‘Will set the region on fire’: Iran warns neighbours amid threat of US attacks
Israeli and Arab officials have told the Trump administration that they believe the Iranian regime may not yet be weakened to the point where US military strikes would be the decisive blow that topples it.
A protester holds up a poster showing Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, left, and US President Danald J. Trump, right, as she demonstrates outside the House of Parliament, in London, England, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Amid the threats from US President Donald Trump to come to the aid of protesters in Iran, officials in Tehran have issued a stern warning to its neighbours.
The speaker of Iran’s parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said on Tuesday that Tehran will “set the region on fire” – a very strong message for the US’s allies in the region.
It has been more than 24 hours since US President Donald Trump urged protesters in Iran to take over institutions, while promising that ‘help is on its way‘. Many had interpreted Trump’s post on social media as an indication of an imminent US intervention in Iran.
But other than the comments, which Trump continued to make on Wednesday, the US has not taken any solid action against Iran, even as the regime allegedly continues to brutally crush the protests.
Protesters participate in a demonstration supporting protesters in Iran, in front of the US Consulate, Milan, Italy, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (Photo: AP)
‘Regime not weakened yet’
According to an NBC News report, Israeli and Arab officials have told the Trump administration that they believe the Iranian regime may not yet be weakened to the point where US military strikes would be the decisive blow that topples it.
Story continues below this ad
An unnamed source who spoke to NBC News said Israeli and Arab officials have suggested that President Trump should hold back on large-scale strikes for now, with some of them preferring to wait until the regime is even more strained.
A White House official, however, said President Trump has a wide range of options, including military intervention.
“All options are at President Trump’s disposal to address the situation in Iran. The president listens to a host of opinions on any given issue, but ultimately makes the decision he feels is best,” the official told NBC News in a statement.
Iranians who live in Greece take part in a protest in front of the US Embassy in Athens, Greece, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, supporting the protests in Iran. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
US withdrawing personnel from bases in Middle East
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Reuters reported that the US is withdrawing personnel from key bases in the region.
Story continues below this ad
Some personnel were advised to leave the US military’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening, diplomats told Reuters, in a move similar to steps taken before US strikes on Iran in June.
In June 2025, Iran carried out a direct missile attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar in response to the US bombing of its nuclear sites.
Qatar, on Wednesday, confirmed the removal of some personnel from the Al Udeid airbase and said it was in response to “current regional tensions”.
In a statement to Al Jazeera, the International Media Office said Qatar “continues to implement all necessary measures to safeguard the security and safety of its citizens and residents as a top priority”.
Story continues below this ad
It added actions are underway for the “protection of critical infrastructure and military facilities”.
The development follows the Iranian warning to neighbouring countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Türkiye, that it would strike US military bases on their soil if Washington strikes.
Share
A protester holds up a poster showing Iran’s exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi, left, and US President Danald J. Trump, right, as she demonstrates outside the House of Parliament, in London, England, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) 
