Donald Trump is likely to launch a strike on Iran in the next 24 hours, officials have claimed. The US is reported to have evacuated troops from its largest base in the Middle East, amid fears the regime will retaliate.
NBC reports that hundreds of troops are being moved from Qatar’s al Udeid Air Base to others in the Middle East. Sources told the broadcaster that this is to put them out of harm’s way, in case Iran decides to retaliate against an American attack.
The base is the US’ largest in the region, ordinarily home to around 10,000 troops.
The move comes as multiple Western and Israeli officials suggested President Trump has already taken a decision to intervene militarily, although the precise timing and scope of any strike remain unclear.
President Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in support of protesters in Iran, where thousands are reported to have been killed in a brutal crackdown on demonstrations against clerical rule.
Iran has warned it would retaliate against U.S. interests across the region if Washington launches an attack, with a senior Iranian official saying American bases in neighbouring countries could be targeted.
Taking to X earlier this afternoon, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, said: “The President of America, who repeatedly mentions the futile story of aggression against Iran’s nuclear facilities, would do better to also mention the plowing of the American AlUdeid base by Iranian missiles. It will certainly help in creating a real understanding of Iran’s will and capability to respond to any aggression.”
Qatar confirmed that drawdowns were under way at Al Udeid, saying the move was being undertaken in response to “current regional tensions”.
The statement from the Gulf state’s media office did not elaborate, but the order but read:”Qatar continues to implement all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority, including actions related to the protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities.”
Three diplomats said some U.S. personnel had been told to leave the base, though there were no immediate signs of a large-scale evacuation similar to that seen ahead of an Iranian missile strike last year.
Two European officials told Reuters that U.S. military action now appeared likely, with one warning that an attack could come within the next 24 hours as tensions spiral.
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