Missile attack hits US Navy Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain after US-Israel strikes on Iran. Explosions reported in Manama, Doha, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.
Missile attack hits US Navy Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain after US-Israel strikes on Iran [Photo: X]
The Middle East crisis has taken a dangerous turn after missiles struck a key United States naval facility in Bahrain, dramatically expanding the fallout from US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The attack targeted a centre linked to the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, signalling a direct escalation as Iran vowed retaliation for the earlier military operation.
Emergency sirens rang out across Bahrain’s capital, Manama, as explosions shook the area. Smoke rose over parts of the city, while regional capitals including Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Doha also reported hearing blasts. The rapidly spreading security crisis has pushed Gulf nations onto high alert.
The US base in Bahrain has witnessed a missile attack as the Middle East plunges into a security nightmare after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran. The missiles targeted a centre that served as the headquarters for the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, as Iran vowed retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes.
"The Fifth Fleet's service centre was subjected to a missile attack. We will provide you with details later," reads a statement by Bahrain's National Communication Centre.
Security sources indicated that the targeted location supports operations of the Fifth Fleet, which oversees naval activity across the Gulf region. The strike marks one of the most confrontational incidents involving US military infrastructure in recent years.
Reports citing satellite images suggest the US Navy had already withdrawn vessels from its Bahrain base amid rising Iran tensions. Military analysts believe the pre-emptive repositioning of naval assets may have reduced potential damage. However, authorities have not confirmed the full extent of the impact on infrastructure or personnel.
The Fifth Fleet plays a strategic role in safeguarding shipping lanes and monitoring regional security threats. Any disruption to its operations could have broader implications for maritime trade and energy supply routes.
More explosions followed the attack on the US base as emergency sirens blared across Bahrain, and visuals showed smoke rising in Manama. Explosions were also heard in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi, and Qatar's Doha.
Qatar also reported intercepting two Iranian missiles, though reports suggest the Al Udeid base does not currently have any US assets.
Regional defence systems appeared to activate quickly, intercepting incoming threats before they reached critical targets. Officials in several Gulf nations urged residents to remain indoors and avoid non-essential travel.
The US and Israel launched a barrage of preemptive attacks on Iran this morning, branded as 'Operation Epic Fury,' capping days of speculation over action aimed at a change in Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's regime in Iran. Several explosions were reported near the offices of the 86-year-old Supreme Leader, who has been shifted to a secure location.
"Drop arms or face death," warned US President Donald Trump, justifying the strikes on Iran as necessary to defend the American people. Iran closed its airspace soon after the strikes and vowed to respond decisively.
"The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond decisively to the aggressors...Just as we were ready for negotiations, we are now more prepared than ever to defend the Iranian nation," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Iranian officials have framed the missile launches as defensive retaliation, while US officials maintain that their earlier operation aimed to prevent security threats.
The missile strike on the US base in Bahrain raises fears of a wider regional war. Gulf nations now face increased security risks as tensions escalate between Iran and the US-Israel alliance.
Diplomatic channels may intensify efforts to contain the conflict, but military readiness remains high across the region. Analysts warn that further retaliation could destabilize global energy markets and international shipping routes through the Gulf.
Authorities across the Middle East continue to assess damage, monitor airspace, and prepare for possible additional attacks. The situation remains fluid, with global leaders urging restraint to prevent further escalation.
