Iran has warned neighbouring countries that host United States military forces that American bases could be targeted if Washington follows through on threats to intervene in Iran’s ongoing unrest, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Wednesday.
According to three diplomats, some personnel have been advised to leave a major U.S. military installation in the region. However, there were no immediate indications of a full-scale troop withdrawal similar to the movements seen ahead of Iran’s missile attack on U.S. positions last year.
Limited personnel movement at key US base
The diplomats said some staff were asked to depart Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening. One diplomat described the move as a “posture adjustment” rather than an official evacuation order.
There were no signs of large troop transfers to nearby public areas, a step that preceded Iranian strikes on the base in retaliation for U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities last year.
The U.S. embassy in Doha declined to comment, while Qatar’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for clarification.
Trump’s remarks fuel tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump has openly warned of possible intervention in Iran as protests continue across the country. A U.S.-based rights organisation says about 2,600 people have been killed in recent days during a security crackdown on what has become one of the largest protest movements against Iran’s clerical leadership.
An Israeli official said intelligence assessments suggest Trump has decided to intervene, though the scale and timing remain uncertain.
In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, Trump pledged “very strong action” if Iranian authorities execute protesters, adding that Iranians should continue demonstrating and seize institutions, saying that “help is on the way.”
Iran suspends direct diplomatic contacts
The senior Iranian official said Tehran had urged regional allies of Washington to stop any U.S. attack on Iran. He added that Iran had informed countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey that U.S. military facilities on their soil would be considered targets if Iran is struck.
Direct communications between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff have been suspended, reflecting the escalating standoff.
Israel briefed as regional risks grow
A second Israeli government source said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet was briefed late Tuesday on scenarios including U.S. intervention or potential instability in Iran. Israel fought a 12-day conflict with Iran last year, with the United States joining near the end.
The U.S. maintains a significant military presence across the Middle East, including its Central Command’s forward headquarters at Al Udeid and the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain.
Iran intensifies regional diplomacy
Iranian state media reported that Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s top security body, held talks with Qatar’s foreign minister, while Araqchi spoke with counterparts in the UAE and Turkey.
According to state media, Araqchi told UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed that calm had returned to Iran and that the country was determined to defend its sovereignty against foreign interference. Information from within Iran has been limited due to an internet blackout.
Arrests and executions raise alarm
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it has verified 2,403 protester deaths and 147 fatalities among government-affiliated individuals. Iranian officials have put the overall death toll at around 2,000.
Iranian authorities accuse the United States and Israel of inciting the unrest, which they say is being driven by “terrorist” elements.
Iran’s chief justice, during a visit to a Tehran prison holding detained protesters, called for swift judicial action against those accused of violent crimes to prevent further unrest. HRANA has reported more than 18,000 arrests so far.
State television announced funerals on Wednesday for more than 100 civilians and security personnel killed during the disturbances.
Pressure builds on all sides
While pro-government rallies were held earlier this week, there have been no visible signs of fractures within Iran’s security forces. The unrest comes as Tehran continues to recover from last year’s conflict and faces setbacks to its regional influence, including losses suffered by allies such as Hezbollah following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel.
Trump said this week that military action remains among the options under consideration and announced new 25 percent tariffs on goods from countries trading with Iran. The U.S. State Department has urged American citizens to leave Iran immediately.