New Delhi, Sept. 16 -- Qatar and the United States are close to finalising a major defence cooperation agreement, senior US diplomat Marco Rubio announced on Tuesday, just days after an Israeli strike in Doha targeting Hamas political leaders drew international condemnation and heightened regional tensions.

The strike was particularly sensitive given Qatar's status as a key US ally and host of the largest American military base in the Middle East. Qatar has also played a central role in mediating ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, alongside Egypt, since the Gaza war erupted nearly two years ago.

Speaking en route to Doha from Tel Aviv, Marco Rubio stressed the urgency of Qatar's continued role as a mediator.

"There's a very shor...