WASHINGTON/DOHA – As tensions between the United States and Iran reach a critical flashpoint, the U.S. military has begun a partial withdrawal of personnel from the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. International media reports, citing American officials and diplomatic sources, indicate that the move is a “precautionary posture change” aimed at ensuring the safety of troops following explicit threats from Tehran. On Wednesday evening, January 14, 2026, certain personnel were advised to temporarily vacate the base, a measure reminiscent of the security protocols enacted just before the Iranian missile strikes in June last year.
The escalation follows a stern warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who vowed “military intervention” if the Iranian regime continues its violent crackdown and executions of anti-government protesters. In response, a senior Iranian official stated that Tehran has warned neighboring countries—including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey—that all U.S. military installations on their soil would be targeted if Washington launches an attack. Al-Udeid, located near Doha, is the largest U.S. airbase in the Middle East, housing approximately 10,000 troops and serving as the primary forward headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The domestic situation in Iran remains dire, with nationwide protests sparked by economic collapse entering their third week. Human rights organizations, including Iran Human Rights (IHR), report that at least 2,400 to 3,400 protesters have been killed by security forces, while over 18,000 people have been detained. The Iranian judiciary’s move to fast-track death sentences for those arrested has further provoked Washington. While the Qatari government confirmed the troop adjustments as a response to “regional tensions,” they emphasized that the base remains operational and that their priority is the protection of national infrastructure and citizen safety.
