Some US military personnel have been advised to leave Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening, according to a report by Reuters citing three diplomats. Officials clarified that this is a posture change, not a forced evacuation.
The development comes at a time of rising regional tensions, particularly as protests continue across Iran. The United States has warned that it may intervene, increasing security concerns in the region.
Qatar’s International Media Office confirmed that the move is linked to the current situation in the Middle East. In an official statement, Qatar said it is taking all necessary measures to protect the safety of its citizens, residents, and critical infrastructure, including military facilities.
There has been no official comment from the US embassy in Doha.
Al Udeid Air Base, located outside Qatar’s capital Doha, is the largest US military base in the Middle East and hosts around 10,000 American troops. It also serves as the forward headquarters of US Central Command, which oversees US military operations across a vast region.
Previously, during periods of heightened tensions, the US has relocated personnel and families from bases in the Middle East ahead of possible military action. Following US air strikes last year, Iran responded by launching missile attacks on the base in Qatar.
Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official warned that Tehran has informed regional countries that US military bases could be targeted if Iran is attacked. The warning reportedly included countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Türkiye.
These developments follow statements by US President Donald Trump, who has threatened possible military action in Iran amid nationwide protests, claiming that “help is on the way” for demonstrator
