In response to concerns, Pete Hegseth clarified that the Qatari air force facility in Idaho is not a foreign base, despite earlier statements from the Pentagon about hosting Qatari F-15s and pilots. This clarification comes amid ongoing discussions about military presence and foreign partnerships, highlighting the importance of transparency in defense matters.

In a significant move for military collaboration, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his Qatari counterpart have signed an agreement to train Qatari pilots on F-15 fighter jets at a U.S. Air Force base in Idaho. This partnership not only strengthens ties between the U.S. and Qatar but also enhances regional security by improving the capabilities of Qatari forces. Such training initiatives are crucial for fostering international cooperation and ensuring that allied nations are well-prepared to address common challenges.