Doha: The US military has relocated several aircraft and ships from bases in the Middle East, as two US officials disclosed to Reuters, due to concerns about potential Iranian attacks. This strategic repositioning occurs amidst President Donald Trump’s ambiguous stance on whether the United States will align with Israel’s ongoing airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and missile facilities. The situation has prompted residents to evacuate the Iranian capital as the air assault continues into its sixth day.

According to TRTworld.com, the US embassy in Qatar has issued a temporary restriction on its personnel’s access to the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military facility in the Middle East. The base, situated in the desert near Doha, is currently under restricted access as a precautionary measure. An official remarked that such actions are standard for force protection priorities.

Reuters also reported the redeployment of numerous tanker aircraft to Europe and the repositioning of other military assets to the Middle East, which includes the addition of fighter jets. Moreover, an aircraft carrier stationed in the Indo-Pacific is en route to the Middle East to bolster US military presence in the region.

Israel initiated its aerial campaign on Friday, asserting that Iran was nearing the development of a nuclear weapon, a claim that Iran has consistently denied. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva conveyed that Tehran would respond decisively if the United States decided to directly engage in Israel’s military operations.