DOHA, March 10 (Reuters) – Qatar aims to strengthen its defense collaboration with the United States following Iranian air strikes on its territory, according to a spokesperson from the foreign ministry on Tuesday. They believe the current agreement serves as an important deterrent.

Iran has carried out missile and drone attacks on oil-producing Gulf neighbors after US-Israeli strikes killed its key leaders. This conflict has disrupted production in the region and caused a rise in oil prices.

Qatar is home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, Al Udeid Air Base, which was struck by Iran during the conflict that started on February 28.

At a media briefing on Tuesday, spokesperson Majed Al Ansari emphasized that the security partnership with the U.S. is crucial, but he mentioned that existing agreements with the U.S. and European nations need to be enhanced.

“These partnerships are essential to prevent and deter any attacks on our country,” he stated. He added, “When situations escalate, deterrents may not be effective... But this doesn’t mean we shouldn't have them. We must strengthen these deterrents, and that's what we are working on right now,” said Al Ansari.

In October, U.S. President Donald Trump promised that any armed attack on Qatar would be viewed as a threat to U.S. security.

Iran has warned that it will retaliate against U.S. targets in the region if it faces an attack.