Doha, Jan 14 (NationPress) In a recent announcement, Qatar confirmed that a portion of personnel will be leaving the US Al Udeid Air Base, citing "regional tensions" as the reason.

The International Media Office (IMO) of the State of Qatar clarified, "In response to the ongoing regional tensions, certain personnel are being withdrawn from Al Udeid Air Base, as reported by various media outlets." They further emphasized that the safety and security of the nation's citizens and residents remain their utmost priority, which includes protecting critical infrastructure and military installations.

Earlier reports from the Xinhua news agency, citing Reuters, suggested that the United States is also reducing its military presence in the Middle East as a precautionary measure amidst rising regional tensions.

These developments align with escalating tensions due to protests in Iran, where US officials have hinted at potential intervention. Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned that the country would react decisively to any attack, stating, "We will defend the nation with full force and until the last drop of blood."

Reports indicate that Iran has cautioned neighboring countries hosting US forces that their bases could be targeted if the US intervenes in the protests.

Moreover, Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani called upon the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council to denounce the US for inciting violence and threatening force against Iran.

In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Iravani accused President Donald Trump of encouraging violence in Iran, referencing his social media statements. The US virtual embassy in Iran urged American citizens to evacuate the country, calling Trump's statements reckless and stating that they threaten Iran's sovereignty and security.