By Trendsetter Tribune 
The Trump administration is urging Americans to leave Iran amid violent nationwide protests. U.S. forces begin evacuations from Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base as tensions escalate.
The Trump administration has urged all U.S. citizens to leave Iran immediately as the country faces one of the deadliest protest movements in decades. The U.S. State Department recommended Americans depart via land routes to neighboring Turkey or Armenia.
The protests, now in their third week, erupted in late December over a collapsing economy and falling national currency. They have since escalated into a nationwide movement challenging the Islamic Republic’s social and cultural restrictions.
Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran, told USA TODAY, “A massacre is unfolding in the country since the internet and communications shutdown. It’s a war unfolding on protesters.”
Evacuations at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar
U.S. officials have also begun withdrawing some personnel from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East, as a precautionary measure amid rising tensions. The base, home to approximately 10,000 troops, was previously targeted by Iran in June 2025 following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Reuters reported that the administration will provide updates on further developments through official channels.
Humanitarian Crisis: Thousands Killed, Tens of Thousands Arrested
Human rights organizations report that the crackdown has left thousands dead and tens of thousands arrested. The Norway-based group Iran Human Rights confirmed over 3,400 protester deaths and estimates more than 10,000 arrests.
A first-hand medical account reported by the Center for Human Rights in Iran detailed hospitals overwhelmed with mass casualties, including gunshot wounds to the head, chest, and abdomen. Authorities reportedly tracked injured protesters inside medical facilities, sometimes killing them on site.
Internet and communications have been severely restricted since January 8, making independent verification difficult. Experts warn that the actual death toll could be significantly higher.
Trump’s Escalating Threats to Iran
President Donald Trump has intensified his rhetoric, promising support to protesters and threatening military action if Iran continues executing detainees. On January 13, Trump posted on Truth Social:
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!!”
Trump also announced potential tariffs on nations doing business with Iran and vowed “very strong action” if executions proceed.
Diplomatic Tensions Mount
Iranian officials have responded by accusing the United States and Israel of inciting unrest and labeled protesters as armed terrorists. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized the country’s willingness to defend itself militarily but remained open to dialogue.
The Iranian government sent a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, calling Trump’s comments “flagrant violations of international law” and urging a condemnation of U.S. interference in Iran’s internal affairs.
Meanwhile, UN officials and foreign leaders have expressed concern over the violent crackdown. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the situation as “the most violent repression in Iran’s contemporary history.”
Global Watch: Human Rights and Future Escalation
The situation remains volatile, with reports of executions, mass arrests, and state-directed violence continuing to emerge. U.S. citizens in Iran are strongly advised to leave immediately, while global observers closely monitor the potential for military escalation in the region.