Amid the geopolitical complexities of the Middle East, Donald Trump has consistently demonstrated a strategic approach that prioritizes American military strength, economic leverage, and alliances built on deterrence. His previous actions in the region—moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, brokering the Abraham Accords, and championing Israel’s right to security—hint at a broader vision that remains largely unspoken: replacing the United States' reliance on Qatar’s al-Udeid Air Base with a new, fortified military installation in Gaza.

At first glance, this idea might seem implausible. However, a closer examination reveals a compelling strategic rationale that aligns with Trump’s past rhetoric and policy objectives. A US military presence in Gaza would serve as a game-changer, offering a range of advantages that strengthen American and allied interests while neutralizing regional threats.

1) A Defensible Stronghold with Iron Dome-Like Protection

Trump has repeatedly advocated for a robust US missile defense system, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome. A Gaza-based American military facility would almost certainly include such a system, providing the US with an unparalleled level of protection in the region. Given Trump’s previous calls for the United States to develop an Iron Dome of its own, it's easy to see how he might apply that logic to a strategic base in one of the most militarized zones in the world.

The foreign headquarters of the US Central Command should be moved from Qatar 🇶🇦 to Gaza 🇺🇲

The US will have the largest military base in Middle East, under its own sovereignty. pic.twitter.com/PCYVx4dSgl

— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) February 5, 2025

Unlike al-Udeid in Qatar, which is vulnerable to Iranian ballistic missiles and relies on regional cooperation for defense, a US base in Gaza would benefit from Israeli military technology and intelligence-sharing. With a joint Israeli-US defense infrastructure in place, the installation would be virtually untouchable, creating a permanent deterrent against Iranian and proxy aggression.

2) A Direct Strike Platform Against Iran

The most significant advantage of moving a US base from Qatar to Gaza would be its immediate impact on military readiness against Iran. A base in Gaza would position US forces close enough to key Iranian military installations, without being too close and wojuld significantly increase response time in the event of an Iranian attack or escalation.

This is particularly relevant given Trump’s long-standing opposition to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and his administration’s maximum pressure campaign against the regime. Unlike al-Udeid, which sits deep in the Persian Gulf and operates within the diplomatic constraints of Qatar, a Gaza-based military presence would be unrestrained in its ability to launch preemptive or retaliatory strikes against Iran.

Furthermore, with an expanded US military presence on Israel’s border, Washington would have an even greater ability to prevent Tehran from arming Hezbollah and other proxies, effectively cutting off the regime’s most powerful non-state assets.

3) Cutting Qatar’s Leverage

Trump has always viewed international relations through the lens of economic and political leverage. Qatar, despite hosting the US’s largest Middle Eastern airbase, continues to support Hamas, fund radical Islamist networks, and maintain close ties with Iran. This contradiction has long been a source of frustration for US policymakers.

I have a thought on this.

While it seems as if the Qatar Threat is not on his radar, @POTUS @realDonaldTrump is doing more than just thinking about it.

The US has a major base in Qatar which is why they coddle them - but a big Gaza base solves this problem.

Soon @rubin_eric https://t.co/FbaPo1qqLj

— Jay Engelmayer (@jengelmayer) February 11, 2025

By relocating US military operations out of Qatar and into a fortified Gaza base, Washington would eliminate Qatar’s ability to use al-Udeid as a bargaining chip in its regional maneuvering. The move would strip Doha of its strategic importance to the US, forcing it to reassess its alliances and reducing its influence over American foreign policy.

Additionally, such a shift would send a clear message to other Gulf states: the United States will not tolerate double-dealing when it comes to national security. Trump's transactional approach to diplomacy makes this a plausible and desirable outcome in his broader vision.

Qatar has demanded that Hamas leave the country following Trump’s victory in the US elections.

Here is a video of Donald Trump talking about “solving the problem” of Qatar funding terrorism in 2017. pic.twitter.com/zDNhWBHcNM

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) November 9, 2024

4) A Buffer Between Israel, Egypt, and Iranian Proxies

A US military presence in Gaza would do more than just provide strategic leverage—it would also serve as a stabilizing force between Israel, Egypt, and Iranian-backed militants. Unlike a purely Israeli military presence, which could inflame tensions with Arab states, a US-controlled base would be more politically palatable, allowing for a sustained crackdown on terror groups while maintaining regional balance.

Israel and Egypt both share an interest in neutralizing Hamas and Islamic Jihad, but neither wants the responsibility of governing Gaza. A US base would achieve this without requiring Israel to reoccupy the territory or forcing Egypt into an unwanted security role. Furthermore, neither country would oppose an American military installation, given that it aligns with their security needs and enhances regional stability.

5) Long-Term Stability Through Deterrence

Perhaps the most compelling reason for a Gaza-based US military presence is the long-term deterrent effect it would provide. Unlike Qatar, which has played both sides in regional conflicts, a US military base in Gaza would be a permanent fixture of American power projection.

Such a move would also signal to adversaries—whether Iran, Hezbollah, or Hamas—that American presence in the region is not temporary or dependent on the goodwill of unreliable partners. Instead, it would cement a US-Israel security framework that fundamentally alters the region’s balance of power, ensuring that deterrence remains the guiding principle of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

This is part of Trump's chess game. The primary beneficiary of the US base in Syria is Jordan. The al-Tanf "deconfliction zone" exists to isolate Jordan from the Jihadi hellscape to its north. Jordan won't play ball re. Gaza? Trump threatens to let them fend for themselves... https://t.co/0Ss1HuDmmF pic.twitter.com/eo0I6hjgRc

— Saul Sadka (@Saul_Sadka) February 5, 2025

Conclusion: A Visionary Move Aligned with Trump's Doctrine

While no official plan has been announced, the logic behind a US military base in Gaza is entirely consistent with Trump’s foreign policy playbook. It removes dependence on unreliable partners, strengthens deterrence, enhances US military reach against Iran, and ensures Israel’s security while maintaining regional balance.

For Trump, a leader who thrives on bold, disruptive solutions, moving the US military’s regional operations from Qatar to Gaza would be the ultimate power move. It would not only cement his legacy as a transformative force in US foreign policy but also set the stage for a new Middle East—one where American military strength is unshackled from compromise and positioned to dictate the region’s future.