TEHRAN, Jan. 03 (MNA) – Washington has "quietly" reached an agreement with Doha to extend the US military presence at a major base in Qatar for another ten years.

Washington has "quietly" reached an agreement with Doha to extend the US military presence at a major base in Qatar for another ten years, an American broadcaster quoted unnamed sources as saying, Sputnik reports.

The US Department of Defense has yet to comment on the matter.

The reported developments come after US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Al Udeid in December, where he thanked Qatar for its increased spending on the base.

Qatar had previously reportedly pledged billions of dollars of its own money to upgrade facilities for US airmen at the base.

The Al Udeid air base, known as the largest US military facility in West Asia, can accommodate more than 10,000 American troops.

RHM/PR