Escalating Tensions in the Gulf: Iran Targets Bahraini Airbase Amid Resurgent Middle East Conflict

Opening summary

Frances Mao

Welcome to our live coverage of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

In a significant escalation, Iran has targeted an airbase in Bahrain, marking a return to active strikes since September. The assault prompted emergency sirens and public warnings throughout the Gulf kingdom this morning.

Iranian media reports that the IRGC deployed six drones aimed at a US radar system located within the US-allied state.

While explosions were reported near the capital, Manama, Bahraini authorities confirmed that their air defense systems successfully intercepted the drones before they could strike their intended targets.

Located directly across the Persian Gulf from Iran, Bahrain hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. The nation has been a frequent target of Tehran throughout this conflict, which has been characterized by intermittent bursts of violence following periods of relative calm.

Analysts fear this morning’s strikes could signal a broader resumption of hostilities. While US President Donald Trump has issued threats, he has so far avoided re-engaging in major combat operations. Peace negotiations remain deadlocked, with the US maintaining a naval blockade and Iran continuing to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Simultaneously, new developments in the Red Sea are heightening concerns regarding Gulf oil security.

Yemeni government forces, supported by Saudi Arabia, have withdrawn from the Bab el-Mandeb region. This retreat grants Iran-aligned Houthi rebels increased control over a vital shipping lane essential for Saudi Arabia and other Gulf oil producers.

In Gaza, Hamas has verified that a high-ranking commander central to the planning of the October 7 attacks was killed during an Israeli airstrike on Saturday.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Key events

According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, US intelligence estimates that Iran maintains an arsenal of between 1,500 and 2,500 missiles, despite recent US and Israeli strikes on Iranian production facilities.

US officials provided this “low confidence” assessment, noting the complexities involved in tracking Iran’s stockpiles and determining the operational readiness of their weapons.

Intelligence suggests that Iran has been steadily rebuilding its capabilities during periods of low activity, utilizing stockpiled components and maintaining a consistent supply of drones and short-range missiles.

This assessment contrasts with previous assertions by President Trump and Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth, who have claimed that US actions have “decimated” Iran’s long-range strike capabilities. This follows the dual US and Israeli objectives established at the start of the war on February 28 to dismantle Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure.

Israel strikes Gaza refugee camp, killing Hamas commander

Hamas has confirmed that Samir Mahmoud Hassan Abu Younis, commander of the Rafah Brigade, was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a Gaza refugee camp on Saturday night.

Eyewitness reports indicate that four missiles struck a tent in the Al-Waha camp within the Al-Mawasi area, a zone housing hundreds of displaced persons in the southern Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military stated that it took precautions to “mitigate harm to civilians” and noted that the operation also targeted other Hamas militants, though specific details were not provided.

The IDF announced the operation on Sunday, stating that the strike targeted Younis for his role in coordinating and advancing terrorist activities.

Younis was a senior figure involved in the planning of the October 7 attacks. He had recently taken command of the Rafah Brigade following the death of his predecessor, Nael Abu Obeid.

In an official statement, Hamas characterized Younis as one of their most significant commanders in the oversight of the October 7 operations.

This follows an earlier strike on Nasser Hospital—the largest functional medical facility in southern Gaza—which local officials say killed at least six people, including medical staff and patients. The IDF maintained the strike was directed at a Hamas commander.

Despite a US-brokered ceasefire initiated last October, Israeli strikes continue in Gaza. Since the ceasefire began, more than 1,620 people have been killed, contributing to a total death toll exceeding 74,650 since the onset of the war.

Summary of statements regarding Bahrain airbase strike

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC):

The US air defense radar system at the Al-Riffa helicopter base in Bahrain was targeted by six drones from the IRGC Aerospace Force. The Strait of Hormuz is closed, and any American aggression will be met with a far more forceful response.

Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry:

Iran continues its systematic hostility through sinful attacks against the Kingdom of Bahrain. We reject the use of our territory as an arena for settling scores and hold Iran fully responsible for these actions.

A formal response from US Central Command (CENTCOM) is expected, following their protocol of commenting on similar radar-targeted strikes, such as the one observed last Friday.

Bahrain residents express concern over renewed violence

Following a two-month period of relative stability, residents in Bahrain are facing renewed instability. Explosions were reported by locals around 4:00 AM and again at 6:30 AM local time.

“It’s exactly what I was hoping wouldn’t happen: Iranian attacks starting again, bringing all this worry and uncertainty,” Hayat Ibrahim, 65, told AFP.

Mohammed Abdallah, a shopkeeper in Manama, echoed these sentiments, expressing hope that the period of calm would return.

The Bahraini Interior Ministry issued alerts via X, advising residents to remain calm, seek shelter in the nearest safe locations, and monitor official news channels.

The last major Iranian strikes against US assets in Bahrain, the UAE, and Kuwait occurred in early September.

Second strike in 48 hours

Iranian media reported that the IRGC launched six drones against a US air defense radar at the Al-Rifaa helicopter base on Sunday morning, claiming the action was retaliation for “hostile US actions.” The base is located roughly 30 minutes south of Manama.

This follows a period of quiet US strikes on Iranian sites, including Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump has characterized these operations as minor.

Bahraini officials have condemned Tehran’s “systematic hostile approach.” This morning’s drone deployment comes just two days after an attack on a US radar facility on Friday, which CENTCOM reported was successfully intercepted without damage or injury.

While no warnings were issued during Friday’s incident, the Interior Ministry has issued urgent shelter-in-place orders for this morning’s attacks, urging the public to remain calm.

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