Iran launches drone attack on US base in Bahrain

Iran launched a drone attack against a US air defense radar facility at Al-Riffa air base in Bahrain on Sunday, marking its second strike on the Gulf country in just three days. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed six drones were deployed against the target, but Bahrain's military stated their air defense systems intercepted and destroyed the drones before they could reach their destination.

This is the first time Bahrain has retaliated against Iran since September, following a similar Iranian drone assault on the country on Friday. The attacks come amid escalating tensions between Iran and the United States over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that facilitates about 20% of the world's oil and gas supplies.

Commercial shipping has faced significant disruptions since the war began in February. Iran maintains control over the waterway and has targeted unauthorised vessels. Meanwhile, the US military has been escorting oil tankers to safeguard shipments from Gulf Arab nations. Upon hearing air raid sirens, Bahrain's Interior Ministry advised residents to seek shelter in the nearest safe locations.

The Bahraini Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack, holding Iran responsible for its consequences. The IRGC warned that any further aggression from the US would provoke a stronger response, stating that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and any American aggression will be met with harsher retaliation. The IRGC also claimed it had targeted a US early-warning radar system in Bahrain during Friday's attack, but the US military dismissed this claim, stating two one-way attack drones were launched towards Bahrain but were intercepted by American forces. No injuries were reported, nor was any damage recorded.