Iran warns of retaliation as U.S. and UK withdraw personnel from Middle East bases

Iran warns of retaliation as U.S. and UK withdraw personnel from Middle East bases
United States Army troops walk across the sprawling area of weapons warehouses at As Sayliyah military base in Qatar in this December 12, 2002 file photo.
Reuters

The United Kingdom and the United States are withdrawing military personnel from bases in the Middle East as tensions with Iran rise, following Tehran’s warning to regional allies that it would target U.S. bases if Washington takes military action.

British forces are leaving the U.S.-run Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, while the U.S. is relocating hundreds of staff to other bases and facilities across the region. Officials stress these are precautionary measures rather than full evacuations.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in support of anti-government protesters, vowing “very strong action” if Iran executes detainees. Iranian authorities have accused the U.S. and Israel of fuelling the unrest, which rights groups say has killed more than 2,600 people and led to over 18,000 arrests, the most violent since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Despite the unrest, Western officials say Iran’s security apparatus remains in control, and the government retains public support. Iranian state media broadcast funeral processions and rallies showing loyalty to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Two European officials said U.S. military intervention could occur within 24 hours, though timing and scope remain unclear. Israeli sources also indicated that Trump has decided to act, but details have not been confirmed.

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