Missiles struck sites in Bahrain, home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters, following coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
The latest surge in tensions between Iran and its adversaries, the United States and Israel, has raised fears that the situation could escalate into a full-scale conflict after airstrikes hit Tehran earlier in the day.
Airstrikes have now been reported in other countries near Iran and the Persian Gulf, including US ally Bahrain.
Bahrain stated that the missile attack targeted the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in the capital, Manama, though this has not yet been officially confirmed.
A massive plume of smoke rose into the sky after explosions were heard in Manama, Bahrain.
The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet oversees American military operations across the Middle East, including the Gulf region.
US officials reported that infrastructure in Bahrain was damaged, but it remains uncertain whether the fleet’s base was affected. No US casualties have been reported so far, according to NBC News.
The UK Foreign Office has issued an urgent alert to British nationals in Gulf countries, advising them to shelter in place
Airspace across Gulf nations and Iraq has been shut down, including in the UAE and Dubai, where flights have been halted.
The statement said: “Because of reported missile strikes, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates should immediately shelter in place. Stay indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel, and follow guidance from local authorities.”
Airstrikes reportedly targeted the port where the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet is based (file image), although the extent of damage or casualties have not been confirmed
Where else have airstrikes been reported?
Iran is reportedly retaliating against multiple US military sites in the region, according to a US official.
In nearby Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, one person, a Pakistani national, has reportedly been killed following a missile strike, according to Sky News Arabia.
They were reportedly killed after ‘fall of debris’ on a residential area.
Explosions were reportedly also heard near Abu Dhabi’s main airport, according to a Reuters reporter in the area.
Israel is on high alert and has told residents to seek shelter, and embassies have issued warnings to nationals to follow guidance and stay indoors as warning sirens rang out
Airstrikes hit targets in the port in Bahrain
The Jordanian military said it intercepted two ballistic missiles fired toward the country, which maintains close ties with the United States.
In Iraq, airstrikes reportedly killed two people in Jurf al-Sakhar and seriously injured others, while a missile is believed to have targeted the US Consulate in Erbil.
Additional explosions were reported across Tehran and other parts of Iran, with hospitals said to be on high alert amid a near-total nationwide internet blackout.
The UK government confirmed it did not participate in the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to chair an emergency Cobra meeting this morning.
A government spokesperson said Iran must never be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and reiterated the UK’s support for a negotiated solution.
The spokesperson added that the immediate priority is the safety of British nationals in the region, who will receive 24/7 consular assistance.
They also noted that the UK maintains defensive capabilities in the Middle East, recently reinforced, and stands ready to protect its interests, while stressing that London does not want the situation to escalate into a broader regional war.