DOHA (Dispatches) — The Pentagon has revealed plans for Qatar to build and operate an air force facility within a U.S. Air Force base in Idaho, a move critics warn could further destabilize global security and deepen Washington’s military entanglements abroad.
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that Qatar’s Emiri Air Force will construct hangars and squadron buildings for its F-15QA jets at Mountain Home Air Force Base, located about 50 miles southeast of Boise, Idaho. 
The facility will host Qatari pilots and aircraft to boost “combined training, lethality, and interoperability,” according to Pentagon officials.
However, the announcement has sparked backlash from some U.S. political figures and commentators. Far-right influencer Laura Loomer condemned the plan as “an abomination,” arguing that “no foreign country should have a military base on U.S. soil.”
An Air Force spokesperson, Ann Stefanek, downplayed such criticisms, stating the facility is part of a long-established program to train allied forces, similar to arrangements with Singapore and Germany, both of which maintain military units at U.S. bases.
Critics argue the timing of the agreement raises questions, coming soon after Qatar gifted a $400 million Boeing 747-8 aircraft, designated to become the next Air Force One. U.S. officials have insisted the deal predates the gift.
The development also comes amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf region. Last month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order pledging to “assure the security of the state of Qatar” following Israeli airstrikes on Doha, which drew widespread condemnation. Qatar criticized the U.S. for not warning it in advance of the attacks, despite alleged prior knowledge from Washington’s close ally, Israel.
Experts warn that the expansion of U.S. military cooperation with Persian Gulf states like Qatar risks entrenching regional rivalries and perpetuating instability, raising concerns about the long-term impact of Washington’s global military presence.