Saudi Arabia and the UAE planned to launch a coup in Qatar at the start of a diplomatic crisis in June last year but were stopped by former US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, likely leading to his dismissal.
The Intercept said it received information from a member of the US intelligence community. The coup, which was largely devised by the countries crown princes, "was likely some weeks away from being implemented".
After Tillerson was notified of the plan by Qatari intelligence officials, he reportedly urged Saudi Arabia's King Salman not to carry out the attack.
He also encouraged Defense Secretary James Mattis to explain the dangers of such an invasion to his counterparts in the kingdom, it said.
Pressure from Tillerson caused Mohammed bin Salman, to back down, over concerns that the invasion would damage Saudi Arabia's long-term relationship with the US.