Reuters reported on the 14th (local time) that some withdrawal advisories have been issued at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East. This has led to speculation that a U.S. attack on Iran is imminent. Some observers have predicted that military intervention could occur within 24 hours.
According to multiple diplomats, some personnel stationed at Al Udeid Air Base were advised to leave the base by the evening of the same day. A U.S. official explained that this was a precautionary measure in consideration of heightened regional tensions.
This development has drawn attention as it comes amid repeated indications from U.S. President Donald Trump of possible military intervention in response to protests over Iran's economic crisis.
The British daily newspaper i also reported that the United Kingdom, in preparation for a possible U.S. attack, is withdrawing some personnel from an air base in Qatar.
A Western military official told Reuters, "All signs point to an imminent U.S. attack," but added, "However, such moves are also characteristic of the Trump administration's approach to keep everyone on edge. Unpredictability itself is part of the strategy."
Several European officials stated that U.S. military intervention could occur within 24 hours.
An Israeli official commented, "It appears that President Trump has decided to intervene," but noted that the scope and timing of the intervention remain unclear.
As anti-government protests intensify in Iran, President Trump has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of intervening to support the protesters. In an interview with CBS the previous day, he warned, "If they do such a thing, we will take very strong action," in response to reports that Iranian authorities would execute protest participants.
On the social media platform Truth Social, President Trump also encouraged, "Patriots of Iran, keep protesting," and wrote, "Help is on the way."
Iran has responded to military threats from the United States and Israel by attacking U.S. military bases in the Middle East. In June of last year, after its nuclear facilities were bombed by Israel and the United States, Iranian forces fired missiles targeting Al Udeid Air Base.
According to sources, Iran has warned neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Turkiye that if the United States attacks Iran, it will target U.S. military bases in those countries.
Some analysts interpret the current evacuation order at Al Udeid Air Base as a measure to prepare for possible retaliation, given the prospect of U.S. military intervention in Iran.
Majid Mousavi, Commander of the Aerospace Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), stated, "We are at the highest level of combat readiness and capable of responding to any attack," according to Reuters, citing Iranian state media.
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