US Troops Return to Qatar as Iran Reopens Airspace: Is Trump Holding Back on Strikes?

Tensions between the United States and Iran appear to be easing. The U.S. has lowered the threat level at its airbase in Qatar, while Iran has reopened its airspace. This has sparked speculation about whether President Donald Trump is reconsidering any potential military action against Tehran.

US Troops Back in Qatar
Two days after U.S. forces were advised to leave, military personnel have begun returning to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Several U.S. military transport aircraft have landed at the base, which has also seen a reduction in its previously heightened security alert. Earlier, the airbase had been placed on high alert due to the perceived threat from Iran. However, the current scale-back in military precautions suggests that Washington may not have immediate plans for an attack.

Signs of Easing Tensions
Iran, meanwhile, has reopened its airspace. According to reports, those U.S. personnel who were advised to temporarily leave on Wednesday have now been allowed to return. This is being interpreted as a sign of de-escalation between the two nations. President Trump has also indicated a softer approach toward Iran, noting that the number of killings during protests has declined and there appears to be no ongoing plan for large-scale executions.

Iran Responds to Trump’s Statement
Previously, Iran’s Foreign Minister stated that there were no plans to carry out executions. Iranian state media confirmed that 26-year-old Irfan Soltani, arrested during protests in Karaj, would not face the death penalty. Human rights organization Hengaw cited Soltani’s relatives, reporting that a previously issued execution order has been suspended.

Airspace Reopened
Following approximately five hours of closure amid concerns over potential U.S. military action, Iran reopened its airspace just before 10:00 p.m. ET. According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Iran had closed its airspace to all flights—except international flights to and from Iran—at 5:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday. Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 showed that flights by Iranian carriers including Mahan Air, Yazd Airways, and AVA Airlines resumed shortly after the reopening.

Will the U.S. Strike Iran?
It remains unclear whether the United States will carry out any strikes. Social media reports had claimed that the U.S. called off an attack at the last minute. However, the return of personnel to the Qatar base, the lowered alert level, and Iran’s reopening of its airspace indicate that tensions may be subsiding.