In a development illustrating the rising tensions between the United States and Iran, American troops have been moved from a key military base in Qatar. This comes as Senator Lindsey Graham has urged the president to launch a strike against Iran. The backdrop of these tensions is a long-standing concern over Iran’s potential nuclear ambitions—a concern that remains unresolved following indirect talks between the two nations in Geneva last week, which failed to yield any substantial progress.
Iran maintains that its nuclear program is not geared towards weaponization, though it continues to assert its right to enrich uranium, a critical component for nuclear energy production. Despite these assurances, the specter of a nuclear-armed Iran looms large in U.S. strategic calculations.
President Trump has not shied away from hinting at the possibility of a military intervention as a means to bring Iran back to the negotiation table. During a press briefing on Friday, he acknowledged that striking Iran was a consideration currently under review.
Adding to the mounting pressure, reports have emerged indicating an increased military buildup at various bases across the Middle East. As part of these preparations, U.S. officials revealed to ABC News on Saturday that several hundred service members stationed in Qatar have been repositioned, potentially in anticipation of escalating military actions.
Multiple reports have also pointed to an increased military presence on bases in the Middle East.
US officials told ABC News on Saturday that hundreds of personnel at a base in Qatar were relocating ahead of a possible strike.
Although the report did not state the exact base, the major military facility in Qatar is the Al Udeid Air Base.
The outlet reported that 35,000 troops had been stationed in the Middle East ahead of potential military action, including the USS Gerald Ford, 100 cargo planes, fighter jets, and the USS Abraham Lincoln strike group.
President Donald Trump has strongly alluded to military action against Iran if the nation does not come to the table on nuclear negotiations. The president is pictured above on Saturday
New reports have claimed that hundreds of personnel at a base in Qatar were relocating ahead of a possible military strike against Iran. The Udeid Air Base in Qatar is pictured above in 2021
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with United States Senator Lindsey Graham at his Jerusalem office on February 16, 2025
Dozens of aircraft were also seen parked at a base in Jordan, known as Muwaffaq Salti, according to flight tracking data reviewed by the New York Times.
Satellite imagery revealed 60 aircraft, at least another 68 cargo planes, several drones, helicopters, F-35 stealth jets, and new air defenses have landed at the base.
In addition to increased military presence, the global Brent oil benchmark has spiked over the past two days.
Iran accounts for less than three percent of global oil output, but the surge could signal military action because the country controls the Strait of Hormuz, which facilitates about 20 percent of global oil supply.
Trump has appeared lukewarm on the possibility of military action, refusing to publicly commit either way.
Longtime ally to the president, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, has now made a public declaration about his stance on a potential strike.
‘I understand concerns about major military operations in the Middle East given past entanglements,’ Graham told Axios.
‘However, the voices who counsel against getting entangled seem to ignore the consequences of letting evil go unchecked.’
Graham explained that he believed those advising the president not to strike Iran were ‘getting louder,’ adding, ‘Time will tell as to how this plays out.’
Naval units from Iran and Russia simulate the rescue of a hijacked vessel during the joint naval drills held at the Port of Bandar Abbas near the Strait of Hormuz in Hormozgan, Iran on February 19, 2026
This satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows damage after an Iranian attack at the Al Udeid Air Base outside of Doha, Qatar, June 25, 2025
A combination of satellite images shows an increase in the number of aircraft at the Al-Udeid Air Base, near Doha, Qatar, comparing January 17, 2026 and February 1, 2026
The senator clarified that he respected Trump’s decision and believed that the president would be held accountable either way.
Graham has been a vocal opponent of the Iranian regime. He spoke at a rally in Munich, Germany, earlier this month to express solidarity with those demanding regime change.
‘I believe the Ayatollah is a religious Nazi, who would keep the region and the world in turmoil,’ Graham wrote on X after his speech.
‘He’s a religious fanatic who wants to purify Islam, destroy the Jewish people and come after the United States, which he refers to as the Great Satan.’
Graham also visited the Middle East and discussed Iran with officials in Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (L) meeting with US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham at Qasr Al-Shati in Abu Dhabi on February 18, 2026
Iranian women wave Iran’s national flags during a memorial ceremony for those killed in anti-government protests earlier last month, at the Mosallah mosque in Tehran on February 17
He praised Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman and President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahya on social media after meeting with the leaders.
During his recent trip to Israel, Graham said in a press briefing from Tel Aviv that a decision on action against Iran is ‘weeks, not months away.’
Negotiations are expected to continue, but Iranian officials have warned that if their nation is attacked, they will respond ‘decisively.’
