Shafaq News– Tehran/ Doha (Updated at 19:34)

Iran warned neighboring countries hosting US forces that they would be considered legitimate targets if Washington launches attacks on Tehran, a senior Iranian official said on Wednesday, as the United States began pulling some personnel from military bases across the Middle East amid escalating tensions.

According to a report by Reuters, three diplomats said some personnel had been advised to leave the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by today. The diplomats stressed there were no immediate signs of a large-scale evacuation similar to that seen ahead of Iran’s missile strike on the base in June 2025.

One diplomat described the move as a “posture change rather than an ordered evacuation.” Reuters reported no indication that troops were being relocated to nearby civilian sites, such as a football stadium or shopping mall, as occurred last year before Iran retaliated against US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Qatar’s International Media Office confirmed the reports, saying the departure of some individuals from Al Udeid reflects precautionary measures taken amid regional tensions. In a statement, the office said Doha continues to prioritize the safety of citizens and residents, including measures to protect vital and military facilities, adding that any developments would be announced through official channels.

An Israeli official cited by Reuters said Israeli assessments indicate US President Donald Trump has decided to intervene against Iran, though the scope and timing of any action remain unclear.

The senior Iranian official said Tehran has urged US allies in the region to prevent Washington from attacking Iran, warning that American bases in countries ranging from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to Turkiye would be struck if the United States targets Iran. Direct contacts between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff have been suspended, the official added.

The escalation follows repeated threats by Trump to intervene amid anti-government protests in Iran. In an interview with CBS News, he warned of “very strong action” if Tehran executes protesters and urged Iranians to continue demonstrations, saying “help is on the way.”

Al Udeid is the largest US military base in the Middle East, hosting around 10,000 troops and serving as the forward headquarters of US Central Command (CENTCOM).

Iran’s nationwide protests erupted on December 28 after the rial collapsed to a record low of about 1.45 million to the US dollar, driving sharp increases in food prices and inflation before spreading nationwide. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said at least 2,571 people have been killed so far, including 2,403 protesters, 147 government-affiliated individuals, 12 minors, and nine civilians not involved in demonstrations. Iranian officials have acknowledged an overall death toll of around 2,000.

Tehran has repeatedly accused the United States and Israel of orchestrating efforts to destabilize the country. Araghchi said the protests began peacefully and were constitutionally legitimate but turned violent after the “infiltration of armed groups,” portraying the unrest as a foreign-driven campaign against Iran’s sovereignty.

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