Doha: The US military has strategically relocated some of its aircraft and ships from bases in the Middle East, an effort aimed at protecting them from potential Iranian threats, as confirmed by two US officials to Reuters. This decision coincides with ongoing speculation about whether President Donald Trump will decide to involve the United States in Israel's military actions against Iran's nuclear and missile sites. The air assault has prompted residents to flee Iran's capital.

According to TRTworld.com, the US embassy in Qatar has issued a temporary restriction on its personnel, limiting their access to the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East. This move is considered a standard procedure, emphasizing the importance of force protection.

Recent reports from Reuters highlighted the relocation of several tanker aircraft to Europe and the deployment of additional military assets, including fighter jets, to the Middle East. Furthermore, an aircraft carrier stationed in the Indo-Pacific is en route to the Middle East, indicating a bolstering of US military presence in the region.

The tension arises after Israel initiated an air war, citing intelligence that Iran was nearing the development of a nuclear weapon, a claim Iran denies, asserting it is not pursuing nuclear arms. In response, the Iranian ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva stated that Iran would retaliate if the US becomes directly involved in Israel's military operations.