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Britain and US remove staff from military base as Donald Trump ‘ready to push button on strikes’ amid repression
Alex Croft, Namita Singh, Bryony Gooch & Jane DaltonThursday 15 January 2026 02:30 GMT- Bookmark
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Iran has restricted the entirety of the country’s airspace as US President Donald Trump has threatened strikes over the regime’s brutal crackdown on popular protests.
A Notice-to-Airmen reads that Iran’s airspace will be closed to all flights, except those with previous permission from the Iranian Civil Aviation Organisation.
Meanwhile, the UK has closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrawn staff from Iran and both Poland and Italy have urged citizens to leave the country.
Tehran warned other regional countries that it would attack if the US launched military action on it in response to the deadly repression – which the US president has been threatening for days.
The UK is also pulling staff from a military base in Qatar, and the US is reducing its personnel numbers at its Qatari Al-Udeid air base – the Middle East's largest US base, housing around 10,000 troops.
President Trump is said to be “ready to push the button” on military strikes against Iran if the government starts executing protesters.
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Key Points
- UK shuts Tehran embassy
- Staff advised to leave US base in Qatar amid threat of Iran strike
- Iran warns neighbours it will strike US bases if attacked
- Iran death toll rises to at least 2,571, says monitoring group
- Iran restricts airspace for most flights
- Iran says 'hanging is out of the question'
France considers sending satellite terminals to Iran to provide internet connectivity
France's foreign minister has raised the possibility of Paris sending Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran, where millions of people are living under internet blackout as the Tehran regime looks to suppress ongoing protests.
"We are exploring all options, and the one you have mentioned is among them," Jean-Noel Barrot told lawmakers in parliament responding to a question about sending Eutelsat terminals to Iran.
Alex Croft15 January 2026 02:30Watch: Iran minister denies plans for hanging when asked about protests
Iran minister denies plans for hanging when asked about protestsMike Bedigan15 January 2026 02:15Iranians and Germans protest in Berlin
At a protest march of 900 Iranian exiles and German supporters in Berlin on Wednesday night, Maryam Nejatipur, 32, told The Associated Press how unbearably worried she was about her family back home.
"They're in a complete blackout. We don't have any news," said the former teacher who was forced to leave her home country about two years ago.
She said she didn't know how to get through the days since Iran shut down the internet and phones and she could not longer find out if her family was still alive.
She sobbed and said really she was not only worried about her immediate family but all Iranians. "There are 90 million people inside Iran and they are killing all of them," she said.
Bryony Gooch15 January 2026 02:00Iran extends airspace closure: report
Iran has extended its order to close its airspace to commercial planes, according to the Associated Press.
The airspace closure was announced by Flightradar24 at around 10:20 p.m. GMT Wednesday, saying that it was valid for a little more than two hours.
That order has been extended without explanation as US President Donald Trump has threatened strikes over the regime’s brutal crackdown on anti-government protests.
Rachel Dobkin15 January 2026 01:49Air India rerouting flights in region as tensions continue
Air India says it is rerouting some of its flights in region as tensions continue.
“Due to the emerging situation in Iran, the subsequent closure of its airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, Air India flights overflying the region are now using an alternative routing, which may lead to delays,” the airline wrote on X.
“Some Air India flights where currently rerouting is not possible are being cancelled.
“Air India regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers due to this unforeseen disruption. Safety of our passengers and crew remain top priority.“
Mike Bedigan15 January 2026 01:45Watch: Anti-Iranian regime protesters gather in Whitehall
Anti-Iranian regime protesters gather in WhitehallBryony Gooch15 January 2026 01:30GOP Senator meets with exiled Crown Prince of Iran, says US action must happen 'sooner rather than later'
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham says he is pushing for the US to take action in Iran “sooner rather than later.”
“I believe that President Trump is serious when he says help is on the way,” he told reporters, adding that “an attack on the regime is the only help that really matters.”
Graham also posted a video after meeting with the Exiled Crown Prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi.
“I have followed you your passion the way you articulate the hope of your people,” Graham told Pahlvi.
“It will be up to the people of Iran to pick their next leader. I can't wait until they have a chance to do that, but you are really risen to the occasion... and I believe with all my heart that help is on the way.”
Watch it here:
Mike Bedigan15 January 2026 01:15Iranian government holds mass funeral
A mass funeral was held in Tehran for some 100 security force members killed in the demonstrations. Tens of thousands of mourners attended, holding Iranian flags and photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
The caskets, draped in Iranian flags, stood stacked at least three high. Red and white roses and framed photographs of the dead covered them.
(AP)Bryony Gooch15 January 2026 01:00In pictures: Protesters across the globe set alight pictures of the Ayatollah
APTOPIX Germany Iran Protest (Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
(Yui Mok/PA) (PA Wire)Bryony Gooch15 January 2026 00:42US government warns against non-essential travel for citizens in Qatar
The US government says it has urged caution on its staff at the embassy in Qatar, which lies across the Persian Gulf from Iran.
“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,” the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs wrote on X.
“ We recommend U.S. citizens in Qatar do the same. The U.S. Mission to Qatar continues to monitor the situation.”
Mike Bedigan15 January 2026 00:26Newer1 / 10OlderMore about
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