Iran Launches Ballistic Missile Attack on US Navy Base in Bahrain Amid Rising Tensions
On February 28, 2026, Iran launched a ballistic missile attack targeting the United States Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters situated in Bahrain. This marked a direct assault on American military interests within the Persian Gulf. The attack was in retaliation to a joint US and Israeli military operation, known as "Operation Epic Fury," which targeted Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites earlier that same day. The incident was confirmed by Bahrain's state news agency, which reported missile fire on the naval base located in the Juffair district of Manama. Witnesses described hearing loud explosions and seeing smoke rising from the scene.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) took responsibility for the assault, characterizing it as part of a larger retaliatory effort against US forces in the Middle East. Iranian semi-official media, including Fars News Agency, indicated that these strikes were intended as a response to the military actions against Iranian territory. In Bahrain, air-raid sirens were activated, leading to shelter-in-place orders for both civilians and military personnel. Initial assessments show no immediate reports of casualties, although the full extent of the damage to the naval facility is still being evaluated.
This event is part of a broader pattern of Iranian counterattacks, with reports emerging of similar missile strikes on US-related bases in Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (including Al Dhafra in Abu Dhabi), and Qatar. Explosions were noted in these areas, accompanied by emergency alerts and subsequent airspace closures. In anticipation of potential Iranian retaliation, the US had already reduced staffing at the Bahrain base to mission-critical levels and relocated naval vessels, drawing from experiences during earlier tensions such as the 2025 strikes on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
The assault on Bahrain signifies a major escalation, directly involving a significant US ally and the headquarters of the Fifth Fleet, which manages naval operations in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Arabian Sea. Iranian officials have pledged a comprehensive response, employing all available military capabilities. This situation aligns with Iran's recent missile and drone launches towards Israel, which triggered widespread air-raid alerts across the region. The US Embassy in Bahrain has issued urgent safety advisories, while regional allies have condemned the strikes, labeling them as violations of international law and expressing support for the affected nations.
Global reactions on social media platforms, including X, indicate mounting concern, with users posting real-time footage of explosions and debating the potential for escalating conflict. The situation remains fluid, with calls for careful monitoring through diverse sources to avoid biases in reporting.
