Doha (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 14, 2026 – Qatar has confirmed precautionary measures at the US-run Al Udeid Air Base, including the departure of some personnel, due to escalating regional tensions. The steps aim to protect citizens, residents, critical infrastructure, and military facilities. This development follows US President Donald Trump’s warnings of strong action against Iran over protester executions amid a reported death toll exceeding 2,500 from ongoing demonstrations.
Qatar’s Official Statement on Al Udeid Measures
(Credit: Olivier Douliery/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo)
Qatar’s International Media Office announced on Wednesday that precautionary steps had been taken at Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East hosting around 10,000 troops. These measures include the departure of some personnel, as reported by Jana Choukeir of Reuters.
Diplomatic sources highlighted the urgency of these moves. Arya – آریا – @AryJeay said in X post,
“JUST IN: Some US personnel were advised to leave the Al Udeid US military Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening, according to 3 diplomats to Reuters. This mimics exactly pre-june war conditions.”
JUST IN: Some US personnel were advised to leave the Al Udeid US military Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening, according to 3 diplomats to Reuters.
This mimics exactly pre-june war conditions.
— Arya – آریا (@AryJeay) January 14, 2026
The office stated the actions form part of broader efforts to safeguard security and would be updated through official channels if further developments occur.
The base, located near Doha, serves as the forward headquarters for US Central Command. Three diplomatic sources told Reuters that some personnel were advised to evacuate by Wednesday evening amid heightened alerts.
US Personnel Withdrawal Across Key Bases
US officials described the personnel reduction at Al Udeid as a precautionary measure, according to Tinshui Yeung of BBC citing CBS News. Regional media echoed reports of evacuations from key sites. Victor vicktop55 commentary – @vick55top said in X post,
“⚡️ US evacuates troops from ‘massive Al-Udeid base in Qatar and other key bases in the region’ — Ynet ‘As Iran’s Revolutionary Guard declares HIGH ALERT’.”
⚡️ US evacuates troops from ‘massive Al-Udeid base in Qatar and other key bases in the region’ — Ynet
‘As Iran’s Revolutionary Guard declares HIGH ALERT’ pic.twitter.com/uedzeQfXQ0
— Victor vicktop55 commentary (@vick55top) January 14, 2026
Sky News reported that the US is withdrawing personnel from key bases across the Middle East as a precaution amid heightened tensions following protests in Iran. The outlet noted this mirrors actions ahead of US strikes on Iran in June 2025, when personnel were moved off bases in the region.
Hundreds of Troops Evacuated from Al Udeid
Further details emerged on the scale of the evacuation. Sky News, citing US partner NBC News, reported that hundreds of troops have begun evacuating from Al Udeid Air Base, relocating to other bases and hotels in the region to remove them from potential harm should operations in Iran trigger a Tehran response. This coordinated effort precedes any potential action, differing from the June 2025 removals tied to nuclear site strikes.
The move aligns with efforts to enhance vigilance amid ongoing regional conflicts, though specific numbers of departing personnel remain undisclosed. The US embassy in Qatar issued related alerts restricting access temporarily in past similar situations, prioritising force protection.
Iran’s Retaliatory Threats to US Bases
The precautionary steps follow warnings from Iran to regional hosts of US bases, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey, that facilities could be targeted if used for strikes against Tehran. An Iranian official told Reuters that direct US-Iran communication channels have been severed after Trump’s threats, with Sky News confirming Tehran vows revenge for any attacks.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps elevated readiness to the highest level in response to potential US action.
Iran’s Protests and Reported Casualties
(Credit: Anadolu/Getty Images)
Protests in Iran, entering their third week, have resulted in significant casualties according to rights groups. The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported a death toll of 2,571 as of Wednesday, including 2,403 protesters, 147 government-linked individuals, 12 minors, and nine other civilians. Sky News key points align, noting at least 2,500 protesters reported killed.
Earlier HRANA figures cited over 2,400 protester deaths, with BBC noting rights groups confirming more than 2,400 anti-government demonstrators killed in the crackdown.
An Iranian official acknowledged approximately 2,000 deaths to Reuters on Tuesday, the first cumulative government figure disclosed. Iranian authorities attribute many fatalities to terrorists attacking security forces, mosques, and property, accusing the US and Israel of incitement. HRANA also reported over 18,100 detentions.
Sky News added that Iranian state media aired at least 97 confessions from protesters, though testimony from released individuals indicates coercion, per HRANA, potentially leading to regime punishment.
Relatives of 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani told BBC Persian he faces execution on Wednesday after arrest during demonstrations, as noted in Sky News updates.
Trump’s Warnings on Executions
US President Donald Trump warned Iran of “very strong action” if authorities execute detained protesters. In a CBS News interview, Trump stated, “if they do such a thing… we will take very strong action,” characterising the protester killings as “significant.” Sky News highlighted Trump’s threat of very strong action should executions proceed.
He urged Iranians to “keep protesting” and assured, “help is on the way.” Trump has been briefed on military and covert options for Iran, sources told BBC, and indicated negotiations would pause amid violence.
Iranian Foreign Minister Addresses Economic Roots
(Credit: Reuters)
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi admitted on state TV that the country faces “existing economic weaknesses” contributing to protests that began on 28 December due to acute economic pain.
Araghchi stated,
“In my view, Iran’s overall situation is good. Of course, there are problems as well. These problems are the result of sanctions and also existing economic weaknesses. As you mentioned, demonstrations and protests have taken place in Iran,”
while blaming foreign agents, as reported by Sky News.
Kurdish Incursions Amid Instability
Kurdish separatists attempted incursions into Iran from Iraq and Turkey in recent days to exploit instability, given Iran’s large Kurdish minority, Reuters reported via Sky News sources. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards clashed with the fighters, according to an Iranian official. Kurdish groups have sought autonomy for decades in regions where they form majorities, known collectively as Iranian Kurdistan.
Strategic Importance of Al Udeid Base
Al Udeid Air Base accommodates US Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft and supports regional operations. It hosts the largest concentration of US forces in the Middle East, making it a focal point during tensions. Past US relocations of aircraft from non-fortified shelters and ships from Bahrain underscore routine precautions.
Qatar prioritises protecting LNG and energy facilities alongside military sites, as stated in official communications.
Broader Regional Developments
France is studying the transfer of Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran amid an internet blackout, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said. Syria requested Lebanon hand over Assad-era officers following a Reuters report. Armed Kurdish groups attempted to cross from Iraq into Iran, sources told Reuters, aligning with Sky News reports.
US sources indicate expectations to unveil post-war Gaza leadership plans.