Iran on Wednesday issued a stern warning to Saudi Arabia, UAE and Turkey of possible attacks on its American bases amid escalating tensions in the region.
“Tehran has told regional countries, from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey, that US bases in those countries will be attacked if the US targets Iran… asking these countries to prevent Washington from attacking Iran,” an official told Reuters.
US asks staffers to leave Qatar base
The US has also asked some of its personnel to evacuate it staffers to evacuate the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening, three diplomats told Reuters amid the threat of a looming Iranian attack. Al Udeid, the Middle East’s largest US base, houses around 10,000 troops.
In June last year, some personnel were moved off bases in the Middle East before the US carried out air strikes in Iran amid the 12-day war .
The development took place after US intervented in the 12-day armed conflict between Iran and Israel by targeting three nuclear facilites in the Islamic Republic.
Why US may strike Iran?
The warning came as the US has hinted that it could strike Iran amid largescale anti-government protests in the country, which have claimed over 2,000 lives.
The protests stemmed out of economic instability in the region, soaring inflation and rising discontent with the Islamic regime.
US President Donald Trump has also threatened to take “very strong action” if the Iranian government starts executing protesters. According to a rights group, 26-year-old Erfan Soltani is scheduled to become the first person executed in relation to the protests.
India issues fresh advisory for its citizens in Iran
India has also issued a fresh advisory for its citizens stranded in the conflict-ridden country, urging them to exercise caution and depart by any available means of transport. It has shared helpline numbers and asked people to register with the Indian Embassy in Iran to keep themselves abreast with the latest developments.
The US has also urged its nationals to leave Iran immediately by land, stoking fears of a possible escalation in Iran.