In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East, the US military has initiated strategic movements of its assets, according to two US officials cited by Reuters on Wednesday. The repositioning of aircraft and ships from potentially vulnerable bases comes as concerns grow over a possible Iranian retaliation following Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Iran’s nuclear and missile facilities, which began six days ago and has prompted residents to flee Tehran.

On Thursday, the US embassy in Qatar issued an alert temporarily restricting its personnel from accessing Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the Middle East, located in the desert outside Doha. The embassy urged personnel and US citizens in Qatar to exercise heightened vigilance, citing “an abundance of caution and in light of ongoing regional hostilities.” One official noted that such measures are “not an uncommon practice,” emphasizing that “force protection is the priority.”

Meanwhile, a C-5M Super Galaxy heavy cargo aircraft is reportedly transferring munitions from Aviano Air Base in Italy to Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, signaling a bolstering of US military readiness in the region.

The situation is further complicated by Qatar’s relationship with Iran. Qatar, a key US ally hosting Al Udeid, has maintained supportive ties with Iran and is known to fund Iran’s proxy groups, such as Hamas. Additionally, Qatar and Iran share one of the world’s largest gas fields, part of which was targeted in an Israeli attack on June 14. These ties raise questions about the future of US-Qatar relations amid the ongoing conflict.

As President Donald Trump keeps the international community guessing about potential US involvement in Israel’s military actions, the repositioning of US forces underscores the delicate balance of alliances and security concerns in the region.