The American and British troops at Al Udeid base are facing potential threats, leading to the decision to reduce their numbers. The Qatari government statement emphasizes that the actions of the USA are a response to the current tensions in the region.
It has also been reported that the British embassy in Tehran has temporarily closed its doors, switching to remote work mode. The US embassy in Doha strongly advises its staff to exercise caution and minimize travel to Al Udeid base.
According to the US Federal Aviation Administration, Iran closed its airspace from 02:45 local time (22:15 GMT) for most flights. Initially, the closure was expected to last two hours, but later it was extended until 08:00 local time (03:30 GMT), as reported by Reuters.
In light of these events, several airlines, including Air India and Lufthansa, have decided to change their flight routes to avoid Iranian airspace. Air India has warned customers about possible delays, and Lufthansa confirmed that its flights will avoid Iran and Iraq until further notice.
According to human rights organizations, during recent crackdowns, Iranian authorities have killed more than 2,400 protesters against the government.
Regarding the troop withdrawal, the Qatari government confirmed that it will continue to ensure the safety of its citizens, taking necessary measures to protect critical infrastructure and military facilities.
A representative of the UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the information regarding the withdrawal of its military personnel, citing "operational security." Al Udeid is the largest American military base in the Middle East, housing about 10,000 American troops and 100 British soldiers. The exact number of personnel being withdrawn is still unknown.
Recently, Trump stated that the United States is prepared to take "very tough actions" against Iran in the event of the execution of protesters. In response, the Iranian side reported its readiness to respond to possible attacks.
On Wednesday, Trump mentioned that his administration has reliable sources reporting a halt to executions in Iran. He expressed hope that this information is accurate. When asked about possible military actions, he replied that "we will watch the situation unfold."
According to Reuters, although some military personnel have begun leaving Al Udeid base, a mass evacuation is not observed, unlike the situation that occurred before the last Iranian strike.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Trump in an interview with Fox News against repeating past mistakes, adding that attempts to replicate failed experiences could lead to the same consequences.
Additionally, he commented on the situation with a 26-year-old man who was sentenced to death, noting that no executions are planned in the near future.
Besides the temporary closure of the British embassy, the US also advises its citizens to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary trips to military facilities in the region.
Italy and Poland have urged their citizens to leave Iran, while Germany has notified airlines to avoid flights to Tehran due to potential risks.
Iran accused the USA of attempting to create a pretext for military intervention, while the speaker of the country's parliament warned that in the event of a US attack, both Israeli and American military facilities in the region would become legitimate targets.
Recent protests in Iran, which began in late December amid economic difficulties, quickly escalated into demands for political change, becoming one of the most serious challenges for the authorities since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
According to the human rights agency HRANA, the protests have resulted in the confirmed killing of 2,403 people, including 12 children, and over 18,000 arrests. Amnesty International highlights the scale of unlawful killings, calling on the international community to recognize these crimes.
