Iranian forces have claimed responsibility for striking a United States naval base in Bahrain, as Tehran launched a wave of attacks across the Middle East in retaliation for what it described as a “massive” and ongoing assault by the United States and Israel.
According to Iranian officials, the strikes form part of a retaliatory military operation targeting US assets and allies across the region, marking one of the most serious escalations in the conflict so far.
Smoke Seen Near US Fifth Fleet Headquarters
Witnesses in Manama reported seeing huge plumes of black smoke rising from an area close to the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. The base is a critical hub for American naval operations in the Gulf.
While Iran claims the base was successfully struck, the extent of the damage remains unclear. The United States Navy has not yet issued an official response or confirmed casualties or damage at the facility.
Bahrain’s state news agency later confirmed that a US military base had been targeted but said the country’s air defence systems intercepted several missiles that entered its airspace.
Regional Attacks Across the Gulf
Explosions were also reported in multiple Gulf countries hosting American military installations, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait.
In Doha, Qatar’s defence ministry said its air defence systems intercepted several missiles that appeared to be targeting the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military base in the Middle East.
The attacks underscore the vulnerability of US military infrastructure across the region amid the rapidly widening conflict.
Iran Announces “Truthful Promise 4”
Iran’s elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the strikes were carried out under an operation dubbed “Truthful Promise 4.”
In a statement, the IRGC said the operation targeted American military assets in response to coordinated attacks by the United States and Israel against Iranian positions.
The operation follows earlier warnings from Tehran that any direct military action by Washington or Israel would trigger a broad regional response.
Missiles Intercepted in Israel and the UAE
In Israel, air raid sirens were heard across large parts of the country after the Israeli military said it detected an incoming Iranian missile barrage. The Israel Defense Forces said it was working to intercept the projectiles, though it did not immediately confirm damage or casualties.
Meanwhile, the defence ministry of the United Arab Emirates described the strikes as “a blatant attack involving Iranian ballistic missiles.”
“UAE air defence systems dealt with the missiles with high efficiency and successfully intercepted a number of missiles,” the ministry said in a statement.
However, it confirmed that missile debris fell in a residential area in Abu Dhabi, causing material damage and killing one civilian.
Al Dhafra Air Base Targeted
The US Air Force operates from Al Dhafra Air Base, located south of Abu Dhabi, alongside the UAE Air Force. While the UAE did not confirm direct damage to the base, its proximity to the reported impact zone has raised serious security concerns.
Al Dhafra plays a vital role in US air operations, intelligence gathering, and regional surveillance.
Growing Fears of Wider War
The strikes mark a dramatic escalation in tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel, raising fears of a broader regional war that could engulf the Gulf and beyond.
With multiple countries now directly affected, analysts warn that continued retaliation could disrupt global energy markets, commercial aviation, and regional stability.
As of now, Washington has not issued an official response to Iran’s claims, but international pressure is mounting for restraint as the Middle East braces for further developments.