Washington/Doha(The COW News Digital) The United States has begun withdrawing its military personnel from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar amid rising tensions with Iran and growing concerns over a potential regional escalation, according to US media reports.
Sources familiar with the development said the decision was taken as part of broader precautionary measures ordered by the US president, who has directed a reduction in American troop presence across parts of the Middle East. The move comes against the backdrop of increasing strain between Washington and Tehran, with both sides exchanging strong warnings in recent days.
Following the directive, US military personnel stationed at Al Udeid Air Base were instructed to begin an organized withdrawal. Reports indicate that the process is already underway, although officials have not disclosed how many troops are expected to leave or whether the withdrawal will be temporary or long-term.
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British authorities have also decided to pull out their personnel from the US-operated base in Qatar, citing similar security concerns. The decision by London underscores growing apprehension among US allies about the potential fallout of a direct confrontation between the United States and Iran.
Al Udeid Air Base is considered the largest US military facility in the Middle East and plays a central role in American air and command operations across the region. More than 10,000 US troops are typically stationed at the base, which also hosts advanced air assets and serves as a key hub for coordination with allied forces.
The troop movement follows recent warnings from Iranian officials, who have stated that any US attack on Iran would prompt retaliatory strikes against American military bases in the region. In a conversation with an international news agency, a senior Iranian official said Tehran had already conveyed messages to US allies in the Middle East, urging them to pressure Washington to avoid military action against Iran.
According to the Iranian official, regional countries hosting US forces would not be immune from the consequences of a conflict, reinforcing concerns that tensions could rapidly escalate beyond bilateral confrontation.
US officials have not publicly commented on the Iranian warnings, but analysts say the withdrawal reflects Washington’s effort to reduce risk to its forces while keeping military options open. The move is also seen as a signal to allies and adversaries that the US is reassessing its regional posture in light of evolving security threats.
Despite the drawdown, defense officials emphasize that the United States retains significant military capabilities in the region and remains committed to protecting its interests and partners. Diplomatic efforts are reportedly continuing alongside military planning, as international actors push to prevent further escalation in an already volatile Middle East.
