Iranian officials have warned that American bases in the region could be targeted in response to an anticipated US military strike. Against the backdrop of these statements, Washington is withdrawing some personnel from certain military bases in the Middle East as a precautionary measure.
Modern.az reports that Reuters has disseminated information regarding this.
According to the information, an anonymous US official stated that the number of personnel at several key bases has been reduced due to increasing tensions in the region. It is also noted that Great Britain has withdrawn some of its staff from the military base located in Qatar. Qatari officials, in turn, announced that these steps taken at the Al Udeid Air Base in the country are related to the current regional tensions.
According to Western military sources, a possible US intervention against Iran could occur within the next 24 hours. The Israeli side does not rule out Washington's involvement in the process, but the scale and timing of the strike are not yet precise. One Western official stated that the US administration is employing a psychological pressure strategy by creating uncertainty.
The Iranian side has sent messages to regional countries, stating that if a US attack occurs, American bases located in these countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey, could become targets. At the same time, it is noted that direct contacts between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Special Representative Steve Witkoff have been suspended.
All of this is unfolding against the backdrop of widespread protests that have occurred in Iran over the past two weeks. According to official data, more than 2,000 people have died during the unrest, while human rights defenders state that the number of fatalities is higher. The protests are regarded as the most serious internal crisis the country has faced since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Western officials state that despite the scale of the protests, the collapse of the Iranian government does not currently appear realistic, and security structures maintain control over the situation. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian are attempting to mobilize their supporters, while state media broadcasts demonstrations of support for the government.
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has openly supported the protesters in Iran, declaring that a “very strong response” would be given if Tehran takes executions and harsh measures against the protesters. It is not ruled out that the situation in the region could further escalate in the coming days.
