in the Middle East.