The US government has taken precautionary measures amid rising tensions in the Middle East, ordering some personnel to leave its Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening.
Officials describe this as a precautionary security move in response to potential threats from Iran.
This is after the United States said it could intervene in the ongoing protests in Iran. Currently, Washington is supporting the protesters in Iran.
Why the US Is Evacuating Its Personnel
The partial withdrawal is not a full evacuation but reflects the growing concerns after Iran warned Middle Eastern countries that host US military bases, saying they could be targeted if Washington attacks Iran.
Also Read: US Going to War? US Air Force Drone Spotted Running Surveillance in Southern Iran
“It’s a posture change and not an ordered evacuation,” said one of the US diplomats on the evacuation order.
Al Udeid military base is the Middle East’s largest US base, housing more than 10,000 troops.
In 2025, a week before the United States attacked Iran, some personnel and families were evacuated from the US military bases in the Middle East. Iran launched an attack on a US military base in Qatar.
Indian Embassy Urges Nationals to Leave Iran
The Indian Embassy in Tehran has urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately due to growing unrest and security concerns.
The advisory applies to students, pilgrims, tourists, and business travelers, who are encouraged to leave by available means, including commercial flights.
“In continuation of the advisory issued by the Government of India on 5 January 2025, and in view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran (students, pilgrims, business persons, and tourists) are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial flights.
All Indian nationals in Iran are also requested to have their travel and immigration documents, including passports and IDs, readily available with them. They are requested to contact the Indian Embassy for any assistance in this regard,” read the notice.
India has also advised its citizens to avoid protest areas, stay in contact with the Embassy, and keep travel documents ready.
“It is reiterated that all Indian citizens and PIOs should exercise due caution, avoid areas of protests or demonstrations, stay in contact with the Indian Embassy in Iran, and monitor local media for any developments,” read part of the notice.
Also Read: Blow to Trump as Saudi Govt Rejects Use of Its Airspace for Attacks on Iran by US
US Air Force Drone Spotted Running Surveillance in Southern Iran
Reports indicate that the drone has been operating over international waters in the Persian Gulf and surrounding airspace, closely monitoring military activities along Iran’s southern coastline.
Security Defence Asia reported that the same surveillance drone was spotted on 5th January 2026.
Reports also show that several US and UK warships are present in the Strait of Hormuz, and the US is likely to occupy the entire southern tip of Iran.
Such reconnaissance missions are carried out to gather intelligence, track naval movements, and assess regional security developments.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
