Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the United States has withdrawn dozens of military aircraft from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a precautionary move in response to the potential threat of Iranian attacks. The decision comes as the White House considers a possible military intervention in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
Satellite images captured by Planet Labs PBC show that on June 5, nearly 40 military aircraft were stationed on the tarmac at Al Udeid, including large troop and equipment transporters, as well as reconnaissance and special operations aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules. By June 19, only three aircraft remained visible on the runway, signaling a significant withdrawal of assets.
The U.S. Embassy in Doha confirmed on Thursday that, “as a precaution and in light of ongoing regional hostilities,” military personnel at the base had been advised to remain on “heightened alert,” and a “temporary access restriction” had been imposed on the facility.
The move comes in parallel with recent statements from the White House, which announced that President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision in the next two weeks regarding a potential joint military operation with Israel against Iran. “Given the possibility of substantial negotiations with Iran in the near future, I will decide whether or not to proceed within the next two weeks,” Trump said in a statement read by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Located less than 300 kilometers from the Iranian coast, Al Udeid is viewed as a strategically important yet vulnerable site. Retired U.S. General Mark Schwartz, now an analyst at the Rand Corporation think tank, emphasized the need to “minimize risks to U.S. forces” due to the base’s proximity to Iran.
In a press briefing, Leavitt stressed that any agreement with Tehran must include restrictions on uranium enrichment. “Iran has everything it needs to produce a nuclear weapon. If the Supreme Leader chooses to move forward, it would take only a couple of weeks to complete,” she warned.
In recent days, Trump also stated that “the United States is the only power capable of dismantling the Fordow uranium enrichment facility” in central-western Iran. However, he clarified that this does not mean he intends to do so. He also claimed to know the whereabouts of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but ruled out taking action against him “for now.” “He’s an easy target,” Trump said Tuesday on Truth Social.
Tensions escalated further after Iran canceled a planned round of nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, in response to Israeli airstrikes. The move deepens uncertainty around diplomatic efforts and the overall security outlook in the Middle East.