Missiles have reportedly struck sites in Bahrain, home to the United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet, in a dramatic escalation following joint US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
The latest developments have intensified fears that the confrontation between Iran and its adversaries, the United States and Israel, could spiral into a broader regional war after strikes hit Tehran earlier in the day.
Fresh airstrikes have now been reported in several countries across the Gulf region, including the US-allied island kingdom of Bahrain. Authorities in Bahrain said a missile attack targeted the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in the capital, Manama, though the extent of the damage has not yet been independently confirmed. A towering column of smoke was seen rising above Manama after explosions were heard across the city.
The Fifth Fleet, based at Mina Salman in Bahrain, oversees US naval operations throughout the Middle East and the Gulf region. US officials have said infrastructure in Bahrain was damaged, but it remains unclear whether the naval base itself was directly hit. According to NBC News, no American casualties have been reported so far.
Amid the rapidly escalating crisis, the UK Foreign Office issued an urgent warning to British nationals in the Gulf, advising them to take immediate precautions.
It said: “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and United Arab Emirates should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
Airspace closures have since been announced across several Gulf states and Iraq. The United Arab Emirates, including Dubai, has suspended flights as authorities move to secure their airspace in response to the unfolding situation. Reports suggest Iran is retaliating against multiple US military sites in the region, according to a US official.
In Abu Dhabi in the UAE, one person, identified as a Pakistani national, was reportedly killed following a missile strike, according to Sky News Arabia. The fatality was said to have occurred after the “fall of debris” onto a residential area. Explosions were also heard near Abu Dhabi’s main airport, according to a Reuters journalist in the area.
Israel has placed the country on high alert, instructing residents to seek shelter as warning sirens sounded across parts of the country. Embassies have urged their nationals to remain indoors and follow official guidance. Elsewhere, the Jordanian Army said it intercepted two ballistic missiles launched toward the country. Jordan maintains close strategic ties with the United States.
In Iraq, airstrikes reportedly killed two people in Jurf al-Sakhar and left others seriously wounded. A missile is also believed to have targeted the US Consulate in Erbil. Further explosions have been reported across Tehran and other parts of Iran, with hospitals said to be on standby as the country faces a near-total internet blackout.
The UK government has 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 in response to the deteriorating situation.
A UK government spokesperson said: “Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and that is why we have continually supported efforts to reach a negotiated solution. Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance, available 24/7.
“As part of our longstanding commitments to the security of our allies in the Middle East, we have a range of defensive capabilities in the region, which we have recently bolstered. We stand ready to protect our interests. We do not want to see further escalation into a wider regional conflict.”
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