Iranian authorities are struggling to quell the worst internal unrest the Islamic republic has faced since the coup and overthrow of the monarchy. At the same time, Tehran is trying to stop US President Donald Trump's repeated threats to intervene in defense of anti-government protesters, writes Reuters.
A US official who spoke on condition of anonymity said that The United States withdrew some personnel from key bases in the region as a precautionary measure given rising regional tensions.
The text continues below the video
Two European officials told Reuters that US military intervention against Iran seemed likely. One of them stated that it may happen within the next 24 hours. Israel's representative also said Trump appeared to have decided to intervene, although the scope and timing of the intervention remained unclear.
“Unpredictability is part of strategy”
Britain also withdrew some personnel from its air base in Qatar ahead of possible US attacks, the British press reported. The British Ministry of Defense did not comment on this.
— All signs point to an imminent U.S. attack, but that's what this administration is doing to keep everyone on their toes. “Unpredictability is part of the strategy,” a Western military official who spoke on condition of anonymity told Reuters.
Some personnel have been ordered to leave the base, three diplomats said, but there are no immediate signs that large numbers of troops will be bussed to the soccer stadium and shopping mall, as happened hours before Iran's missile attack last year.
Thousands of victims of the ayatollah regime
Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in defense of protesters in Iran, where thousands have died as a result of repression against clerical rule.
The unrest began two weeks ago as demonstrations against dire economic conditions and has escalated rapidly in recent days. It was considered the most violent since the Islamic revolution of 1979, which established a system of rule by Shiite clergy in Iran instead of a monarchy.
An Iranian official reported more than 2,000 deaths. A human rights organization estimated the number of victims at over 2,600.
The Iranian authorities have accused the US and Israel of inciting unrest caused by people described as armed terrorists.
Trump has been openly threatening to intervene in Iran for several days, without providing any details. In a Tuesday interview with CBS News, he announced “very decisive action” if Iran executes protesters. He also called on Iranians to continue protests and take over institutions, declaring that “help is on the way.”
