The United States has advised some personnel stationed at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, its largest military facility in the Middle East, to depart the base by Wednesday evening (January 14, 2026). This measure is described by US officials as a precautionary step and a "posture change" rather than a full evacuation, in response to escalating regional tensions between the US and Iran. Qatar's International Media Office confirmed the move, citing "current regional tensions" and reaffirming steps to protect citizens and infrastructure. The heightened tensions stem from ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, which have prompted strong warnings from US President Donald Trump of potential military intervention or "very strong action" if Iran continues its crackdown on demonstrators. In response, Iran has issued stark warnings to neighboring countries, including Qatar, stating that US military installations in those nations would become "legitimate targets" if Washington launches an attack on Iranian territory. Direct diplomatic contact between Iranian and US officials has reportedly been suspended. This is not the first instance of such heightened alert; Iran previously targeted Al Udeid Air Base in June 2025 with missile strikes in retaliation for US actions against its nuclear facilities. The base, which houses thousands of US troops, is critical to US military operations in the region. Amidst these developments, India's Ministry of External Affairs has issued an advisory strongly urging its nationals to avoid travel to Iran until further notice and advising those currently there to return by available commercial flights.