U.S. military personnel have been ordered to leave Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the Qatar International Media Office confirmed in an official statement on Wednesday. The measure affects an unspecified number of U.S. personnel deployed at one of the region’s most strategic military installations.
According to Qatari authorities, the decision is in response to the current geopolitical situation and aims to reinforce security against potential risk scenarios.
Qatar reinforces security at military facilities
In its statement, the Qatar International Media Office underscored that the country is taking “all necessary measures to safeguard the safety and security of its citizens and residents,” including preventive actions to protect critical infrastructure and military bases, such as Al Udeid, which hosts thousands of U.S. and allied personnel.
The United States withdraws troops as a precautionary measure
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to Reuters, confirmed that the United States is withdrawing personnel from key bases in the region as a strictly precautionary measure amid rising regional tensions.
According to the source, the objective is to reduce risks to military personnel in the event of a possible deterioration of the security situation in the Middle East.
Iran threatens to attack U.S. military bases
The evacuation comes after a senior Iranian official warned neighboring countries hosting U.S. troops that Iran will attack U.S. military bases if Washington launches an offensive against Tehran.
This warning represents a direct escalation in the confrontation between Iran and the United States, amid growing mutual threats.
Iranian defense: “U.S. bases will be legitimate targets”
Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nafizardeh reiterated on Wednesday that his country will respond militarily if the United States launches an attack. In statements carried by the local Mehr news agency, the official said that:
“All U.S. bases and the military bases of other countries in the region that assist the U.S. in attacks against Iranian territory will be considered legitimate targets”.
Nafizardeh added that “the Iranian response will be painful for the enemies,” raising the regional alert level.
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Trump maintains the threat of an attack against Iran
Iranian warnings come after repeated statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed his willingness to launch an offensive against Iran amid the protests that have been shaking the Persian country for two weeks.
The demonstrations, which have spread to several cities, have left hundreds dead, according to human rights organizations, and have sparked a strong international reaction.
Iran announces expedited trials for detained protesters
In parallel with the increase in military tension, the head of Iran’s judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, announced that protesters arrested during the protests that began on December 28 will face expedited trials, according to Iranian state television.
The announcement comes amid a severe crackdown that has sparked international concern, especially over cases such as that of Erfan Soltani, a protester sentenced to death for the crime of “moharebeh” (“war against God”).
Death toll figures spark international controversy
Official figures contrast with those reported by independent organizations. The U.S.-based HRANA group has documented 2,571 deaths, while Iran Human Rights, based in Norway, reports at least 734 fatalities, although it warns that the actual number could reach several thousand.
Iran’s internal crisis, coupled with military threats and the withdrawal of U.S. troops, keeps the Middle East on high alert.
