The Revolutionary Guards of Iran announced that their forces conducted a drone strike on a U.S. radar system located at a military base in Bahrain. This information was confirmed through a statement from the Iranian state broadcaster on Sunday.
Reports indicate that loud explosions and alarm sirens echoed across Bahrain, leading local authorities to advise citizens to find shelter. The country’s interior ministry took to social media, urging residents to remain calm and follow official news channels for public safety information.
The initial explosions were heard around 4:00 a.m. local time, with a second series occurring approximately two and a half hours later. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed that the attack involved six drones targeting the air defense radar system at the Al-Riffa helicopter base.
In a statement distributed via the state broadcaster’s Telegram channel, the Guards warned that the Strait of Hormuz was closed, asserting that any further acts of aggression from the United States would be met with severe responses.
The backdrop to this attack includes eight months of ongoing conflict, during which Iran has limited shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz and struck various targets throughout the region. Bahrain hosts a significant U.S. naval presence and has been a focal point for Iranian retaliation to actions following the start of the conflict, which began after unexpected attacks by the U.S. and Israel on February 28.
On the previous Friday, the Revolutionary Guards had also notified of an attack on a U.S. early warning radar system in Bahrain. The U.S. military reported intercepting two Iranian drones targeting the island, stating that there were no casualties or damage from that engagement. The Central Command for American military operations in the region has highlighted its role in facilitating the export of 1.5 billion barrels of oil from Gulf countries since the summer, emphasizing the strategic significance of Hormuz as an energy trading route.
