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Amid heightened regional tensions, the United States and the United Kingdom are reportedly reducing personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar. This development coincides with ongoing deliberations by US President Donald Trump regarding potential action against Iran, following its crackdown on anti-government protests.
According to CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, US officials have characterized the partial withdrawal as a “precautionary measure.” The BBC has also learned that a number of UK military personnel are being withdrawn from the base.
In a statement, the Qatari government acknowledged the reports, stating that the measures being taken by the US are “in response to the current regional tensions.”
Furthermore, a government spokesperson confirmed the temporary closure of the British embassy in Tehran, which will operate remotely for the time being.
Rights groups estimate that over 2,400 anti-government demonstrators have been killed in the recent violent crackdown by Iranian authorities.
The Qatari government emphasized its commitment to security, stating that it will continue 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.”
A UK Ministry of Defence spokesperson declined to comment on reports of the personnel withdrawal, citing “operational security” concerns.
Al-Udeid is the largest US military base in the Middle East, hosting approximately 10,000 US personnel and about 100 UK staff. The exact number of departing personnel remains unclear.
Earlier this week, President Trump issued a warning, stating that the US would take “very strong action” against Iran if the authorities execute protesters. Iran has vowed to retaliate against any US attack.
On Wednesday, President Trump stated that his administration had been informed “on good authority” that “the killing in Iran is stopping, and there’s no plan for executions.”
When pressed by a reporter, President Trump stated that these reports came from “very important sources on the other side” and expressed hope that the information was accurate.
When asked whether military action was now off the table, President Trump responded, “We’re going to watch and see what the process is.”
Reuters, citing diplomatic sources, reported that while some personnel had been instructed to leave Al-Udeid, there was no indication of a large-scale troop departure, unlike the period preceding an Iranian strike last year.
Speaking on Fox News Wednesday, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi cautioned President Trump to “not repeat the same mistake that you did in June,” adding, “You know, if you try a failed experience, you will get the same result.”
In addition to the temporary closure of the British embassy in Tehran, the US Mission to Saudi Arabia has advised its personnel and citizens to “exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to any military installations in the region.”
Italy and Poland have issued statements urging their citizens to leave Iran, while Germany has issued a notice to air operators advising against flights entering Tehran, citing potential risks from “escalating conflict and anti-aviation weaponry.”
The Iranian government has accused the US of seeking to “manufacture a pretext for military intervention.” The parliament speaker warned that in the event of a US attack, both Israeli and US military and shipping centers in the region would become legitimate targets.
The recent protests in Iran were triggered by the collapse of the currency and soaring living costs, beginning in late December.
The demonstrations quickly evolved into demands for political change, representing one of the most significant challenges to the clerical establishment since the 1979 Islamic revolution.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has confirmed the deaths of 2,403 protesters, including 12 children, despite an internet blackout. The group also reported that over 18,434 protesters have been arrested during the unrest.
Amnesty International has described the situation as involving “mass unlawful killings committed on an unprecedented scale,” citing “verified videos and credible information from eyewitnesses in Iran.”
The organization has urged UN member states to recognize the “crimes committed by security forces” during the protests.
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