The United States and the United Kingdom have begun withdrawing military personnel from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, amid heightened regional tensions linked to ongoing protests in Iran.

American officials told the BBC that a specific group of troops is being repositioned as a precautionary “preemptive action.” Some UK forces are also departing Qatar as part of the coordinated operation.

Qatari authorities described the move as a response to the “recent escalation of violence,” which they said necessitated the adjustment of foreign deployments. Both the British embassy in Tehran and Qatar have urged staff to exercise heightened caution.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration reported that Iran has closed its airspace to all flights beginning Thursday night. Airlines including Air India and Lufthansa have been instructed to reroute flights accordingly.

The unrest in Iran follows mass public protests in Tehran and other cities, with human rights organisations reporting that at least 2,400 people have been killed in the crackdown.

The Trump administration is reportedly considering further measures against Iran in response to the unrest, although officials have not yet confirmed specific actions.