Tensions between the US and Iran have eased temporarily, with some personnel from a military base in Qatar withdrawing amid concerns of potential military action against the Iranian regime. The US and UK have evacuated staff from Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar as a precautionary measure, according to a US official.
The developments come after Iranian authorities closed its airspace to all flights except those bound for Iran with prior permission. This move has been seen as a response to heightened tensions between the two countries following US President Donald Trump's vow to "rescue protesters" if Iranian authorities continued to kill them.
Iranian officials have previously warned the US against intervening in nationwide protests, threatening retaliation against regional countries hosting US bases. The country has also signalled that detained protesters will face speedy trials and executions, despite human rights groups warning of the potential for extrajudicial killings.
The situation in Iran remains dire, with 2,571 people killed and over 18,100 arrested since mass protests began two weeks ago. Protests have been met with brutal crackdowns, with authorities carrying out a massive funeral for security forces killed in demonstrations.
Western countries have issued travel warnings to their citizens, including the US state department's call for Americans to leave Iran immediately. The situation has sparked fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, with neighboring countries warning against US intervention.
In a statement posted on social media, Trump said he had been informed that plans for executions in Iran had stopped, but this claim has been disputed by human rights groups and Iranian officials. The US president remains committed to taking "very strong action" if protests continue, sparking concerns of further escalation.
The developments come after Iranian authorities closed its airspace to all flights except those bound for Iran with prior permission. This move has been seen as a response to heightened tensions between the two countries following US President Donald Trump's vow to "rescue protesters" if Iranian authorities continued to kill them.
Iranian officials have previously warned the US against intervening in nationwide protests, threatening retaliation against regional countries hosting US bases. The country has also signalled that detained protesters will face speedy trials and executions, despite human rights groups warning of the potential for extrajudicial killings.
The situation in Iran remains dire, with 2,571 people killed and over 18,100 arrested since mass protests began two weeks ago. Protests have been met with brutal crackdowns, with authorities carrying out a massive funeral for security forces killed in demonstrations.
Western countries have issued travel warnings to their citizens, including the US state department's call for Americans to leave Iran immediately. The situation has sparked fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, with neighboring countries warning against US intervention.
In a statement posted on social media, Trump said he had been informed that plans for executions in Iran had stopped, but this claim has been disputed by human rights groups and Iranian officials. The US president remains committed to taking "very strong action" if protests continue, sparking concerns of further escalation.