US military intervention in Iran could occur within the next 24 hours, two European officials told Reuters on Wednesday, as tensions escalate across the region. An unnamed Israeli official said it appeared US President Donald Trump had decided to intervene, though “the scope and timing remained unclear.”
In response to the heightened threat, the United States is withdrawing some personnel from key bases, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which houses around 10,000 troops, while Britain is also reducing personnel at its Qatar base.
Tehran has warned neighboring countries hosting US troops that “US bases in those countries will be attacked if the US targets Iran,” urging them to prevent American strikes. Meanwhile, the US and European nations have advised their citizens to leave Iran immediately.
President Trump emphasized that any Iranian retaliation would be met with force “never seen before,” and direct communications between US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have been suspended, canceling potential diplomatic meetings over the nuclear dispute.