The globe held its breath awaiting the coming day, which could redefine the Middle East's borders.
Protests in Iran / © Associated Press
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The United States is rapidly pulling back personnel from vital Middle Eastern bases after Tehran voiced threats of reprisal. According to sources in Europe and Israel, President Donald Trump has already resolved to intervene amidst the most violent demonstrations in the Islamic Republic's history.
Reuters reports on this matter.
The United States has initiated the removal of some staff from its military installations in the Middle East, a U.S. official stated Wednesday, Jan. 14, following a declaration by a top Iranian official that Tehran had cautioned neighboring nations about its readiness to strike American targets if Washington were to attack.
“A choice is made”: the clock is ticking for Tehran
As the Iranian government strives to quell the most significant internal turmoil in the nation's past, Tehran is attempting to restrain US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly threatened to get involved on the side of those protesting against the government.
A US official, speaking anonymously, indicated that personnel were being extracted from key regional bases as a “precautionary step” given the extremely elevated tensions. Nevertheless, reports from allies suggest considerably more profound strategies.
Two EU officials stated that US military intervention appeared nearly unavoidable, with one implying that a strike could be launched in the subsequent 24 hours.
An Israeli official verified that Trump seems to have reached a definitive decision to take action, although the precise scope and timing of said action are still being finalized.
Bases stand fully ready
Qatar has verified that it is decreasing staff at Al-Udeid Air Base, the region’s biggest US facility, “in reaction to prevailing regional strains.” Diplomats report that some personnel have received orders to vacate the base.
Simultaneously, Tehran has resorted to outright blackmail of its neighbors. A senior Iranian official, maintaining anonymity, mentioned that Iran has delivered an ultimatum to U.S. allies in the region — from Saudi Arabia and the UAE to Turkey — stating: “Tehran has informed regional countries that U.S. bases within their boundaries will be attacked should Washington launch an offensive against Iran.”
Any direct interactions between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are currently on hold.
The globe held its breath
The Iranian regime's unprecedented cruelty was cited as the rationale for the potential incursion. Trump pledged “very forceful action” if Iran persisted in executing protesters and implored Iranians to seize control of governmental buildings, adding, “Help is inbound.”
The situation within Iran remains precarious: according to the human rights organization HRANA, the deaths of 2,403 protesters have been corroborated. Iranian authorities acknowledge in excess of 2,000 casualties.
Over 18,000 individuals have been apprehended.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot labeled it “the most ferocious repression in Iran's recent history.”
Despite the substantial losses and damage to infrastructure, Western officials observe that Iran's security apparatus still maintains control, and the regime is endeavoring to project support via broadcasts of large-scale funeral processions for deceased security personnel.
Nonetheless, the prospect of an external US strike remains at its peak in decades. The globe is holding its breath in anticipation of the coming 24 hours, which could reshape the map of the Middle East.
As a reminder, previously the Ministry of Foreign Affairs communicated whether Ukrainian citizens were among the thousands of victims in Iran .