Sunday, March, 1 2026 - 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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