Qatar and US agree $12bn jets deal despite president’s criticism

QATAR has signed a $12billion (£9.4bil- lion) deal to buy fighter jets from the US, its ministry of defence has said, despite Donald Trump recently criticising the country for supporting terrorism.

Jim Mattis, the US defence secretary, met representatives from the Gulf state on Wednesday to seal the agreement, according to a source familiar with the deal.

The sale of 36 F15 fighter jets will increase security co-operation and information exchange between the US and Qatar, the Pentagon said.

Mr Mattis and Khalid al-attiyah, the Qatari defence minister, also discussed the state of operations against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) and the importance of de-escalating tensions so all partners in the Gulf region can focus on meeting common goals, the Pentagon added.

Last week, President Trump accused Qatar of being a “high-level” sponsor of terrorism, potentially hindering the US state department’s efforts to ease heightening tensions and a blockade of the Gulf nation by neighbouring Arab states and other nations.

The diplomatic row that broke out this month led to Gulf nations closing their borders and airspace to Qatar.

Locals bulk-bought food after the crisis started, because Qatar imports most of its food through Saudi Arabia.

Ships carrying fruit and vegetables from Iran have docked in Qatar, and there are plans to send planes carrying cows to ease any potential food crisis.