The United States has reached a deal to extend its military presence at a base in Qatar for another 10 years, a source familiar with the matter tells Reuters.

The base in question is the Al Udeid Air Base, which is located in the desert southwest of Doha and hosts the largest US military facility in the Middle East, the source said, asking to not be identified.

The development was reported first by CNN. The US Department of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

US President Joe Biden has regularly spoken with the emir of Qatar since Oct 7 on securing the release of hostages held by Hamas and on boosting aid to Gaza.

There has also been criticism of Qatar by some in the US Congress over Hamas’ presence in the country. Qatar is also a major non-Nato US ally, a designation granted by the United States to close, non-Nato allies that have strategic working relationships with the US military.