Iran missile attacks on Bahrain target US 5th Fleet base

Fifth Fleet Base attacked

According to official accounts cited in the source material, Bahrain’s air defenses intercepted dozens of incoming threats during the initial bombardment, reporting that 45 missiles and nine drones were shot down.

Despite those interceptions, fires broke out at the U.S. naval support center and nearby command facilities associated with Fifth Fleet headquarters. Eyewitness footage showed thick black smoke rising over Manama after the attacks.

The attack marked one of the most direct attacks on US military infrastructure in the Gulf in recent years and underscored Bahrain’s vulnerability as a frontline US ally.

Bahraini authorities confirmed that an Asian worker in the industrial city of Salman died when debris from an intercepted projectile sparked a fire on a foreign ship. Additional injuries were reported from falling debris in Manama. (AI generated graph)

An American tanker was attacked

In a major escalation affecting commercial shipping, the Stena Imperative, a US-flagged product tanker, was hit by two projectiles while docked in the port of Bahrain. The resulting fire was extinguished and the crew was safely evacuated. The attack highlights a direct threat to commercial maritime traffic within Bahraini waters.

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Civilian areas are also affected

In the center of Manama, the Crowne Plaza hotel was hit by an Iranian drone, causing injuries. Later, debris from an intercepted missile hit the upper floors of the “Breaker” apartment tower, causing a fire and forcing emergency evacuations.

Authorities confirmed that Bahrain’s international airport was also attacked by a drone, causing material damage, although no casualties were reported.

Airport operations were temporarily suspended as regional airspace closures disrupted commercial travel. In the port of Mina Salman, debris from a defensive interception caused a fire aboard a cargo ship, killing one foreign crew member and injuring two others.

On March 2, Bahrain said one person was killed by shrapnel from an intercepted missile. The death of a foreign worker in the industrial city of Salman, who was working on a ship there, marks the kingdom’s first reported death in the war.

Media reports also noted that at least four Bahrainis were injured by falling debris in Manama. Officials said the Iranian strikes in Bahrain hit civilian targets outside U.S. bases.

American victims

US Central Command confirmed that three US service members were killed and five wounded during Iran’s counterattacks across the region. US President Donald Trump vowed that Washington would “avenge” the deaths and warned that there were likely more victims.

Official response in Bahrain

Bahrain’s leaders condemned the attacks and reaffirmed their right to self-defense. King Hamad spoke with President Trump, who denounced Iran’s actions and pledged continued US support for Bahrain’s security.

In Manama, U.S. Embassy officials issued shelter-in-place notices and authorized nonessential personnel to leave. The US State Department raised Bahrain’s travel warning to Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) due to continued security threats.

Schools and courts were closed and citizens were advised to remain indoors while emergency crews continued search and firefighting operations.

(With contributions from agencies)