Tehran claims US policy is designed for regime change, accusing Washington of using sanctions, threats and engineered unrest to destabilise Iran
MM Report
TEHRAN: Tehran has warned neighboring countries hosting US troops that it would retaliate against American bases if Washington intervenes in protests in Iran, a senior Iranian official told the international media outlet on Wednesday.
Three diplomats said some personnel had been advised to leave the main US air base in the region. There were no immediate signs of a large-scale evacuation, unlike the rush of troops seen last year before an Iranian missile attack. US President Donald Trump has threatened to intervene in support of protesters in Iran. Rights groups say hundreds have been killed in recent days during a crackdown on demonstrations.
According to an Israeli assessment, Trump has decided to act, although the scope and timing of any intervention remain unclear, an Israeli official said. The diplomats told media that some personnel were advised to leave the US military’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening. One described the move as a “posture change” rather than an “ordered evacuation.”
There was no sign of troops being moved to nearby facilities, as had happened last year before Iran targeted the base with missiles in response to US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Two diplomatic sources told media that personnel had been asked to leave Al Udeid, citing “regional tensions.” Qatar’s International Media Office said the measure was taken “in response to the current regional tensions.”
“Qatar continues to implement all necessary measures to safeguard security and safety, including actions related to the protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities,” the statement said. A diplomatic source told media that personnel were asked to leave the base by Wednesday evening. A second source confirmed the information on condition of anonymity. The US embassy in Qatar declined to comment.
The senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned US allies in the region to “prevent Washington from attacking Iran.” “Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to Turkiye, that US bases in those countries will be attacked” if the United States targets Iran, the official said.
