Some US military personnel told to leave Middle East bases, US
official confirms
Tensions with Iran continue to escalate as the regime cracks down
on nationwide protests
By Fox News
Iran reportedly
expected to execute first anti-government protester
Some U.S. military personnel have been told to leave bases in the
Middle East, Fox News has learned.
The order comes amid widespread protests in Iran and
threats to intervene from President Donald Trump. Qatar's government confirmed
that some U.S. personnel had departed from the Al Udeid Air Base, America's
largest military base in the Middle East.
Qatar's International Media Office said the steps were part of
broader efforts to safeguard the security of citizens and residents and to
protect critical infrastructure and military facilities, adding that any
further developments would be announced through official channels.
Trump said on Tuesday that he cut off meetings with the Iranian
regime, saying there would be no contact until the government stops killing protesters. He also urged the Iranian
people to "take over" the country.
Some U.S. military personnel have been told to leave military bases
in the Middle East. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
"Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR
INSTITUTIONS!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Save the names of the
killers and abusers. They will pay a big price."
"I have canceled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the
senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY," he added.
Trump has repeatedly suggested that the U.S. may intervene against
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's regime, but he has not offered details of any plans.
Reports say Iranian authorities have killed more than 2,500 people, though the
actual total could be much higher.
People gather during a protest on January 8, 2026, in Tehran, Iran.
Demonstrations have been ongoing since December, triggered by soaring inflation
and the collapse of the rial, and have expanded into broader demands for
political change. (Anonymous/Getty Images)
The White House confirmed on Monday that Trump was weighing whether
to bomb Iran in reaction to the crackdown.
IRAN’S ‘DISTINCTIVE’ DRONE DEPLOYMENT SEES DEATH TOLL SOAR AMID
VIOLENT PROTESTS
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told
reporters that diplomacy remains Trump’s first option, but that the president
"has shown he’s unafraid to use military options if and when he deems
necessary."
"He certainly doesn’t want to see people being killed in the
streets of Tehran. And unfortunately that’s something we are seeing right now,"
she added.
President Donald Trump has threatened to intervene against the
Iranian regime
Iranian authorities have used deadly force against anti-regime
protesters and have cut off public internet access in an effort to stop images
and video from spreading across the globe.
The protests represent the highest level of unrest Iran has seen
since nationwide protests against the death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of
morality police in 2022.
Anders Hagstrom

