Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke on the phone today with Qatari Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs, His Excellency Dr. Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah, to reaffirm the U.S.-Qatar defense partnership, review opportunities to enhance defense cooperation, and discuss regional security issues. During the call, the Secretary emphasized the need to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas, achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, and support de-escalation through deterrence and diplomacy.