Amid the escalating US-Iran conflict on February 28, 2026, Iran launched a series of missile and drone strikes targeting US military facilities across the Middle East, with significant focus on Bahrain's capital, Manama. These attacks were in direct retaliation for joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear, military, and IRGC sites earlier that day.
Bahrain, home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters, reported direct impacts, explosions, and infrastructure damage, though initial assessments indicate no American casualties.
The strikes on Bahrain occurred as part of Iran's broader "crushing retaliation" following US President Donald Trump's announcement of "Operation Epic Fury," a large-scale campaign involving US and Israeli forces to dismantle Iran's nuclear and missile programs.
Iranian state media, including Fars and Tasnim news agencies, confirmed that the attacks targeted US assets in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Jordan, labeling them as responses to "aggression" against Iranian sovereignty.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility, stating that all US and Israeli military targets in the region were within range and had been struck with "powerful blows."
Bahrain's role as host to approximately 8,300 US sailors and the Navy's Central Command made it a prime target.
The Fifth Fleet oversees operations in the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and beyond, making any disruption strategically significant.Timeline of the Attacks in BahrainInitiation (Around 9:00 AM Bahrain Time): Sirens blared across Manama as incoming missiles and drones were detected. Bahrain's Interior Ministry reported emergency alerts, and the US Embassy issued a "shelter-in-place" order for American citizens.
First Impacts (Approximately 10:00 AM):
Explosions rocked the Juffair district, where the US Naval Support Activity Bahrain is located. Bahrain's National Communication Center confirmed a "missile attack" on the Fifth Fleet's service center, describing it as a "treacherous attack" and "blatant violation" of sovereignty.
Ongoing Barrage (Up to 8 Hours):
Strikes continued intermittently, with reports of additional hits on residential buildings near the base. Smoke plumes were visible over Manama, and air defenses engaged incoming projectiles.
