Iran threatens to withdraw US troops from Middle East; has Trump backed down?

News Topical, Digital Desk : Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the United States has begun withdrawing troops from some of its military bases as a precautionary measure. This decision comes after Iran threatened to target American bases in the region if the US attacked.

According to multiple reports on Wednesday, some personnel at a key US military base in Qatar were advised to leave by Wednesday evening. A US official confirmed this to The Associated Press, but did not provide further details. The move comes as Iran has explicitly warned that its neighboring countries, where US troops are stationed, would not be safe in the event of an attack.

Troops withdraw from Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base

According to an AFP report, US personnel stationed at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base have been instructed to leave. It is considered the largest US military base in the Middle East. US officials have described the move as a precautionary measure. However, it was not clear whether the evacuation was voluntary or compulsory. The Qatari government also responded to the development, saying such steps were being taken in light of ongoing regional tensions.

Qatar's media office said on X that the country was giving top priority to the safety of its citizens and residents and was taking necessary security measures, including the protection of vital military and infrastructure.

Earlier, Iran had warned that if America attacked it, it would retaliate against American bases in the region.

Tensions escalated further when US President Donald Trump commented on the ongoing protests in Iran, calling on demonstrators to continue demonstrating and seizing institutions, further fueling speculation of US intervention in Iran.

Iran's death toll

Iran is currently facing one of the largest mass protests in its recent history. According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 2,571 people have died in these protests so far.

Read More: Iran threatens to withdraw US troops from Middle East; has Trump backed down?