US Fifth Fleet headquarters targeted. Explosions across Manama. Gulf Air grounded.
Bahrain, a small island nation in the Persian Gulf with a population of approximately 1.5 million, is a primary target of Iran's retaliatory missile campaign due to its hosting of the US Fifth Fleet. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain in the Juffair district of Manama serves as the headquarters for US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), the US Fifth Fleet, and Combined Maritime Forces. The base houses approximately 9,000 US military personnel and is the nerve center for American naval operations across the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and Red Sea.
Iran has long viewed Bahrain's hosting of US military forces as a direct threat. Bahrain sits just 200 kilometers across the Gulf from Iran, placing it well within range of Iran's entire ballistic missile inventory, including older Shahab-series and newer Fateh-110 and Dezful missiles. The short flight time of roughly 3-5 minutes for ballistic missiles from Iranian launch sites to Bahrain provides extremely limited warning time, making defense exceptionally challenging despite the presence of US Patriot batteries and Aegis-equipped destroyers in Bahraini waters.
Bahrain's government, led by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Disaster Management Plan. Bahrain's own Defense Force is coordinating with US military assets for air defense operations. The King Fahad Causeway connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia remains open for emergency evacuations but is experiencing severe congestion. Bahrain International Airport has halted all civilian flights, and the country's financial district has been evacuated as a precaution.
Bahrain's account differs from how the US military described the March 9 incident, which led to civilian injuries.
Iran targeted Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain in Juffair, the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet, with ballistic missiles. The US military has confirmed intercepting incoming missiles using shipboard Aegis systems and land-based Patriot batteries. The Pentagon has not confirmed whether any missiles penetrated defenses or caused damage to the base. Explosions were heard across Manama consistent with both intercepts and possible impacts.
Bahrain is currently under heightened military alert following Iranian missile strikes. The Bahraini government has activated civil defense protocols and residents have been advised to shelter in place. Bahrain, an island nation of approximately 1.5 million people located just 200 kilometers from Iran across the Persian Gulf, is particularly vulnerable due to its small size and proximity to Iran. All non-essential movement has been restricted.
Multiple explosions were reported across Manama, Bahrain's capital, beginning in the early morning hours of February 28, 2026. Residents reported loud booms, flashes, and air raid sirens. The explosions are attributed to a combination of missile intercepts overhead and debris impacts at ground level. The areas around Juffair (near the US naval base), the Bahrain Financial Harbour, and Seef District all reported hearing explosions.
Bahrain International Airport (BAH) has suspended all commercial operations. Gulf Air has cancelled all flights until further notice. The airport is being used in a limited capacity for military and emergency operations only. Travelers stranded in Bahrain are advised to contact their embassies and airlines for evacuation and rebooking options.