Middle East on alert: Gulf States, Iraq brace for possible Iranian strikes

Tensions in the Middle East have reached a critical point after the recent US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. The Gulf states and Iraq have taken unprecedented security measures in anticipation of a possible Iranian response.

According to Report, the most likely options for Iran's retaliatory steps include strikes on US bases and military deployment sites in the region.

Qatar

The US Embassy in Qatar advised (June 22, midday) its citizens in the country to “shelter in place” until further notice. In an email sent to US citizens in Qatar, it said: “Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that US citizens shelter in place until further notice.” It is worth noting that last week, the US Embassy in Qatar issued a temporary warning prohibiting its personnel from accessing Al-Udeid Base – the largest US military base in the Middle East, located in Qatar.

It has been reported that the US evacuated aircraft from the base last week as part of steps taken to secure forces in the region.

Following the US, the UK made a similar call. "Following the US warning, as a precautionary measure, we advise UK citizens in Qatar to shelter in place until further notice," the British government said in a statement on its website.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson issued a clarification, stating that the recommendations made by several embassies for their citizens to exercise caution or avoid certain areas in Qatar are part of a general policy commonly practiced by many countries in relation to travel advisories and security updates. He also sought to reassure that the security situation in the country is stable, and that authorities are monitoring developments and remain on full alert to ensure the safety of citizens, residents, and visitors.

Bahrain

In Bahrain as well, Americans have been exercising maximum caution for several days now, especially around the Fifth Fleet base, and have evacuated the area.

Saudi Arabia

The US mission in Saudi Arabia advised its citizens and staff in the kingdom to exercise heightened caution and avoid non-essential travel and visits to security facilities, in light of regional tensions.

United States

Senior American officials told Reuters that “the US sees a significant risk of an imminent Iranian response against American forces, possibly within a day or two.” According to them, “the US still seeks a diplomatic solution.”

An American official said (June 22, NYT) that military and intelligence officials have detected signs that pro-Iranian militias are preparing to attack US bases in Iraq and possibly in Syria, in response to US strikes in Iran. According to the report, so far the militias’ actions have been delayed; Iraqi officials are working intensively to dissuade the militias from taking action.

Iraq

In the wake of the US strike in Iran, Shiite militias in Iraq are preparing to retaliate against American interests in the country, including against Gulf states and US interests in those countries. Their response, if and when it happens, would fulfill threats they made even before the strike—warning that if the US intervened, they would target its bases and interests in Iraq and the region. The militias involved include Kata’ib Hezbollah, Sayyid al-Shuhada, Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq, Harakat al-Nujaba, and others.

Meanwhile, these militias and their commanders have evacuated bases and homes and gone underground, fearing targeted killings by Israel or the US They have also changed phone numbers and hiding places, both for themselves and their family members.

Iraq has reinforced forces around the US Embassy in Baghdad and other sensitive sites, including its borders, out of concern for attacks and retaliatory operations. Iraqi leaders and other senior officials have emphasized fears that Iraq could be the next in line and become another battlefield.

An announcement by Iraq’s national oil company stated that the energy companies ENI (Italy), BP (UK), and TotalEnergies (France) operating in Iraq’s oil fields have evacuated some of their foreign staff.

Flights

Air France has announced the cancellation of its flights to Middle East destinations until July 14. Yesterday, British Airways announced it was suspending flights to Dubai and Qatar following the US strikes in Iran.