Alpha News

US Begins Evacuating Personnel from Middle East Bases Amidst Iran Attack Threat

Published January 14, 2026, 17:19

The United States has begun evacuating military personnel from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, its largest air base in the Middle East, as well as from other bases in the region. This move comes amid a potential US military operation against Iran, reportedly being considered by Donald Trump. An Iranian official warned that Tehran would respond to any US strikes with attacks on American bases. Reports indicate that personnel are being relocated to other facilities and hotels, although there is no immediate evidence of a large-scale evacuation like that before the Iranian attack last spring. The evacuation aims to protect service members in the event of Iranian retaliation. Al Udeid Air Base is critical to US military operations in the Middle East. This move underscores the heightened concern in Washington about potential escalation with Iran and the extent of Tehran's possible reactions. It is the first recorded official US move in the region around Iran, suggesting that military intervention is considered likely. European and Israeli officials report that Trump appears to have decided on military intervention, although details regarding the scope and timing of the intervention remain unclear. The situation is being closely monitored, with fears of further escalation of the conflict in the region.