US warplanes increase activity at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar while US citizens urged to leave Iran

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US warplanes increase activity at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar while US citizens urged to leave Iran

2026-01-13 09:44 Last Updated At：01-14 16:21

U.S. fighter jets have increased activity at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which is located 200 to 300 kilometers away from the border with Iran, and the U.S. government has issued an emergency alert to urge its citizens to leave Iran.

According to reports of Israeli media, several U.S. warplanes, including KC-135 aerial refueling tanker and B-52 strategic bomber, took off from Al Udeid Air Base on Sunday night.

The Air Base, located about 35 kilometers southwest of Doha, capital of Qatar, is home to more than 10,000 U.S. soldiers. It is one of the largest U.S. military bases in the region, with a 4,500-meter-long runway capable of accommodating large military aircraft such as B-52 strategic bombers and transport planes. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday diplomacy remains the preferred approach for the United States to deal with Iran, though the Trump administration will not rule out military options if necessary.

U.S. "President (Donald) Trump has always expressed that diplomacy is the first option," Leavitt said on Fox News. "However, he is unafraid to use the lethal force and might of the United States military if and when he deems that necessary."

"What President Trump will do next only he knows, so the world will have to keep waiting and guessing, and we will let him decide," she said, refusing to discuss any potential U.S. actions or policy decisions concerning Iran.

Also on Monday, the Department of State of the United States urged its citizens to leave Iran immediately.

The Department asked U.S. citizens in its emergency alert to make a leaving plan that does not rely on assistance from the U.S. government, and reminded those who cannot leave Iran to remain at safe areas and store daily necessities like water, food and medicines.

China calls for enhanced Global South voice, representation

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Miao Deyu has called for a stronger voice and greater representation for countries in the Global South, as well as better protection of their rights and interests in global affairs.

This is essential to building a more just and equitable global governance system, Miao said at a press conference held on Wednesday to present a white paper titled "More Just and Equitable Global Governance: China's Principles, Proposals and Actions".

"In international affairs, listening to the voice of countries in the Global South, expanding their representation, and protecting their rights and interests are essential for building a more just and equitable global governance system. China will remain committed to the right direction of enhancing the representation and voice of developing countries in UN Security Council reform. We should also push for more UN agencies and international organizations to establish their headquarters in developing countries," said Miao. Miao said that China's heart is with the Global South as it is rooted in the Global South.

"As a natural member of the Global South, China will continue to work closely with fellow developing countries to advance hand in hand toward modernization and push forward reform of the global governance system," he said.