Gulf States Condemn Iranian Drone Attack on Bahrain Amid Escalating Regional Tensions

Multiple Gulf countries have strongly condemned Iran’s drone strikes on Bahrain on Saturday, warning that the attack threatens ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.

The coordinated drone assault, which targeted locations hosting U.S. military assets, marks a significant escalation in tensions following recent Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. retaliatory airstrikes.

The Gulf Cooperation Council’s Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi described the attack as “treacherous” and said it undermines regional peace initiatives. The GCC represents Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, all of which issued condemnations except Oman, which maintains a neutral stance.

(Reuters)

Bahrain’s Foreign Ministry confirmed multiple drones penetrated its airspace, calling the strikes a “flagrant threat” to national security. The ministry blamed Tehran for undermining de-escalation efforts through attacks that violate international law.

Kuwait and the UAE also condemned the assault, with Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry warning it represents “a dangerous undermining of endeavors for peace and stability.” Both countries reaffirmed support for Bahrain’s security.

(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Saudi Arabia and Qatar joined the condemnations, emphasizing that the attack violates Bahrain’s sovereignty. Oman did not comment, continuing its role as a mediator between Washington and Tehran, particularly regarding Hormuz navigation agreements.

(Eric Lee/Pool Photo via AP)

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for the drone strikes, stating they targeted “the U.S. terrorist army” without specifying locations. The attack occurred days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Gulf allies in Manama.

(Amirhosein Khorgooi/ISNA via AP)

No casualties or major damage have been reported from the drone attack. The strikes coincide with renewed U.S.-Iran negotiations and come amid concerns about their impact on a recent ceasefire framework.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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