The United States has begun withdrawing some personnel from military bases in the Middle East as tensions rise over Iran, where widespread unrest and a severe crackdown have fueled fears of possible U.S. military action.
The move follows warnings from a senior Iranian official that Tehran would retaliate against American bases in neighboring countries if Washington carries out strikes.
U.S. officials described the withdrawals as precautionary, citing heightened regional uncertainty as President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened intervention in support of Iranian protesters.
Personnel reductions were reported at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. base in the Middle East, with Qatari authorities confirming the drawdown was in response to current regional tensions.
Britain also withdrew some personnel from its air base presence in Qatar, according to media reports, though London offered no immediate comment.
Two European officials said U.S. military intervention could come within 24 hours, while an Israeli official said Trump appeared to have decided to intervene, with timing and scope still unclear.
An Iranian official said Tehran warned countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey that U.S. bases on their soil would be targeted if Iran is attacked.
Iran is facing its most severe internal unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, with protests that began over economic conditions escalating into widespread anti-government demonstrations.
Iranian authorities said more than 2,000 people have been killed, while the U.S.-based HRANA rights group reported 2,403 protester deaths and 18,137 arrests so far.
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Abdolrahim Mousavi said Iran has "never faced this volume of destruction," blaming foreign enemies.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the situation as "the most violent repression in Iran's contemporary history".
Despite the scale of unrest, Western officials said Iran’s government does not appear close to collapse, with security forces still maintaining control.