Iranian Missile Hits US Fifth Fleet Base in Bahrain Amid Escalating Gulf Tensions

A missile strike believed to have been launched by Iran reportedly hit an area near the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Juffair, Bahrain, on Saturday, as tensions between Tehran and the US-Israel alliance intensified sharply.

Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising over the Bahraini capital region, with sirens reportedly activated across parts of the island nation.

Target: US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain

The base houses the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, a key American military command responsible for operations in the Gulf, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.

The retaliation came hours after the US Department of Defense reportedly authorised departure notices for certain military personnel in Bahrain. The US Embassy in Bahrain also advised American citizens to take shelter amid escalating military threats.

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry activated emergency sirens to alert residents.

Strikes Across Gulf Bases

The reported missile strike followed joint US–Israeli operations on Iran — codenamed Operation Epic Fury by Washington and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel.

Iran’s retaliation reportedly extended beyond Bahrain:

• In Qatar, missiles were said to have targeted Al Udeid Air Base.

• In Kuwait, the Al Saleem military base was reportedly struck.

• In Jordan, the Muwaffaq al-Salti air base was reportedly targeted.

Explosions were also reported in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, with witnesses describing loud blasts. Reports indicated a missile strike near Al Dhafra Air Base.

Indian Advisory in Qatar

Following missile activity in Qatar, the Indian Embassy in Doha issued an advisory asking Indian nationals to exercise caution, follow local instructions and stay updated through official channels.

Wider Regional Fallout

In Iraq, US-Israeli strikes reportedly targeted elements of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), an Iran-aligned paramilitary group. Iraqi sources indicated casualties following the airstrike in Baghdad.

The missile exchanges mark one of the most significant escalations between Iran and the US-Israel alliance in recent years. Airspace closures and flight suspensions across the Gulf region have added to the disruption.

While official confirmations from all parties remain limited, the developments suggest a widening theatre of confrontation that now spans multiple Gulf states.

Security analysts warn that further retaliation or miscalculation could draw more countries into the conflict, increasing the risk of prolonged regional instability.