US Strike on Iran Could Come Within 24 Hours

A US military strike against Iran could take place within the next 24 hours, according to a Reuters report citing two European officials, as Washington and its allies move personnel out of key military bases across the Middle East amid sharply rising tensions.

An Israeli official was also quoted as saying that US President Donald Trump appears to have decided to intervene, although the scope and precise timing of any military action remain unclear. The report comes as the United States begins withdrawing part of its military presence from bases in the region following warnings from senior Iranian officials that Tehran would target US interests if attacked.

The United States has also renewed calls for its citizens to leave Iran immediately. The US virtual embassy in Tehran urged Americans to consider departing overland via Turkey or Armenia, underscoring growing concerns over security and the risk of rapid escalation.

At the same time, Iran’s leadership is attempting to suppress what are described as the most serious internal unrest the Islamic Republic has faced in decades. The demonstrations, which erupted in late December amid a collapsing currency and soaring living costs, have evolved into broader political protests challenging the theocratic regime. Human rights groups report that more than 2,400 protesters have been killed and over 18,000 arrested during the crackdown.

According to a US official speaking on condition of anonymity, the withdrawal of personnel from major military installations is a precautionary measure driven by escalating tensions and the risk of retaliatory strikes. The Pentagon has confirmed evacuations from US bases in Qatar, Iraq, Syria and Saudi Arabia — a move not seen since previous coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Qatar’s government confirmed that the reduction of personnel at the Al Udeid Air Base is being carried out “in response to current regional tensions.” The base hosts around 10,000 US troops and is a critical hub for American military operations in the Middle East. US media reported that some personnel have been relocated to other facilities or nearby hotels.

Britain is also reportedly withdrawing part of its staff from the Qatar air base, according to The i Paper, although the UK Ministry of Defence has declined to comment publicly.

Meanwhile, CBS News reported that the US has begun reducing personnel at Al Udeid as a “preventive measure.” Iranian officials have warned neighboring countries that US bases in the region would be targeted if Washington launches strikes against Iran.

According to international media reports, President Trump is said to be reviewing a list of 50 potential military targets in Iran. The Washington-based group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) reportedly submitted a dossier of high-value military and operational targets to senior US officials earlier this week.

Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran that it will face “very severe consequences” if Iranian authorities continue executing anti-government protesters. Writing on his Truth Social platform, the US president said Iranian leaders would “pay a heavy price” for the killings and encouraged protesters to continue demonstrating. He also suggested that while Iranian leaders had reached out for talks, the US might need to act before any meeting takes place.

Iran has accused Washington of seeking to manufacture a pretext for military intervention. The speaker of Iran’s parliament warned that, in the event of a US attack, American and Israeli military and naval targets in the region would be considered legitimate targets.

Further fueling speculation, analysts pointed to unusual movements involving Israel’s official government aircraft, the “Wing of Zion,” which reportedly flew unexpectedly from Nevatim Air Base toward Crete before returning to southern Israel. During the flight, the aircraft was briefly observed flying alongside a Jordanian government plane and near a Turkish Navy ATR-72 aircraft, prompting speculation about heightened diplomatic or military coordination.

Adding to the broader pressure campaign, the Trump administration announced the suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Iran and Russia, as part of a wider tightening of immigration and security policies.

As diplomatic warnings, military repositioning and internal unrest converge, officials and analysts warn that the coming hours and days could prove critical for the future of US-Iran relations and regional stability.