It is reported that the measures being taken by the USA are a response to the current tensions in the region, according to a statement from the Qatari government. In light of this situation, the UK Foreign Office has closed its embassy in Tehran, which will now operate remotely.
The US embassy in Doha has advised its staff to exercise caution and limit non-essential travel to Al Udeid Air Base. At the same time, the US Federal Aviation Administration announced the closure of Iranian airspace to most flights, which occurred on Thursday at 02:45 local time (22:15 GMT). Initially, the closure was planned to last two hours, but its duration has been extended to 08:00 local time (03:30 GMT), according to Reuters.
In response to these events, several airlines, including Air India and Lufthansa, have changed their flight routes to avoid flying over Iran. Air India has warned of possible delays and cancellations, while Lufthansa confirmed that its flights will bypass Iranian and Iraqi airspace until further notice.
According to human rights organizations, over 2400 protesters have died as a result of recent crackdowns by Iranian authorities. In response to the withdrawal of military personnel, the Qatari government emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and residents, including the protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities.
A representative of the UK Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the information regarding the withdrawal of British personnel, citing operational security concerns. Al Udeid Air Base, which houses about 10,000 American troops and approximately 100 British troops, has not specified how many personnel will leave the area.
Recently, US President Donald Trump warned that if protesters are executed, Iran will face "very tough actions." In response, Iran stated its readiness to respond to any aggressive actions from the USA.
On Wednesday, Trump reported that his administration received information about the cessation of executions in Iran and the absence of plans to resume them. He expressed hope that this information would prove to be true. When asked about the possibility of military action, Trump replied that he would be monitoring the situation.
Reuters reports that while some military personnel have been ordered to leave the air base, there is no mass evacuation as there was last year before the Iranian strike. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Araghchi warned Trump in an interview with Fox News against repeating past mistakes, stating that "attempts to repeat failed experiences will lead to the same result."
In addition to the closure of the British embassy in Tehran, the US representation in Saudi Arabia has also urged its citizens to exercise caution and limit travel to military facilities in the region. Italy and Poland have strongly recommended that their citizens leave Iran, while Germany has notified airlines to avoid flights to Tehran due to potential risks associated with escalating conflict.
Iran has accused the USA of intending to create a pretext for military intervention, and the country's parliamentary speaker warned that in the event of an attack, both Israeli and American military facilities in the region would be targeted.
Protests in Iran began in late December amid an economic crisis and sharp price increases, quickly transforming into demands for political reforms, becoming one of the most serious challenges for the ruling elite since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. The human rights organization HRANA has recorded over 2400 deaths among protesters and 12 children, despite internet access restrictions. More than 18,000 people have been arrested during the unrest.
Amnesty International reported on mass killings carried out by Iranian security forces, based on video footage and eyewitness accounts, and called on the international community to condemn these actions.
