JUST IN: US Tells Troops to Leave Middle East As Chaos Erupts In Iran

Some U.S. military personnel have been ordered to leave bases in the Middle East as unrest in Iran escalates and President Trump openly warns the regime in Tehran.

The pullback comes as nationwide protests continue inside Iran and Trump signals the United States may be ready to intervene. Qatar confirmed that American personnel have already departed from Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the region.

Qatar’s International Media Office said the move was part of broader efforts to safeguard the security of citizens and residents and to protect critical infrastructure and military facilities. Officials said any further changes would be announced through official channels.

Trump on Tuesday cut off all diplomatic contact with Iran’s leadership and publicly urged Iranians to seize control of their country.

“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price.”

“I have canceled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY,” he added.

Trump has repeatedly warned that the U.S. may act against Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s government but has not detailed what form that action could take.

🚨 BREAKING: US urgently withdrawing troops from MULTIPLE Middle East bases as Iran tensions EXPLODE!

Thousands of American heroes now at grave risk if war breaks out.

Stand with our troops—PRAY HARD! 🇺🇸🙏#PrayForOurTroops #AmericaFirst pic.twitter.com/5QqGRPNi81

— Patriot Forge USA 🇺🇸 (@PatriotForgeUSA) January 14, 2026

Reports say Iranian security forces have killed more than 2,500 people since the unrest began, though the true number may be far higher.

The White House confirmed Monday that Donald Trump is weighing military options in response to the crackdown.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said diplomacy remains the administration’s preferred path, but force is still on the table.

“He has shown he’s unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary,” Leavitt said.

“He certainly doesn’t want to see people being killed in the streets of Tehran. And unfortunately that’s something we are seeing right now,” she added.

Iranian authorities have used deadly force to suppress demonstrations and have shut down internet access across much of the country to stop video and images from spreading.

The uprising is the most intense Iran has seen since mass protests erupted in 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini in custody of the morality police.