The Middle East escalated further Saturday after Iran launched a retaliatory missile strike targeting sites in Bahrain, including areas near facilities associated with the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet.

According to multiple reports, ballistic missiles struck near installations tied to the Fifth Fleet, which is headquartered in the island kingdom of Bahrain and serves as a central hub for American naval operations in the Persian Gulf.

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Bahrain’s Ambassador to the United States, Abdulla R. Al-Khalifa, addressed the attack in a post on X.

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“Bahrain confirms attacks on sites within the Kingdom launched from outside its territory, a blatant violation of sovereignty. Authorities activated emergency plans. We condemn the attacks & reserves the right to respond in coordination w/ allies,” Al-Khalifa wrote.

Statement:Bahrain confirms attacks on sites within the Kingdom launched from outside its territory,a blatant violation of sovereignty. Authorities activated emergency plans. We condemn the attacks & reserves the right to respond in coordination w/ allies https://t.co/Ht7DjE8ZvD

— Abdulla R. Al-Khalifa (@AbdullaRAK) February 28, 2026

The Bahrain News Agency cited a statement from the National Communication Centre (NCC), which confirmed that the kingdom had been targeted.

“The National Communication Centre (NCC) confirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain had been subjected to external attacks targeting sites and installations within its borders.

These actions constituted a flagrant violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and security,” the agency reported.

“The security and military authorities had immediately activated established emergency protocols and were taking all necessary operational measures on the ground,” the statement continued.

“The NCC conveyed the Government of Bahrain’s strongest condemnation of these treacherous attacks, which posed a direct threat to the Kingdom’s security and the safety of its citizens and residents,” the agency said.

“The Government affirmed its full right to respond and to take all necessary measures to defend its national security and safeguard its sovereignty, in coordination with its allies and partners,” it added.

The statement said additional details would be released when appropriate and urged the public to rely on official sources for information and avoid circulating unverified reports.

The strike on Bahrain followed coordinated U.S. and Israeli attacks earlier Saturday targeting military and nuclear sites inside Iran.

Israeli officials confirmed that Israel carried out what it described as a pre-emptive strike on Iranian territory.

The broader U.S. offensive targeted strategic locations in Tehran and other major cities, including areas near the office of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israel’s Defence Minister said the operation was necessary “to remove threats to the State of Israel,” characterizing Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities as existential dangers.

President Donald Trump released a video statement early Saturday morning confirming that the United States had begun what he described as “major combat operations in Iran.”

In response, Iranian state media and military sources reported missile launches directed at Israeli territory, prompting nationwide alerts.

“A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas,” the Israel Defense Forces wrote on X.

A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel.

Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. In the past few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 28, 2026

Air-raid sirens sounded across Tel Aviv, central Israel, and several border communities as civilians were directed to seek shelter.

Israel’s Home Front Command urged residents to follow instructions and move immediately into protected spaces.

“Sirens were sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel. At this time, the IAF is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat,” the Israeli Air Force said.

Sirens were sounded in several areas across the country following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward Israel.

At this time, the IAF is operating to intercept and strike threats where necessary to remove the threat.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 28, 2026

In a separate post, the Israeli Air Force added:

“Another barrage has been launched toward the State of Israel. You are requested to continue to heed the instructions of the Home Front Command and the guidelines disseminated to you; remain in a protected space until an official announcement on the matter.

The IDF Spokesperson reiterates and emphasizes not to publish or share locations and documentation of impacts.

The Air Defense Array identifies and intercepts threats at all times.”

As of Saturday, authorities in Bahrain and Israel continued assessing the damage and monitoring further developments amid heightened tensions across the region.

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