Three diplomats disclosed to Reuters that advisory notices were issued to specific personnel to depart the US military's Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening amid a potential Iranian retaliation to a presumed US strike in support of anti-regime protesters. The US embassy in Doha offered no immediate comment on the maneuvers, the outlet reported. Al Udeid, which houses approximately 10,000 troops, serves as the primary American air hub in the Middle East. Reuters observed that similar personnel relocations preceded US airstrikes on Iran last June.
An Israeli official stated that an assessment indicates Trump has resolved to intervene by targeting the Islamic Republic's ayatollah regime after it has defied the administration's warning to not harm protestors, though the timing and scope remain ambiguous, according to Reuters. Concurrently, an anonymous Iranian official told the outlet that Tehran had warned US allies – specifically Turkey, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia – to "prevent Washington from attacking Iran." The official threatened via Reuters that "Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey, that US bases in those countries will be attacked" if American forces strike the Islamic Republic. According to Iranian state media, Majid Mousavi, who commands the aerospace division of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, has stated that the country's missile inventory has grown since the 12-Day War in June.
The same official confirmed to Reuters that direct contacts between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and United States Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff have been suspended. A second Israeli source told the publication that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Diplomatic-Security Cabinet was briefed late Tuesday on the likelihood of regime collapse or US intervention.
In a CBS News interview, Trump vowed "very strong action" if Iran executes demonstrators, Reuters reported. "If they hang them, you're going to see some things," Trump warned. He also encouraged protesters to take over institutions, declaring "help is on the way", the outlet noted. Reuters highlighted that Iran targeted Al Udeid with missiles last year following US strikes on its nuclear infrastructure.
State media reported that Senior Iranian official Ali Larijani and Foreign Minister Araqchi held discussions with officials in Qatar, Turkey, and the UAE, according to Reuters. Araqchi assured UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed that "calm has prevailed", state media claimed via the outlet. Reuters noted that an internet blackout has obscured the situation, though HRANA confirmed 2,403 protester deaths. An Iranian official admitted to the outlet that approximately 2,000 people had been killed.
Iran's chief justice called for rapid penalties for those "who beheaded or burned people", Reuters reported. While HRANA documented 18,137 arrests, the outlet noted pro-government rallies showed "no signs of fracture" in the security forces. However, Reuters observed that Tehran's regional influence has waned due to blows against allies like Hezbollah since October 7, 2023.
Regarding his comment that "help is on its way", Trump told reporters they would have to figure it out, confirming that "military action" is being weighed, according to Reuters. "The killing looks like it's significant, but we don't know yet for certain," Trump added. Reuters reported that the State Department urged US citizens on Tuesday to leave Iran immediately via Turkey or Armenia.
