The United States and the United Kingdom are reducing the number of military personnel stationed at Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, as US President Donald Trump weighs potential responses to Iran amid its violent crackdown on anti-government protests.
Officials told CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, that the partial withdrawal of American personnel is a “precautionary measure.” The BBC understands that some UK military staff are also being withdrawn from the base.
In a statement, the Qatari government said the measures reportedly being taken by the US were “in response to the current regional tensions.”
Separately, the UK Foreign Office confirmed it has temporarily closed the British embassy in Tehran, which will now operate remotely. A government spokesperson said the move was taken as a precaution amid the escalating situation.
Rising Tensions Following Iran’s Crackdown
Human rights organisations report that more than 2,400 anti-government protesters have been killed during Iran’s recent violent crackdown.
Commenting on the drawdown of military personnel, the Qatari government said it would continue to “implement all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority,” including steps to protect critical infrastructure and military facilities.
Al-Udeid Air Base is the largest US military installation in the Middle East, hosting approximately 10,000 US personnel alongside around 100 UK military staff. It remains unclear how many personnel from either country will ultimately leave the base.
A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on reports that British personnel were being withdrawn, citing “operational security.”
Trump Warns Iran Over Potential Executions
Earlier this week, President Trump warned that the United States would take “very strong action” if Iranian authorities carried out executions of protesters. Iran has responded by warning it would retaliate if attacked by the US.
On Wednesday, Trump said his administration had received information “on good authority” indicating that “the killing in Iran is stopping, and there’s no plan for executions.”
Pressed by reporters on the credibility of the information, Trump said the sources were “very important sources on the other side” and added that he hoped the reports were accurate.
When asked whether military action was now off the table, the US president responded: “We’re going to watch and see what the process is.”
No Signs of Large-Scale Evacuation
According to Reuters, which cited diplomatic sources, some personnel had been instructed to leave Al-Udeid, but there were no indications of a mass evacuation, such as the large troop movements seen prior to an Iranian strike last year.
Meanwhile, a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a warning to President Trump on Wednesday, referencing Iran’s previous military response.
Ali Shamkhani wrote on X that the June attack had demonstrated Iran’s readiness and capability to retaliate, saying:
“It would certainly help create a real understanding of Iran’s will and capability to respond to any attack.”
International Warnings and Travel Advisories
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.”
Several European nations have also taken precautionary steps. Italy and Poland have issued statements urging their citizens to leave Iran, while Germany has advised air operators to avoid flying into Tehran due to the risk posed by “escalating conflict and anti-aviation weaponry.”
Iran’s government has accused the United States of attempting to “manufacture a pretext for military intervention.” Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned that any US attack would make both Israeli and US military and shipping centres in the region legitimate targets.
Protests and Human Rights Concerns
The current wave of protests in Iran began in late December, triggered by the collapse of the national currency and rapidly rising living costs. Demonstrations quickly expanded into broader demands for political reform, becoming one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s clerical leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it has confirmed the deaths of 2,403 protesters, including 12 children, despite widespread internet shutdowns. HRANA also reported that more than 18,434 protesters have been arrested.
Amnesty International described the situation as “mass unlawful killings committed on an unprecedented scale,” citing verified video evidence and eyewitness accounts from inside Iran. The organisation urged UN member states to formally recognise the “crimes committed by security forces” during the crackdown.
