The US is evacuating troops from key Middle East bases amid rising tensions with Iran, following Tehran’s threat to target American forces. The move comes as Iran faces deadly protests and President Trump urges citizens to continue demonstrating.
US is withdrawing its troops from key bases in the Middle East
Tehran: The United States is withdrawing military personnel from key bases in the Middle East as a precaution amid rising tensions with Iran, multiple reports confirmed on Wednesday. A US official told the Associated Press that several personnel at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American military base in the region, were advised to evacuate by Wednesday evening.
Officials described the move as a precautionary measure, though details about whether the evacuation was optional or mandatory were not provided. The development comes as Washington faces mounting instability in the region and increasing threats from Iran.
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Earlier on Wednesday, Iran warned its regional neighbors hosting American forces that it would target US bases if Washington were to take action against the country. The warnings come amid heightened speculation over possible US interventions as Iran continues to face massive nationwide protests.
The protests, now in their third week, have reportedly claimed at least 2,571 lives, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The unrest was triggered by political grievances and economic hardship and has intensified following US President Donald Trump’s calls for Iranian protesters to “keep protesting” and to take over government institutions.
Qatar confirmed that the precautionary measures were being implemented in response to current regional tensions. The country emphasized the importance of safeguarding the security of its citizens and residents, as well as protecting critical infrastructure and military facilities.
“The IMO reaffirms that the State of Qatar continues to implement all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority, including actions related to the protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities,” Qatar’s media office said in a post on X.
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The troop withdrawal highlights the fragility of security arrangements in the Middle East as tensions between the US and Iran escalate. With ongoing protests in Iran and warnings of military retaliation against US bases, regional allies and American forces are adjusting their deployments to mitigate risk.
The situation remains fluid, with officials closely monitoring developments in both Iran and neighboring countries hosting US troops. Analysts say that the coming days could prove critical in determining whether the crisis escalates or de-escalates diplomatically.
