Supplemental Info:
SITREP:
Nationwide protests in Iran, triggered by economic collapse and currency devaluation, have entered their third week, spreading to at least 22 provinces and escalating into violent clashes with security forces.
Reports indicate a severe crackdown by Iranian authorities, with human rights groups estimating hundreds to thousands of civilian deaths from lethal gunfire and mass arrests exceeding 10,000. The regime has imposed internet blackouts, airspace closures, and deployed IRGC units to suppress dissent, while accusing the US and Israel of instigating the unrest.
Tehran has warned regional allies that US bases on their soil would be targeted in retaliation for any external intervention, heightening the potential for asymmetric responses via proxies or missile strikes.
In response, the United States has adopted a posture of strategic unpredictability to deter Iranian aggression, with President Trump publicly affirming military readiness and vowing intervention if protester killings resume. As a precautionary measure, nonessential personnel have been withdrawn from key installations, including Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, amid assessments of imminent threats.
The administration is evaluating a range of options, including targeted airstrikes, cyberattacks on regime infrastructure, and economic pressure via 25 percent tariffs on nations trading with Iran, while monitoring reports that the crackdown may be easing.
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Security Alert
U.S. Embassy Doha
January 14, 2026
Location: Qatar
Event: Given ongoing regional tensions, the U.S. Embassy in Doha has advised its personnel to exercise increased caution and limit non-essential travel to Al Udeid Airbase. We recommend U.S. citizens in Qatar do the same. The U.S. Mission to Qatar continues to monitor the situation. At this time, U.S. Embassy staffing and operations are unchanged, and consular services continue as normal.
Actions to Take:
Remain vigilant and stay informed by following both local and international news sources.
Review any travel plans in case of disruptions and make appropriate decisions for themselves and their families.
Pay close attention to official communications from the Qatari government and from the U.S. Embassy.
The Embassy will send security messages via the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and through our official U.S. citizen consular information WhatsApp channel for Qatar. All security updates will also be posted on the U.S. Embassy website and shared on our social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Assistance:
View the Original:
https://qa.usembassy.gov/security-alert-u-s-embassy-doha-january-14-2026/
View the Kuwait Security Alert
View the Saudi Arabia Security Alert
