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Qatar announced on Wednesday “the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base”, a key US air base, amid “current regional tensions”.
The announcement from Doha came shortly after the US media quoted Pentagon sources confirming that the US was withdrawing some of its personnel from key Middle East bases as a precaution, while US President Donald Trump is considering military action against Iran.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Qatar’s International Media Office (IMO) said the measures were being taken as part of broader efforts to respond to the evolving regional situation.
The IMO reaffirmed that Qatar “continues to implement all necessary steps to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority,” including measures related “to the protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities.”
The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with Doha continuing to call for restraint and diplomatic solutions.
On Tuesday, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that any escalation between the United States and Iran could have far-reaching consequences.
“We know that any escalation would have catastrophic results in the region and beyond,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dr Majed Al Ansari said at a press briefing, adding that Qatar remains engaged in talks with regional partners to find a diplomatic solution.
Dr Al Ansari added that Qatar “has been talking to everybody in the region constantly on how to de-escalate.”
“The government has taken all possible precautions in making sure that the safety of the citizens and residents in Qatar is of highest importance to everybody working in government, and that includes, of course, defense and all other parties.”
Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran that the US might intervene against Iran in case it endangers the lives of demonstrators, who have been protesting across the country for more than two weeks over persistent hyperinflation and the sudden spike in cost of living.