Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated significantly, leading to the precautionary evacuation of US and UK personnel from a major military base in Qatar. Concerns are mounting that Washington might soon initiate military action against Iran, a move Tehran has vehemently warned would trigger retaliatory strikes against US bases across the region.

A US official confirmed that the withdrawal from al-Udeid base in Qatar was a precautionary measure, with diplomats advising some forces to leave. This base, the largest US site in the Middle East, saw similar partial evacuations in June after Iran conducted a largely symbolic strike following US actions on its nuclear enrichment facilities. Qatar also acknowledged that drawdowns from the air base were undertaken in response to current regional tensions.

American, European, and Israeli sources suggest that US military intervention now appears likely, with one European official indicating it could occur within 24 hours. President Donald Trump is actively reviewing options for a strike on Iran and has repeatedly threatened to intervene on behalf of anti-government protesters. Israeli assessments, according to Reuters, indicate Trump has decided to intervene, although the precise timing and scale of any military action remain unclear.

Iranian officials have issued explicit warnings to regional countries hosting US bases, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey, stating that these bases would be attacked if the US targets Iran. Iran's UN mission further asserted that Washington's policy towards Iran is rooted in