WASHINGTON — A senior U.S. official revealed that some personnel stationed at a significant military base in Qatar have been advised to evacuate by Wednesday evening. This decision follows remarks from a high-ranking Iranian official referencing a prior attack on the base by Iran.

Speaking to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, the official described the evacuation as a precautionary step. They refrained from offering more specifics about the evacuation, such as whether it was compulsory or voluntary, who it impacted—be it military or civilian staff—or the number of individuals advised to leave, all in the interest of maintaining operational security.

Reacting to the situation, Qatar announced on Wednesday that these actions are being taken in light of the prevailing regional tensions.

“The IMO confirms that the State of Qatar remains committed to implementing every necessary measure to ensure the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a primary concern, which includes the protection of essential infrastructure and military sites,” stated Qatar’s media office in a message on X.

It comes as anti-government protests in nearby Iran continue and President Donald Trump has said that he is willing to conduct military operations in the country if the government continues to retaliate against the protesters.

The base, which hosts thousands of U.S. service members, was targeted by Iran in June in retaliation for U.S. strikes on its nuclear facilities.

Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the social platform X wrote “the #US President, who repeatedly talks about the futile aggression against #Iran’s nuclear facilities, would do well to also mention the destruction of the US base in #Al-Udeid by Iranian missiles.”

“It would certainly help create a real understanding of Iran’s will and ability to respond to any aggression,” he added.

Iranian and Qatari officials had spoken on Tuesday amid the deadly crackdown in Iran and America’s escalating threats to intervene if protesters are not spared.

Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, had a phone call with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s prime minister.

In a statement on X, Al Thani said that he “reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s backing of all de-escalation efforts, as well as peaceful solutions to enhance security and stability in the region.”

Iran’s decision in June to retaliate against U.S. strikes by targeting the sprawling desert facility outside Doha created a rare tension between the two maritime neighbors, with Qatari officials saying it caught them by surprise.

No American or Qatari personnel were harmed, the U.S. military’s Central Command said, noting that the two forces worked together to defend the base. A Qatari military officer said one of 19 missiles fired by Iran was not intercepted and hit the base, but the Republican U.S. president said in a social media post at the time that “hardly any damage was done.”

Amiri reported from New York.

Associated Press writer Farnoush Amiri in New York contributed to this report.

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