The United States is withdrawing some personnel from military bases in the Middle East, a U.S. official said on Wednesday, after a senior Iranian official warned that Tehran would strike American bases in the region if Washington attacks Iran.
The move comes as tensions rise over Iran’s most severe domestic unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution and as U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in support of anti-government protesters.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the withdrawals from key regional bases were a precautionary step given heightened tensions. Qatar confirmed that drawdowns were taking place at Al Udeid air base, the largest U.S. military facility in the region, citing current regional conditions. Three diplomats said some personnel had been told to leave the base, though there were no signs of a large-scale evacuation.
Two European officials said U.S. military intervention appeared likely, with one saying it could come within 24 hours. An Israeli official also said it appeared Trump had decided to intervene, though the scope and timing remained unclear.
A senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighboring countries hosting U.S. forces that their territory could be targeted if the United States strikes Iran. “Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey, that U.S. bases in those countries will be attacked,” the official said. The official added that direct contacts between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff had been suspended.
Trump has openly threatened intervention for days. In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, he vowed “very strong action” if Iran executes protesters and urged Iranians to continue protesting, saying “help is on the way.”
The unrest in Iran began about two weeks ago as protests against economic conditions and escalated into the most violent unrest since the Islamic Republic was founded. Iranian officials said more than 2,000 people had been killed. The U.S.-based HRANA rights group said it had verified 2,403 protester deaths and 147 deaths among government-affiliated individuals, while another rights group put the toll above 2,600.
Iranian authorities have accused the United States and Israel of fomenting the unrest. Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi said Iran had “never faced this volume of destruction,” blaming foreign enemies.
