Al Udeid Air Base Qatar: Why US is removing its troops from this base in Middle East amid Iran-Israel war
Al Udeid Air Base
in Qatar between June 5 and June 19, according to satellite imagery, as the
Iran-Israel conflict
escalates. This is among the most significant drawdowns at the base, which is the largest American military installation in the Middle East.
Security concerns prompt restricted access
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar confirmed on Thursday that access to Al Udeid had been limited "out of an abundance of caution and in light of ongoing regional hostilities." Personnel have been advised to remain alert due to the deteriorating security environment.
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Base's location seen as risky
'Al Udeid would be extremely vulnerable due to its close proximity to Iran,' said Mark Schwartz, a former U.S. Army lieutenant general and defense analyst at the RAND Corporation. 'You want to reduce
risk
to U.S. forces, both personnel and equipment.'
On June 5, satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC showed about 40 aircraft at the base, including C-130 Hercules transport planes and reconnaissance jets. By June 19, only three aircraft remained.
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— AhmadAlgohbary (@AhmadAlgohbary)
US refuelling aircraft shift to Europe
Flight tracking reviewed by AFP showed that between June 15 and June 18, at least 27 military refuelling aircraft, including KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135 Stratotankers, flew from the U.S. to Europe. Twenty-five of these remained in Europe as of late Wednesday, indicating the U.S. could be
positioning
assets for extended-range operations.
No disclosure of aircraft destination
While it is unclear whether the aircraft have been moved to hardened shelters or other bases in the region, a U.S. defense official declined to disclose details, stating: 'We remain committed to maintaining operational security while executing our mission with the highest level of readiness, lethality, and professionalism.'
— sentdefender (@sentdefender)
US military posture on high alert
American forces across the Middle East are on heightened alert. Families stationed at certain military bases have been given the option to evacuate voluntarily. Currently, around 40,000 U.S. troops are stationed across the region, up from a peacetime average of 30,000.
Carrier groups redeployed toward Middle East
To reinforce its posture, the U.S. is increasing its naval presence. A Navy official confirmed the
USS Gerald R. Ford
will depart Norfolk, Virginia, on June 24 for a deployment to the U.S. European Command area. The USS Carl Vinson strike group has already been operating in the region, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the USS Nimitz carrier group to head toward the Middle East 'to sustain our defensive posture and safeguard American personnel,' according to a senior defense official.
White House still deciding on next steps
President
Donald Trump
said on Thursday that he will decide within the next two weeks whether to authorize U.S. strikes on Iran. While he has supported Israel's ongoing operations, Trump said there remains a limited window for negotiations. He also remarked that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be an 'easy target.'
Trump has previously pushed for a replacement to the 2015 nuclear deal, which he exited in 2018. In recent weeks, he has endorsed Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and military leadership.
Political resistance builds in Washington
Several voices from within Trump's 'Make America Great Again' base have opposed deeper U.S. involvement, warning that such actions risk entangling the country in new long-term conflicts.
Israel-Iran clash reaches new intensity
The latest military exchange between Israel and Iran is among the most direct and intense in decades. Israel launched Operation Rising Sun, targeting nuclear and military facilities inside Iran. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone strikes against Israeli targets. The escalation has raised concerns of a broader regional war and drawn global attention.
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