DOHA/TEHRAN, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Qatar on Wednesday confirmed in a statement that some personnel are departing from the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in the country over "regional tensions."
"With reference to circulating media reports regarding the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base, the International Media Office (IMO) of the State of Qatar states that such measures are being undertaken in response to the current regional tensions," the IMO said.
The IMO reaffirmed that Qatar continues to implement all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority, including steps related to the protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities.
Regarding the evacuation, an informed Iranian official said in Tehran on Wednesday that the move could be part of U.S. psychological warfare against Iran.
He added that the Iranian armed forces are fully prepared for any scenario to unfold, are monitoring all the developments and U.S. movements in the neighboring countries, and will take the necessary actions in case of any attack against the country.
Earlier on Wednesday, Reuters, citing an anonymous U.S. official, reported that the United States is withdrawing some of its personnel from its military bases in the Middle East as a precaution amid heightened regional tensions.
The latest developments came as regional tensions show signs of escalation following Iran's protests, with U.S. officials repeatedly threatening to intervene.
Over the past days, U.S. President Donald Trump has kept threatening Iran with a possible military action, claiming that it would be in support of Iranian protesters.
Protests erupted since late last month in several Iranian cities over the sharp depreciation of the Iranian currrency. The Iranian authorities said they are prepared to address economic grievances, while warning against violence, vandalism, and unrest.
Initially peaceful, the protests gradually turned violent over the past few days, resulting in casualties and damage to public property, mosques, government buildings, and banks. Iranian authorities have blamed the United States and Israel for the unrest. ■
